How to Combat Dry Skin in Minneapolis

If you live in Minneapolis, you’re probably all too familiar with its temperamental weather. Dry, freezing winters and hot, humid summers—your skin might feel like it can’t catch a break! Keeping your skin soft and moisturized can seem like an uphill battle. But fear not—you’re not alone!

This is a common problem Minnesotans face, and thankfully, there are solutions that can help. Here’s how you can combat dry skin in Minnesota weather.

Why is Dry Skin Such a Problem in Minneapolis?

The weather in Minneapolis is a driving factor behind the dry skin problem in the city. During the winter, the air gets bitterly cold and dry. Even when you escape to the warmth of your home, there’s a good chance your indoor heating will continue to dry out your skin.

In the summer, the story is much the same. While the outdoors can be excessively humid during the summer months, the scorching heat does your skin no favors. And, again, when you make your way inside, your air conditioner may continue drying out your skin.

Skin Hydration Tips to Keep Your Skin Glowing

Minnesota’s weather doesn’t have to keep you from achieving the beautiful, glowy skin you dream of. Here are a few tips to help you lock in moisture and combat dry skin, regardless of the time of year:

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

This one might seem like it should go without saying, but we can’t say it enough: moisturizing is a must! Your skin needs hydration, especially during the winter when the air is dry and cold. So, remember to moisturize regularly to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling plump and glowy.

Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides in them—these are saviors when it comes to moisturizing your skin. These ingredients draw and lock water into your skin to keep dryness at bay.

Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering when your skin is still moist. This helps seal in the extra hydration.

2. Drink Lots of Water

You can slather as many products on your skin as you’d like, but if you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will struggle to remain hydrated. Remember, good hydration starts from within.

Drink lots of water, aiming for at least eight glasses per day. If you struggle to get your water in, incorporate lots of water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges. You could even toss those into your water for a tastier hydrating experience!

3. Invest in a Humidifier

Indoor heating and cooling can be a lifesaver during the coldest and hottest months in Minneapolis, but it can be brutal on your skin. These systems often draw moisture out of the air as they condition it, which can leave your skin feeling dehydrated. If that’s the case in your home, consider investing in a humidifier, which is designed to add moisture back into the air.

4. Don’t Overdo the Hot Showers

Nothing beats a hot shower on a freezing Minneapolis morning or after a long day at work. But too much hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it even drier than before you stepped under the spray of scorching water. This doesn’t mean you can’t take hot showers, but it does mean you should keep them to a minimum, spending no more than 10 minutes in there.

5. Exfoliate Gently

Exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin cells and help your moisturizer penetrate better, but overdoing it can make your dryness even worse. Do your skin a favor by sticking to a gentle exfoliant that you use no more than twice per week.

Dry Skin Relief in Minneapolis: Local Solutions to Keep Your Skin Happy

Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are in your skin hydration routine, your skin might need a little extra help. That’s where the professionals at Clarus Dermatology come in.

Hydrating Facials

We offer a variety of facials, including hydrating facials, designed to help rejuvenate your skin. Our hydrating facials use specialized products and techniques to deeply nourish and moisturize your skin. If you’re having a tough time with dryness, this treatment can help rehydrate your skin.

OTC Products for Dry Skin

Minneapolis has no shortage of places to pick up high-quality skincare products. Look for trusted brands like CeraVe, Eucerin, or La Roche-Posay at your local beauty or drugstore. These brands offer some of the best skin care products for dry skin, formulated specifically to deeply hydrate and replenish parched skin.

Professional Dermatological Advice

If all else fails and your dry skin persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Our experienced team at Clarus Dermatology can evaluate your skin to identify underlying skin conditions that might be causing dryness. Once we have a better picture of what is going on, we’ll recommend tailored treatments or prescription-strength products.

When Should You See a Dermatologist for Dry Skin?

Many people battle with dry skin in Minneapolis, especially during the icy chill of the winter months. However, if your dry skin is turning red, itchy, or cracking or is persistent and won’t let up, book an appointment with our team. Ongoing dryness can sometimes be part of conditions like eczema and psoriasis that require professional care.

Take the Next Step Toward Hydrated, Glowy Skin

Dry skin is an incredibly common skin concern, especially in the extreme weather of Minneapolis. But you don’t have to let Minneapolis’ harsh climate get the better of your skin! With the right care and a little help from the pros, glowing, healthy skin is well within reach!

If you need a helping hand to address your dry skin concerns, feel free to contact our experienced dermatology team at Clarus Dermatology. We can help you find a personalized dry skin treatment in Minneapolis that helps you achieve soft, hydrated skin. Say goodbye to dry skin for good!