This story appeared in the Tennessean on December 20, 2013. To view the story on its site, go here.
Season for ceramides
Plummeting temperatures and moisture-sucking indoor heat are waging war on your skin. Instead of light-reflecting smooth skin cells, you have have a dull, flaky surface.
Slathering on any old lotion is just a temporary fix, according to Dr. Jennifer Lee, medical director of REN Dermatology of Franklin.
“Look for a product with an emphasis on moisturizing the skin. Look for words like ‘ceramides’ or ‘hyaluronic acid’ in moisturizing creams. They are naturally occurring components in the skin that help accelerate the moisturizing,” Lee says.
As for the oft-repeated mantra about drinking water to moisturize your skin, Lee says that is only partially true.
“If your skin is dehydrated, it loses elasticity and looks sallow. But drinking an abundance of water doesn’t lead to more hydrated skin,” she says.
Buff the old away
To add an even bigger boost to your moisturizer, Keri Engels, an RN and aesthetic nurse at Elan Skin in Nashville, believes in exfoliation.
“Before you adjust your skin care for winter, you need to exfoliate. You have dead skin cells on the top of your skin and no matter how great your products, they aren’t going to penetrate as effectively,” Engels says.
She says that many over-the-counter scrubs can actually irritate the skin and recommends a professional microdermabrasion to buff off dead skin cells.
“I also love the Clarisonic brush. You can use it nightly to gently exfoliate the skin,” Engels says.
Post-exfoliation, Engels is a fan of facial oils instead of traditional lotion.
“I know some people freak out at the thought of putting oil on their skin. But I actually have oily skin and use oil every night. Facial oil is formulated to be very lightweight. And unlike creams and lotions, which are water-based, oil won’t evaporate on the skin. It is going to penetrate and really give you a dewy finish,” she says.
To add more moisture to the skin, Engels also advises clients to invest in a small humidifier.
“Central heating systems do a number on your skin. Use a humidifier at night and your skin will really soak up whatever topical treatment you put on,” Engels says.
Total body workout
While your face may be all dewy and lovely, what about the rest of you?
Nicole Diamond, aesthetician at Private Edition in Green Hills, says dry brushing, using a firm, bristled brush on dry skin, can help.
“Dry brushing is great for your skin and lymphatic system. If you do it daily, it will not only slough off dead skin cells, it gets your lymphatic system pumping. Just use a firm brush and always brush toward your heart. Afterward, apply a good body lotion,” Diamond says.