As the weather changes and gets drier, so does our skin. It can sneak up on us and one day you look in the mirror and your skin is flaky, dry and dull. There are ways for quick repair and to make sure flaky skin never comes back.
- Exfoliate: Flaky skin is just dry, dead skin holding on. Sluffing off dead skin will reveal newer, brighter skin. I recommend a skin polish rather than an exfoliator. A skin polish is more gentle and also hydrates. I recommend Fresh Sugar Face Polish and Tatcha Polished Powder. For best results, exfoliate 3-5 times a week.
- Cleanse: It’s possible that your cleanser is to harsh. Just because your skin is dry and flaking, do not skip cleansing the skin. Cleansing is an important step in getting dirt, oil, makeup, etc off your skin. Switching to a gentler cleanser will cleanse the skin without stripping all the natural oils. Allowing you to cleanse both morning and night without drying out your skin. I recommend Fresh Soy Cleanser, Purity and Tatcha Cleansing Oil.
- Mask: A facial mask is the quickest way to deliver the help to your skin that it needs. Using a deep hydrating mask after exfoliating will give you immediate results. A mask will bring balance and restore the skin. My favorite hydrating masks are GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment and Fresh Rose Face Mask. Use at least once a week or as much as 3 times a week.
- Moisturize: Using a more hydrating moisturizer will rehydrate your skin, keep your skin hydrated and prevent dry flaky skin. I love to use beauty oils at night before bed for intense, deep hydration. My favorites are Fresh Seaberry oil and Josie Maran Argan oil. If you need something more intense use Josie Maran Argan Creamy Oil. For day time moisturizers look for something that is hydrating but not to heavy. I love Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Cream (for more intense dry skin with anti-aging properties) and Fresh Lotus Youth Cream (for normal to dry skin, lightweight and hydrating).
- Hydrate: Drinking water hydrates the skin from the inside out. Now is the time to increase your water intake to make up for the dry weather. If you find it hard to drink enough water, mix it up and make it fun. Recently I have been pouring sparkling water into a wine glass with a splash of lemonade. About 95% water, 5% lemonade. It’s so much more fun, fancy and delicious than plain water! You can keep it fun and interesting by using limeade, raspberry lemonade, etc.