Top Five Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

As the weather becomes chillier and drier, we need to be extra vigilant about keeping our skin hydrated. When our skin dries out, it can become itchy, ashy, and more prone to showing our wrinkles -- and no one wants that!

"The fall is a great time to get into good skin care habits to protect your skin throughout the harsh winter months," said Kelly Mack, a licensed esthetician and owner of Absolute Precision Skin Care in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. "Keeping your skin properly hydrated will make your skin look brighter and healthier all winter long."

Here are Kelly's top five tips for keeping your skin hydrated this fall:

1. Use a daily moisturizer: One of the best things you can do to prevent dry skin is to apply a moisturizer several times a day. Make sure to do it after you get out of the shower, when you have the best chance of trapping moisture in your skin. Look for moisturizers that are not oil-based, and avoid ones with added chemicals or fragrances, which can act as irritants.?

2. Limit shower time: This may seem counter intuitive, but taking lengthy hot showers can actually make your skin drier. Hot water can strip natural oils from the skin, making you lose hydration more quickly. Instead, take showers in room temperature water, and limit them to five minutes or less. Also, pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing it, to reduce irritation.?

3. Use caution with soap: The whole point of soap is to break down the chemical bonds of whatever is in its way. Soap is great at getting rid of the dirt that collects on your face, but it can also strip out the natural oils in your skin that are designed to keep in moisture. Instead of a bar soap, use a gentle body cleanser, such as Dermologica's Essential Cleansing Solution, to keep your face clean and hydrated.
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4. Use a humidifier: In the winter, the air indoors tends to be dry, leading to skin that's itchy and flaky. Buy a portable home humidifier to add moisture, and keep it running at night by your bed for maximum benefit.?

5. Get a Chemical Peel: Chemical peels are great to get in the fall and winter because we are no longer affected by the harsh summer sun and it's the perfect time to recover from any sun damage you received over the summer. This fall, try an Arctic Berry Peel or Yam and Pumpkin Peel from Eminence Organic, a BioActive Peel from Dermologica, or one from PCA Peels, all available at Absolute Precision Skin Care.

?Absolute Precision Skin Care is an upscale skin care clinic located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood that welcomes both men and women in an atmosphere that is comfortable and professional. Absolute Precision Skin Care is proud to be named "Best Facials in Chicago" by Allure Magazine.