Managing winter skin is all about using products that infuse the skin with much-needed moisture. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Arctic region of Alaska, knows a thing or two about bringing super-dry winter skin back to life.
“Alaskan weather is kind of harsh to the skin,” says Dr. Chacon. “By eliminating moisture from your skin, cold, dry air makes it harder for it to keep moisturized. This might irritate your skin and cause it to become chapped or irritated.”
Her go-to winter moisturizer to help her weather Alaskan winters is the Obagi Medical Hydrate Facial Moisturizer ($50). That’s because it’s non-comedogenic and delivers long-lasting hydration. “It also soothes flaky, dry skin—which is perfect for the winter season in Alaska, says Dr. Chacon.
One of the main ingredients is Hydromanil, a compound that provides deep moisturization. “Hydromanil has been clinically proven to enhance skin moisture content,” says Dr. Chacon. It does that by collecting water and bringing it into the skin both instantly and over time, she explains. This results in two key responses: reduced water loss from the skin’s surface and the continuous release of moisturizing and water-retaining compounds.
The Obagi Medical Hydrate Facial Moisturizer also contains glycerin, a super-moisturizing ingredient that makes skin-care products feel like butter. It’s a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water to the skin—allowing it to aid Hydromil in its water-retaining process. The formula also includes a blend of shea, avocado, and mango butters—all emollients that moisturize to make skin soft and supple. Finally, it’s got a blend of silicones which are wonderful for creating an occlusive barrier on the skin, locking in all of the goodness the cream delivers.
Needless to say, if it can handle the Alaskan Arctic, it’s a worthy addition to winter skin-care routines everywhere.
Learn more about winter skin care from a dermatologist:
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