Is Your Winter Dryness the Result of a PH Problem?

I don't need a thermometer or a calendar to tell me that it is winter-all I have to do is take a look at my skin. Winter dryness is a problem for many, myself included! Even when I'm on good behavior, (that's skipping hot showers and a second glass of wine) my skin still feels dry, dry, dry. Does this scenario sound familiar? Shower, slather on lotion, wash your hands, slather on more lotion, run to the bathroom at work and slather on more lunch. You get the idea. Who has time to rub lotion all over their body multiple times a day? I know I don't!

Guess what I found out that? That winter dryness problem may not simply be a hydration issue - it could be your PH balance. If that's the case, you can correct the problem by using skin care products that deal with this underlying issue. Here's something interesting I read from the folks at Sebamed, "Healthy skin has an intact protective barrier which defends against environmental irritants and guards against dehydration. In fact, the surface of the skin is covered with a hydrolipid film called the acid mantle which is slightly acidic (pH 5.5). The acid mantle is essential for supporting the barrier functions of the outermost layer of the skin - the Stratum corneum."

Apparently, when this protective barrier is weak, outside factors like weather, skin wounds and irritants can leave your skin weak which leads to dreaded winter dryness. Internal triggers like stress (Hello!) and hormones (Hello, again!) can make it even drier.

Okay, so what's the solution to painful, ugly dry skin? Build that lipid barrier by adjusting your pH balance. You need skin-related

lipids and natural oils that strengthen your skin. Personally, I love Sebamed's Moisturizing Body Lotion. It's hypoallergenic, non-comdeogenic and has the same pH as healthy skin--5.5! I like that it's not greasy but your body feels smooth and moisturized for hours. If you use it everyday, it can also tone the elasticity of your skin.

For my face, I use Sebamed's Moisturizing Face Cream. It comes in a cute little screw top jar that fits perfectly in my hand. This sensitive skin formula isn't greasy or sticky which is a problem with some face creams. It's loaded with vitamin E and perfectly pH-balanced at 5.5.

With year round sensitive skin and winter dryness, It's hard to find a product that really helps. I think I've found one!