Editor’s Note: As we continue to move forward into the days ahead who knows what restrictions will be like. However, one thing is for sure and that is that if you are like me, been focused on many things, and have not done as many self-care facials or spa treatments as you would have liked, your skin is feeling rather dry! Chelsi, my beauty expert friend, has surveyed many very special moisturizers for skin that is dryer than usual! Check them out, give them a try as whatever is going to happen in the days ahead, I feel that staying close to home and practicing the “new normal” will still be a way of life for awhile……it’s not too late to take some special care!
Chelsi here……Today it is Quarantine Day number who-knows-what and I’m exhausted. The whole working, homeschooling, trying to plan Curbside grocery orders a week out, applying hand sanitizer, wiping down everything, and washing my hands constantly is taking its toll. Even with all of my masking, the constant washing and exposure to Pine Sol is starting to take its toll and drying out my skin.
A little education moment – how can something so good like being clean be so detrimental to our skin? The outer most layer of our skin is called our skin barrier, aka the stratum corneum. It is made up of cells along with essential amino acids and lipids that keep your skin hydrated and smooth. When you cleanse, you are stripping away that moisture, leaving your skin barrier dry and vulnerable. The more you do this over time will lead to redness, irritation, itchiness and even cracked skin.
Since there is no way I am going to stop washing my hands, face and the like, I went in search for the perfect moisturizer to replenish and restore my skin back to some state of normal. (click on each brand name below to be taken directly to their website!)
Eighteen B Firm + Replenish Serum
OK, so this isn’t a moisturizer, but this serum literally contains the ingredients (Ceramides, Sodium PCA, Cholesterol, etc.) to replenish your skin barrier with all of those essential amino acids and lipids that I mentioned above. It also contains the proprietary B-Silk Protein, which helps firm the skin and improve texture and tone. It is very lightweight and I use this first to reset my skin and then follow with a moisturizer.
This moisturizer is packed with power containing a blend of amino acids plus Vitamins A, C and B5. Even though it is really nourishing, it is very lightweight, which I love for our Houston weather and my combination skin. It comes in a Rich Cream version as well if you tend to be on the drier side.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration
I am not a fan of the giant tub packaging, however, this stuff is amazing. It has colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and allantoin (another natural element found in the skin barrier) to calm and soothe irritated skin. I love using this on my hands because it absorbs quickly and there is no greasy residue.
Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant
I think the blue hue of this cream instantly makes my skin feel better. Formulated for sensitive skin, it also contains colloidal oatmeal as well as natural Japanese Indigo extract that calms and sooths the skin. My skin feels nourished and super soft afterwards.
In addition to these products being great for restoring dry and dehydrated skin, they are all clean brands (aka, no harmful ingredients!). Leave us a comment below and let us know what you are using to keep your skin from drying out during this time of wash, wash, wash! Stay healthy out there!