Has anyone noticed how cold it’s been lately? It must be that time of year! 

And despite an unseasonably late start to the winter weather, it was bound to happen sooner or later. So here we are. Cold blasts of air carrying snow, icicles hanging off of everything, it’s the time of year when sometimes you just don’t feel like you can get warm enough. 

Well, maybe it’s not quite like that here in always sunny Phoenix, Arizona.

The Skin Actives team hasn’t had to dodge black ice or sudden gusts of blustery wind on our way into the office each morning. But we are getting a nice reprieve from the 100+ degree days, which means we can go outside without risking heat stroke, which is nice!

So what’s with all this weather talk?

Well we’re deep into that time of year when your hands really start to take a beating. We started this conversation on nail care tips and today we’re continuing it, looking at that winter nemesis: dry, cracked skin!

Why is Your Skin Dry in Winter?

The link between humidity and temperature is a scientific topic in and of itself, and far too great to comment on here. However, there is a rule of thumb that suggests warmer air is capable of holding more moisture. 

(This is a bit lost on those of us that dwell in the desert, as one supposes, there is not that much moisture for the air to hold, thus dry air with only a small break in summer.)

That said, when the temperature of the air begins to decline, so does the air’s capacity to “hold” water. 

We experience this dramatic shift in the temperate with dry, cracked lips and often with drying on our hands. This concern can become particularly acute when it moves beyond the realm of discomfort and into the realm of pain and injury. It’s one thing to have your skin feel tight, maybe a little inflexible, and rough, but another thing entirely to have it dry to the point of breaking.

Broken skin on our hands is not just painful and unsightly, but it can be dangerous to your overall physical health. As we have stated before and will again, the purpose of the dermal layer is to keep that which belongs outside of your body outside, and that which belongs in, in.

But keep in mind, you don’t have to be bleeding to have compromised your dermal layer.

Bacteria and viruses that cannot be seen enter your body through the cracks on your hands leading to problems much more severe than dry skin.

Compounding the dilemma is that the process of washing your skin and drying it, is actually dehydrating too. This is why it’s so fundamentally important to keep a nice moisturizer like our Hand & Body Lotion next to the sink where you wash up regularly or on your desk where you work.

This is the time of year when infectious disease runs roughshod over our scheduling and sense of well being. As much as we might want to be able to make every party, play, and family gathering, we simply won’t be able to if our bodies are rebelling. In the time of year when we are most susceptible to germs, we are pushing ourselves the hardest to be perfect and get everything done.

Be kind to yourself and take some time to rest, relax, and recover.

How to Moisturize Dry and Cracked Winter Skin

What it basically comes down to when we’re encountering these changes in the weather is that we have to take, maybe not better care of our skin, but perhaps different care of our skin. For lips, there are plenty of consumer grade skincare options readily available at retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations, all places that you might reasonably find yourself anyway this time of year.

But with skincare it can be a bit more difficult, especially when so many lotions and creams that you find at large retailers don’t seem to do much at all to help.

Below you’ll find 3 great Skin Actives solutions to dry winter skin, and why you should use them.

1. Sea Kelp Coral - Sea Kelp Bioferment is a great way to introduce additional moisture to your skin. The process of biofermentation actually unlocks sea kelp’s ability to moisturize, unlike many store-bought products that actually contain skin drying alcohols. Bioferment contains a wide range of nutrients that will feed your skin, for stronger, healthier cell life. Additionally, biofermented kelp has been shown to calm redness and inflammation. 

Not only will Sea Kelp Bioferment go a long way to save your skin in these harsh winter months, Skin Actives has taken bioferment 1 step further and added in kelp-based antioxidants to scour lurking oxidants that physically age your skin. 

2. Ultimate Moisturizing Cream - While Sea Kelp Coral is great, carrying the potent strength of a raw ingredient, some may find that they are looking for a more finished solution. Ultimate Moisturizing Cream combines the restorative power of sea kelp bioferment with a host of nourishing lipids. Jojoba combined with avocado, sweet almond, and squalene oils deliver important fatty acids to the skin. Meanwhile we’ve added hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, for additional anti-aging power. Ultimate Moisturizing Cream is great for any of your joints that may be experiencing dry skin this winter, such as your elbows or knees. It may even provide relief from the cracking that can take place at the edges of your mouth.

3. Every Lipid Serum - Our Every Serum is great for daily use year ‘round, but in winter, it’s absolutely essential. Every Lipid Serum is 100% pure lipids that your skin needs to stay healthy, absolutely no binders, fillers, or preservatives necessary. Meanwhile it goes one step further than nutrient density, working against the way your skin experiences the sensation of itch. And we all know that when your skin gets dry, it starts to itch! Beat it at its start and control itching sensations all while fighting dryness and cracking.

Thanks for stopping by and saying “hi” once again Skin Actives Family! Before you go, swing by our store and leave a 5 star review for your favorite product. You’ll help other customers with skin concerns like yours find the products that will help them the most, and you’ll earn Community Points!