Dry Climates and Skin Care: Maintaining Healthy Skin if You Live in a Dry Environment

Earlier on the Beautiful Skin Blog, we talked about how to maintain healthy skin in a humid climate (including tips on minimizing shine and oil). Of course, not all of us live in a humid climate (or are so lucky as to vacation in one!). For many people, the skin care issue that they need to combat daily is the battle between a dry climate (either desert like or high elevations in mountainous regions) and healthy, hydrated skin. If you live in a dry climate, here are some tips for keeping your skin from looking … and being … dull and dehydrated.

Hydrate Internally by Eating Your Water
The most effective way to make sure that your skin stays hydrated is to hydrate internally. While there's nothing wrong with carrying a bottle of water around with you, the most effective way to hydrate your skin (and your body) internally is by eating your water as described in Dr. Murad's best-selling book, The Water Secret. The cellular structure of water in fruits and vegetables will keep you hydrated for longer and not flush minerals and nutrients from your system. There's nothing wrong with carrying a water bottle with you, but make sure that you've also got a container of fresh fruits and vegetables to stay hydrated with.

Hydrate Topically with a Facial Moisturizer
No matter what your skin type is, if you live in a dry climate you'll want to use a topical skin and facial moisturizer. If your skin is acne-prone and you use an acne treatment regimen, that doesn't mean that you don't need to use a daily moisturizer as well. The dry climate can actually cause more dry and dead skin cells to clog your pores or even cause your skin to product even more oil in a response to the dry climate. Just make sure that you're using an oil-free moisturizer! If your skin is dry, normal or combination, look for a moisturizer that's lightweight enough to use daily. An antioxidant-rich moisturizer will give the benefit of providing a topical boost of skin-improving antioxidants as well.

Utilize Your Body's Natural Nighttime Restorative Cycle
Your body goes through a natural restorative cycle at night, and that's a perfect opportunity to deeply hydrate your skin. Make sure that you've done what you can to ensure proper moisture in your bedroom (this could be as simple as a bowl of water to evaporate into the air or as high-tech as a humidifier). Be sure to hydrate internally before you go to sleep, and then apply a deep, rich moisturizer to penetrate and restore skin overnight. If you're using an anti-aging skin care regimen, opt for your richest and most hydrating products to use while you sleep.

Keep a Hydrating Toner Handy
One of the easiest but most often overlooked ways to give skin a quick and easy boost of hydration throughout the day is with a hydrating toner. A quick spray is often less time consuming and easier to do than applying a lotion-based topical moisturizer. Keep a spray-toner with hydrating elements handy in your purse, gym bag or desk drawer and then restore skin's hydration with a simple spray whenever you feel your skin drying out.

Related Product: Murad Hydrating Toner
This refreshing toner balances, hydrates and neutralizes surface impurities. Lecithin helps lock in moisture and restores suppleness.

Customer Review
"The Hydrating Toner is so refreshing that it makes your skin tingle and feel energized. It’s a great wake-me-up in the morning and yet relaxing when you wash your face before bed. It makes my combination skin feel balanced and beautiful! I would recommend this product to everyone!" Boisegirl, Idaho

Don't Forget Your Eyes!
While your face produces its own moisture and oil, the thinner skin around your eyes does not. That's not only why your eyes will often feel drier but it's also why you're likely to see your first fine lines and wrinkles form around your eyes. For both day and nighttime skin care, make sure to include a hydrating eye cream for complete topical moisture coverage. Much like with your facial moisturizer, look for a lightweight eye cream for daytime use (preferably one with SPF/PA protection) and a richer, deeper moisturizer for nighttime use.

Related Product: Murad Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture for Eyes
Über-hydrating cream infuses the delicate eye area with moisture for immediate and long term relief from dryness

Customer Review
"Best beauty find all year!! This is truly worth every cent!! Hydrates, but not greasy so your make up stays put all day! Silky smooth and hydrates those pesky lines to diminish their appearance! I saw improvement after only two days! Won’t burn your eyes, just gives them a youthful glow!! Don’t be afraid to invest in this product! It truly is worth it!!" LuvSummr, Virginia

Don't Over-Wash Your Face!
Finally, if you live in a drier climate, then moisture is at a premium. Every time that you wash your face, you strip away moisture and essential oils. No matter what your skin type, only wash your face twice per day (once in the morning and once in the evening) and opt for gentle skin cleansers.

Living in a dry climate can be harsh on your skin, but fortunately there are many ways to hydrate skin and keep it healthy no matter how dry the outside air is. Whether you're living in a dry climate or just vacationing in one, these skin care tips can help you to keep your skin glowing even in the driest of climates.