Winter Skincare Hacks for Dry Skin: Face & Body! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Summary

In this video, Dr. Shireen Idris, a board-certified dermatologist, shares her top winter skincare hacks to help combat dryness and keep skin healthy throughout the colder months. From using a humidifier to prevent moisture loss to innovative lip and face basting techniques for deep hydration, Dr. Idris offers practical tips for dealing with winter skin challenges. She also introduces a DIY glycerin mist, an eye treatment with Saran wrap, and effective foot and hand care routines to keep your skin soft, moisturized, and protected during the harsh winter conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humidifiers are essential for winter skincare as they help maintain moisture in the air, preventing your skin from drying out.
• 😀 Regular cleaning of your humidifier is crucial to avoid mold and bacteria buildup that can harm your skin and lungs.
• 😀 Lip basting is a unique method for keeping lips hydrated: exfoliate with glycolic acid, then lock in moisture with a rich occlusive like Skin Food or lanolin.
• 😀 Glycolic acid is a better option than salicylic acid for exfoliating lips, as it’s gentler on the delicate lip skin and doesn’t irritate cold sores.
• 😀 For intense face hydration, try ‘face basting’ with products like La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5, which contains zinc and panthenol to calm and repair the skin barrier.
• 😀 Zinc oxide in products like Triple Cream or buttpaste is great for soothing inflamed skin and healing chapped or cracked skin during winter.
• 😀 Glycerin face mists are a great way to hydrate skin throughout the day, especially in dry environments like offices or airplanes.
• 😀 Homemade glycerin mists can be created by mixing water, rose water, and glycerin—perfect for rehydrating your skin without disturbing makeup.
• 😀 Under-eye care in the winter is crucial—apply a thick layer of eye cream, then cover with Saran wrap to boost moisture absorption.
• 😀 For dry, cracked feet, wrap them in Saran wrap after applying urea-enriched lotion, allowing it to absorb and soften rough skin. Wearing socks on top helps maximize the treatment.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of Dr. Shireen Idris' Pillow Talk Derm series?

The primary goal of Dr. Shireen Idris' Pillow Talk Derm series is to empower viewers with skincare knowledge, tips, and tricks, helping them to feel confident and knowledgeable about their skin while cutting through the noise of the beauty industry.

Why is climate important when considering skincare routines during winter?

Climate plays a critical role in skincare because dry air in colder weather can strip moisture from your skin. Understanding the climate helps you adjust your skincare routine to ensure you're properly hydrated without overdoing it, as excessive hydration can cause other skin issues.

How does a humidifier help your skin during winter?

A humidifier helps by adding moisture back into the dry air, which in turn prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated. Without a humidifier, the dry air can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation.

What is 'lip basting' and how does it work?

Lip basting is a technique developed by Dr. Idris to treat chapped lips. It involves exfoliating the lips with a mild chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid) and then locking in moisture with a thick occlusive product like L'Occitane Skin Food, which helps to prevent dryness and cracking.

Why does Dr. Idris prefer glycolic acid over other exfoliants for lip care?

Dr. Idris prefers glycolic acid for lip care because it is a gentle chemical exfoliant that works well for the lips, which lack oil glands. Unlike salicylic acid, which can irritate, glycolic acid helps to smooth the lips without causing additional dryness or irritation.

What is the purpose of face basting and how is it different from slugging?

Face basting is a method of applying a thick, calming layer of product (such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5) to the face to restore and calm the skin barrier, particularly in dry winter conditions. Unlike slugging, which typically involves heavy occlusive products like Vaseline, face basting uses lighter, more restorative products.

Can you use buttpaste for face basting, and what are the benefits?

Yes, buttpaste, particularly the zinc oxide-based variety, can be used for face basting. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and repair the skin barrier, making it effective for treating dry or cracked skin.

Why is it important to use a glycerin face mist during the winter?

A glycerin face mist helps to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day by attracting and locking in moisture. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it pulls water from the environment into the skin, which is especially helpful in dry office environments or during travel when skin tends to lose moisture quickly.

How should you prepare and store a homemade glycerin face mist?

To prepare a glycerin face mist, mix equal parts of water and rose water (or just water) with glycerin. It's important to only make enough for a single day because the mixture lacks preservatives and can grow mold if stored for longer periods.

What is the benefit of using Saran wrap for under-eye care?

Saran wrap helps to seal in the moisture and active ingredients from eye creams, allowing them to absorb more effectively into the delicate skin under the eyes. This method enhances the hydration and brightening effect, especially for people dealing with dry or tired eyes.