If you think your clients' hair and scalps are the only victims of winter's plummeting temperatures, biting winds and overheated homes, you may be overlooking another seasonal sufferer: skin. Stress, soaps, pollution, poor nutrition and over-exfoliating can all exacerbate complexion problems, according to Dermalogica's Lorraine Ely, eventually leading to sensitized skin that is red, itchy, flaky, blotchy and, over time, more prone to aging.
 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Phytomer HydraContinue, 800-227-8051 or www.phytomerusa.com; Repêchage Triple Firming Cream, 800-248-SKIN or www.repechage.com; Dermalogica Super Rich Repair, 310-900-4000 or www.dermalogica.com; True Restoring Rich Cream, 800-419-8783 or www.truecosmetics.com; Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme, 800-644-4831 or www.aveda.com; Bibo C-The-Glow, 800-470-9909 or www.bibocosmetics.com. |
"Even clients who try to balance oiliness in the summer months need to hydrate and protect their skin in the winter," says Ely. However, it's important that clients understand the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin. "Dry skin is usually a genetic condition that worsens with age, while dehydrated skin is triggered by external elements or lifestyle influences," she explains. "Dehydrated skin lacks moisture. Dry skin lacks natural oil. Some clients use a rich cream to combat dry skin, when their problem is actually dehydration. Humectants are great for treating dehydration, because they actually draw moisture to the skin." For example, Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster restores moisture balance with hyaluronic acid, which binds more than 1000 times its weight in water. "Hyaluronic acid is present in our skin, and as we mature it declines, so you need to replenish it," Ely says, adding that even clients who are prone to breakouts should use moisturizers loaded with vitamins to protect areas that are susceptible to aging. But, they should still focus on congested areas with the right types of ingredients, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
Here are a few heavy-duty products for dry skin further irritated by winter weather. Each is loaded with nutrients to replenish moisture and prevent future damage.