Bye, Bye… Dry Winter Skin

Meet The Expert: Bettylou McIntosh
CosMedix Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board

Bettylou McIntosh is a licensed medical esthetician (LME) with over 25 years of experience in medical aesthetics. A renowned international educator, she has extensive training in body therapy and is currently studying at the California College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Between the drop in humidity and the dip in the mercury, seasonal dryness affects everyone to some degree. While unsightly cracking and flaking may seem like a temporary inconvenience, this periodic condition can hold serious consequences for skin health if ignored or left untreated. Bettylou McIntosh, co-founder and vice chairman of the board of CosMedix and licensed medical esthetician (LME), answers some important questions on the causes of seasonal dryness and offers invaluable insight on keeping your skin hydrated and healthy through the coldest part of the year.

Q: Why is my skin drier during the winter?

A. While winter weather conditions are partly responsible for seasonal dry skin, it is hot, dry indoor heating that is really to blame. When we turn up the heat, we dry out the air, which, in turn, dehydrates our skin. Even if you have a healthy sebum balance, turning up the thermostat can suck moisture from your skin like a sponge.

Q: What extra steps can I take to keep my skin hydrated?

A: Start by using products that target evaporation and trap moisture in the skin. For example, Mystic by CosMedix uses a form of water known as heavy water (D2O) to keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores or interfering with sebaceous activity. Because it has a heavier molecular weight than regular water, heavy water stays on the skin longer and is able to resist vaporization.

In addition to skin care solutions, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid skin dehydration. Drinking more water and using a humidifier can help. Also, avoid fabrics like wool that have the potential to irritate, opting instead for breathable, skin-friendly cotton. And when washing clothes, use detergents free of skin-irritating dyes and fragrances.

Q: Can I continue regular exfoliation even if my skin is dry?

A: Yes. Because skin cells have greater difficulty shedding in the cooler months than in the warmer ones, they build up faster and keep surface moisture from reaching the fresh, new cells below. As those cells become dehydrated and dry up, the skin starts to crack and flake. By exfoliating, you remove that top layer of dead skin and allow hydrating ingredients in. An exfoliating mask like like CosMedix’s Pure Enzymes is perfect for the winter. Because it uses cranberry enzymes and chirally correct lactic acid, it moisturizes as it exfoliates to plump and protect young skin cells.

Q: Can I receive professional treatments on dry skin?

A: Dry skin can receive many exfoliating treatments and peels. For most people, winter is the perfect time to peel because the skin responds so well to treatment. When considering a peel for dry skin, keep in mind that dehydration can make peels penetrate deeper. Because dry skin tends to be more sensitive than other types, non-wounding peels like those in the CosMedix chirally correct line are a must.