**Phoenix Skin: Desert Water Blocking Summer Glow?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe relentless Arizona sun isn’t just about scorching temperatures; it’s a silent thief, stealing moisture from your skin. Residents of Phoenix and Scottsdale know this struggle all too well. That “desert glow” we crave often feels more like “desert dryness.” But fear not, fellow Phoenicians and Scottsdale residents! Achieving hydrated, healthy skin in this climate is entirely possible with the right strategy.
The key is understanding Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). TEWL is the process where water evaporates from your skin. In Arizona’s arid climate, this process is accelerated, leaving your skin feeling tight, itchy, and looking dull.
So, how do we combat this? Let’s dive into a practical, Arizona-specific skincare survival guide.
First, let’s talk about humectants. These are moisture magnets. They draw water from the environment (and the deeper layers of your skin) into the surface. Hyaluronic acid is a superstar humectant, readily available in serums and moisturizers at your local CVS or Walgreens. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
Challenge: In Arizona, the air is often so dry that humectants can actually pull moisture out of your skin if not used correctly.
Solution: Apply your humectant-rich serum or moisturizer to damp skin. This provides the humectant with water to draw in. Think right after you shower or after spritzing your face with a thermal water spray.
Next, we need to seal in that moisture with occlusives. Occlusives create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water from escaping. Think of them as the “lock” on your moisture.
Examples: Petrolatum (like Vaseline), mineral oil, shea butter, and silicones are all effective occlusives.
Application Technique: Apply your occlusive after your humectant-rich product. This traps the moisture underneath. For nighttime, consider “slugging” – applying a thin layer of Vaseline over your entire face. It might sound strange, but it’s incredibly effective for combating TEWL.
Product Recommendations (available at CVS/Walgreens): CeraVe Healing Ointment (contains petrolatum and ceramides), Aquaphor Healing Ointment (another petrolatum-based option), or even a simple jar of Vaseline.
Now, let’s talk about internal hydration. No amount of topical skincare can compensate for dehydration. Arizona’s dry heat makes it easy to become dehydrated without realizing it.
Arizona-Specific Hydration Strategy: Don’t just rely on feeling thirsty. Set reminders on your phone to drink water throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere.
Electrolyte Boost: Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially if you’re active or spending time outdoors. Electrolytes help your body retain water more effectively. Look for electrolyte tablets or powders at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and cantaloupe. These are readily available at Arizona farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the summer months.
Adapting Your Routine:
Morning: Gentle cleanser, hydrating toner (optional), hyaluronic acid serum (applied to damp skin), lightweight moisturizer, sunscreen (absolutely essential in Arizona!).
Evening: Double cleanse (oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle cleanser), hydrating toner (optional), hyaluronic acid serum (applied to damp skin), richer moisturizer or occlusive balm.
Weekly: Consider a hydrating face mask once or twice a week. Look for masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or honey.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Over-exfoliating: Exfoliating too frequently can damage your skin’s barrier and increase TEWL. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid) rather than a harsh physical scrub.
Using harsh cleansers: Many cleansers strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight.
Skipping sunscreen: Sun damage weakens the skin’s barrier and increases TEWL. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Ignoring your skin type: What works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust your routine accordingly. If you have oily skin, you may need to use lighter occlusives. If you have dry skin, you may need to use richer occlusives.
Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you’re spending a Saturday afternoon hiking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. The sun is beating down, and the air is bone dry. Before you head out, apply a generous layer of sunscreen and a hydrating moisturizer. Bring a water bottle filled with water and electrolytes. Throughout your hike, reapply sunscreen every two hours and drink plenty of water. When you get home, take a cool shower and apply a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin, followed by a rich moisturizer. This will help replenish the moisture lost during your hike and prevent TEWL.
Beyond the Basics:
Consider a humidifier: Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help increase the humidity in the air and reduce TEWL.
Invest in a good lip balm: Your lips are particularly vulnerable to TEWL. Keep a lip balm with you at all times and apply it frequently.
Don’t forget your hands: Your hands are also prone to dryness. Apply a hand cream after washing your hands and before going to bed.
Achieving that healthy “glow” in the Arizona desert requires a proactive and strategic approach. By understanding TEWL, incorporating humectants and occlusives into your skincare routine, prioritizing internal hydration, and avoiding common mistakes, you can combat the dryness and achieve hydrated, healthy skin, even in the most challenging climate. Remember to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. With a little effort, you can conquer the desert dryness and achieve that coveted Arizona glow.