Moisturizing for the dry season

By Oh Seo-jin (intern reporter)

Winter has drawn near. The seasonal change, with the big gap in temperature during the day and night, brings bodily changes which are most evident on the skin. Our skin becomes dry and sensitive, losing moisture and producing more dead skin cells. Here are ways to keep the skin soft and moisturized even during the cold season.

Hands

To prevent your hands from cracking, wash them with lukewarm water and apply rich hand cream. “It is better to apply hand cream from the back of the hand rather than from the palm to enhance absorption,” says Jang Sang-eun, beauty trainer at skincare brand Biotherm. “Apply the cream also on nails, cuticles and in between fingers to effectively moisturize the whole hand.”

W’s suggestion

“Tokyo Milk” from Beaker

Face

When the skin becomes sensitive during cold weather, it needs minimal stimulation. For a facial cleanser, try using a mild one that least irritates the skin. “It is important to retain moisture while cleansing during the dry season,” says Jang. “Gently cleanse after creating enough foam. After cleansing, apply a toner or lotion immediately to maintain moisture. Apply an ample amount of moisturizing cream overnight and it will act as a mask pack.”

Clogged pores from dead skin cells, bodily wastes and perspiration will not only make skin rough but also cause acne and halt makeup absorption. Eliminating the dead skin cells is key to maintaining a healthy and clean skin. “It’s ideal to exfoliate once or twice a week,” says Jang. “Don’t over exfoliate or use large-size scrubs. Just eliminate the unnecessary layer of dead skin cells. Mask packs will help keep the skin moist and smooth after exfoliation.”

Santa Maria Novella’s facial cream “Crema Idralia,” Biotherm’s Om Aquapower Moisturizer, Sulwhasoo’s Essential Balm, Darphin’s Aroma Oil, and Sugar Face Polish from Fresh

Body

Our body dries easier than the face because it contains fewer protective layers. It’s important to take good care of the body because dry skin during the cold season may become irritated upon contact with clothes- especially the elbows and knees. After showering, apply body lotion or oil when moisture resides. “Exfoliate once or twice a week and use light body lotion every day,” says Jang. “I’d suggest butter-type cream or oil.”

Brown Sugar Body Polish from Fresh, Laura Mercier’s Soufflee Body Crème.