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Why Is My Skin So Dry In Quarantine? A Dermatologist Explains

How to Treat Dry Skin, According to A Derm
How to Treat Dry Skin, According to A Derm

"Skin is getting dry for a few reasons. When you are inside all day and the heat is on, the humidity in the air diminishes and that translates into less moisturizer for your skin," says Nava Greenfield, MD, a New York dermatologist and advisor for .

Dr. Greenfield explains that, usually, going outside and experiencing a change in climate typically helps with stimulating oil glands to produce more moisture, but thats not something many of us can do at the moment. Pair that with an influx of showering and constant hand-washing, and were now stripping away the skins natural oils as well as any moisturizer that was applied earlier on in the day.

So, whats a lady under quarantine to do? For your body, Dr. Greenfield suggests creams or oil-based formulas with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, ceramides, cocoa butter, and avocado. This is usually something youd have to scoop for a jar or squeeze from a tube, as opposed to lotion which you typically pump.

For your face, seek out products that are not as heavy, with ingredients including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and E. Aim to use these products two to three times more per day than what you would typically do, she suggests. Adding in afternoon and late-morning moisturizing in addition to morning and night might be all you need.

The good news? There is a light at the end of this Netflix-and-WFH tunnel: Clear skin awaits. I have seen many of my patients break out while in quarantine, but I would not be surprised if faces clear up once the stress is lifted and we are able to go outside again, says Dr. Greenfield.

Ready to make dry skin a thing of the past? Look no further than these 10 editor-tested solutions for your precious skin.

Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Burts Bees Firming Moisturizing Cream

Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or petrolatum, this all-day moisturizer brightens skin and improves firmness. Its also got Vitamin E and bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol.

GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Glow Serum

This daily serum uses both 20% Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which work together to help brighten the appearance of your skin while amping up the hydration factor. Put on your chemist hat and mix together the pure Vitamin C powder with the serum activator upon receipt, and make sure to use the contents within three months of activation for best results.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturizer

Bliss

$24

Were all trying to amp up our bodys natural defense mechanisms against infection. Find comfort that this moisturizer has got your skin covered, too. Complete with green tea extract to help reinforce your skins natural defenses, this vegan, cruelty-free formu;la from Bliss will boost your skins elasticity while offering up intense hydration.

Philosophy Nature in a Jar Cica Complex Recovery Moisturizer Philosophy

$49

With prickly pear fruit extract and shea butter, this one sounds like a treat. Another prime ingredient: Cica, otherwise known as tiger grass. Fun fact: Injured tigers often rub against it to help heal their wounds, AKA, prepare to channel your inner lyoness.

Drunk Elephant F-Balm

Drunk Elephant

$52

That play on words, though. This balm is meant for evening application, the last step in your turn-down routine. Wear it as an overnight mask, and layer it with a facial oil (try their ) for an extra hydration boost.

Renee Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion

Renee Rouleau

$43.50

If your skin is super aggravated, this is your new BFF. The combination of bisabol a soothing plant-based anti-irritant derived from chamomile, and mallow extract an anti-redness hydrator that gives some TLC to sensitive skin, are complete game-changers.

For Body

Resuscitate Hand Balm

Terres DAfrique

$43

Complete with jojoba and baobab oil, this balm prevents the loss of moisture while also penetrating deep into the epidermis to help restore your skins natural integrity.

Weleda Sensitiv Handcreme

Weleda

$9.37

Made with irritated skin in mind, this almond-oil infused lotion is fast-absorbing. Ive gone through an entire tube of it within a weeks time in the past, craving the locked-in moisture feeling tapping away on my keyboard all day.

Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Lotion

Malin + Goetz

$35

We know that essential fatty acids are a good part of our diet, sure. But theyre also really great for your skin when it comes to long lasting nourishment. This Malin + Goetz pick has avocado and grape seed oil to stave off dryness.

Philosophy Nature In a Jar Cream-to-Water Body Lotion

Philosophy

$30

The smooth sensation that occurs when this pick melts into the skin is an absolute delight, offering up immediate hydration that makes everything from your calves to dry elbows feel soft and supple.

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