Moisturizers more important in winter? Why?

In the winter, humidity levels plummet, the dry air dehydrates skin and strips it of lipids, which are part of its protective outer layer. Irritants enter more easily as the moisture barrier is compromised and causing inflammation, redness and flaking…
Think of the skin's surface like the paint job on a car. If the paint is cracked, the metal underneath is unprotected from the elements, it oxidizes and rusts. The same concept goes for the stratum corneum (the skin’s outer layer) - once its dry, brittle, or cracked, it’s lost its shield and is vulnerable to exposure from the outside, as water evaporates from the epidermis. Fissures on the skin, and infections can occur. When the barrier function is compromised for any reason; cold, wind, dry air, indoor heating or too many chemicals, bacteria enters the epidermis through the cracks on the surface. The stratum corneum contains approximately 30% water and lipids. Its water content is essential, even though it's made up of dead cells. If it dries out, it can't protect the layers of skin below. Like the shiny, beautiful coating on a car's exterior, applying moisturizer, not only makes the surface look attractive, it seals and protects what is beneath it.

Why are moisturizers important, especially in winter?

1. More wrinkles develop…Eliminating moisturizer from a daily routine can lead to deeper wrinkles long-term. When the skin barrier is compromised, the potential for low-grade chronic inflammation occurs. Low levels of inflammation lead to collagen breakdown and accelerated aging.

2. The existing lines will look worse… going without a moisturizer, especially in the winter, can exaggerate the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydrated skin shows all the lines, causing them to be more prominent. A moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid will draw moisture to the skin and aid in plumping out the lines and wrinkles. Xpertmoist, Rubixyl and RestoreSKN will maximize hydration.

3. Your skin will appear dull and flaky — especially if it's cold outside… In the winter, humidity levels drop, and dry air dehydrates skin and strip it of lipids, which are part of the protective outer layer. Irritants enter more easily causing inflammation, redness and flaking.

4. Your skin will itch like crazy… That tight feeling your skin has directly after cleansing can endure all day long without a moisturizer. By mid-day the skin is itchy and uncomfortable. Apply a moisturizer after cleansing…

5. You lose a layer of protection…Many of the most effective skin care ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide can be drying. In the summer it may not cause a problem, however in the winter, it is important to apply a moisturizer to offset uncomfortable side effects like red, irritated, peeling skin. When this happens, most clients stop using powerful products regularly, so must deal with the side effects without reaping the benefits.
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There are many reasons to use more moisturizers in the winter… be sure to look for those that contain hyaluronic acid, Xpertmoist, Rubixyl and RestoreSKN for maximum moisture benefits.