Dry Skin? Learn Why Moisturizing May Not be the Solution

All year long, especially during winter, our clients will ask, “My skin is so dry. Do I need your heaviest moisturizer?” And my response is always, “Are you exfoliating?”

It’s pretty simple. If you have dry skin, it means you have dead, dry skin cell build-up, because that is what dry skin is. So if moisturizer is layered on (in an effort to relieve dry skin) all you are doing is attempting to re-hydrate dead, dry skin cells.

If you exfoliate with a mild facial scrub or enzyme or acid, then you are removing the dry skin cells so that when you apply moisturizer, you’re hydrating the new healthy cells instead of expired ones! …

To exfoliate, you have several options:

Facial Scrubs- Avoid using facial scrubs containing apricot kernels, walnut husks or other natural grains. They have sharp edges and can scratch and lacerate the skin causing skin irritation. Instead, look for facial scrubs using polyethylene or micro beadlets that will gently roll across the skin. You’ll love our Mint Buffing Beads and Micro Crystal Cream. (Read tips about how to safely use a facial scrub.)

Glycolic Acid Serums- These are considered chemical exfoliants because when applied to the skin and left on overnight, they chemically dissolve dry skin cells. These are nice because there is little effort required – you put it on under moisturizer and go to sleep. You’ll love our Glycolic Acid Serums. Note: Glycolic acid products should only be used at night and for seven nights on, seven nights off and repeat. To prevent over-exfoliation and skin sensitivity, they should not be used every night.

At-Home Skin Peels- To give your skin a boost of exfoliation, above and beyond facial scrubs and glycolic acid serums, our at-home skin peels are ideal for giving your skin amazing skin-smoothing results. We consider them to be like getting a Renée Rouleau facial at home. You’ll love our Triple Berry Smoothing Peel.

Bottom line: Instead of over-moisturizing, increase your exfoliation. Remove the dry skin, and you won’t have dry skin! It’s really that simple!

Read more benefits of exfoliating the skin.

Which products are right for you? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

For expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up here for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.