How to maintain your skin’s moisture

Cold weather. Hot weather. There doesn’t seem to be a point where your skin is safe from a moisture-stripping environment. However, there are lots of ways to reduce the loss of moisture in the skin, with these tips, courtesy of WebMD.

Beware of Heat.

A steamy shower feels good, but that hot water is not a good idea for your dry skin.

The problem is that hot showers strip your body of its natural oil barrier, and you need that barrier to help trap moisture and keep your skin smooth and moist.

So dial down the temperature and don’t linger too long. Skin care experts recommend short, warm showers or baths that last no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.

Afterwards, gently pat dry and moisturise your body.

Cleanse Gently.

Wash with a soapless cleanser when you shower. Cambio says gentle soaps that are free of fragrance are a great option. Products with deodorant or antibacterial additives can be harsh on skin.

You might also consider a cleanser that contains ceramides. Ceramides are fatty molecules that make up the outer barrier of your skin. They help skin hold in moisture. Some skin care products use synthetic ceramides to replace those we lose with age.

Go easy on toners, peels, and other astringents made with alcohol, which is drying. When you exfoliate, don’t scrub too much or too hard. It can irritate and thicken skin.

Shave Smartly.

Shaving can irritate dry skin. As you shave unwanted hair, you’re also scraping off natural oils.

The best time to shave is after you shower. Hairs are softer and more pliable after bathing, making shaving easier.

Always use a shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction the hair is growing to protect your skin.

Make sure the razor is sharp. A dull razor blade can cause additional irritation. Change your razor blades often. If you are using a blade you’ve used before, soak it in rubbing alcohol to clean it.

For those of you looking for a product that keeps moisture locked in, we recommend Gatineau Aquamemory Moisture Replenish Concentrate which is an intensive light-weight serum designed to dramatically boost moisture levels, providing immediate and long-lasting relief for tight, dry skin.

This product contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, with the formula providing exceptional hydration, helping restore softness, suppleness and comfort while protecting the skin from free radicals.

• The skin feels comfortable, supple and soft.
• The skin is intensely moisturized and ready to receive the next cares.

Apply morning and/or evening to the entire face and neck before Moisture Replenish Cream-Gel or Emulsion to boost hydration. Use during or after a holiday to keep your skin brimming with moisture.

Active ingredients:

• Osmaporine™ complex (micro-algae + marine plant): hydrates the skin in-depth.
• Pure hyaluronic acid: hydrates the skin surface.
• Antioxidant complex: protects skin from free radicals and external dehydrating stress factors.