Living in a dry climate can pose unique challenges for the skin. If you live in the southwest and midwestern states like Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, chances are you’re dealing with a host of skin problems like accelerated aging, inflammation, dryness, and redness.
In these regions, the weather can abruptly swing from hot and dry during the day to freezing cold at night. This phenomenon is not only known to cause your teeth to contract, requiring frequent visits to your dentist’s office, but it can also be hostile to your skin.
An arid, high-desert climate can suck moisture from your skin, causing it to lose its radiance and make it easily irritated. On top of that, living in high elevations means you’re much closer to the sun, making you more prone to sunburn.
If you’re dealing with these issues, here are simple ways you can restore your skin’s natural glow and keep it looking young and smooth.
Protect yourself
Having year-round sunshine is a blessing for many people, but too much of it can hurt your skin. This is why it’s important to limit your exposure to sunlight, especially in the afternoon. Before stepping outside, be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses. If you have sensitive skin, it will help to wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your face and torso protected. If you enjoy long road trips, invest in a good quality car window tint for UV protection and increased comfort while driving.
Use a Gentle, Low-PH Cleanser
Conventional cleansers can irritate people with delicate skin. If you notice your skin itching or peeling after a few minutes under the sun, using chemical-laden skincare products will only aggravate it. Instead, use a gentle, low-PH alternative and use it once a day, preferably at night, to remove oil, makeup, and dirt.
Exfoliate Often
It’s essential to exfoliate your skin a few times a week to get rid of dry, dead skin, rejuvenate the skin, and deep-cleanse it from free radicals that cleansers and soaps can’t achieve. Exfoliating your face and body not only unclogs your pores of all that desert dust but also improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow, encouraging the skin to glow naturally. But be sure to choose the right exfoliating products and tools for your skin, as some products can be too abrasive.
Use the Right Moisturizer
The moisturizer you use can make or break your journey to supple, dewy skin. But it’s not just about matching the right product to your skin type. If you live in an arid area, avoid moisturizers that contain humectants like honey, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. The problem with these ingredients is that they take moisture from the air and infuse it back into your skin. So when used in a dry climate, they don’t work and there isn’t enough moisture to draw from to begin with. In turn, these products will leave your skin drier than ever. Consider using emollients and occlusives instead.
Invest in a Humidifier
The lack of moisture in the air in arid climates is the main thing that keeps you from having dewy skin. This is why a humidifier is a good investment, as it helps increase moisture levels inside your home. This device can be installed on your HVAC unit, allowing it to expel moisture, which your skin will absorb and retain.
Facial Mist FTW
If misting your face can be quite uncomfortable if you live in a tropical or subtropical climate, it’s a game-changer for desert folk. It’s like having a portable dehumidifier, but the water is infused with cooling effects and soothing scents. More importantly, it hydrates and refreshes the skin immediately upon application. But if you’re allergic to fragrances, it would be best to get an odorless and gentle face mist.
Sheet Mask Often
Transepidermal water loss can be quite painful at times. The sensation is akin to a sunburn, like your skin is pulling at each other. Plus, dry skin can make even a few seconds of sun exposure sting. This is why it’s important to moisturize and cool off the moment you step inside your home. Be sure to have sheet masks in the fridge and apply it to your face daily to repair the damage. Sheet masks contain concentrated essences that allow for intense hydration, leaving your skin feeling energized and rehydrated.
These products and habits not only revitalize your skin and make it appear youthful and dewy, but they also make desert living more fabulous and comfortable.
