As estrogen plunges during Week 4 of your cycle, you may notice that your skin gets drier. Coupled with cold winter air, you could end up with itchy, flaky, chapped skin that hurts or cracks easily. To get relief, it’s not only important to use moisturizer regularly, but to use the lotion that’s right for your skin type. Mayo Clinic skin experts say that if your skin is normally…
* Dry: Use a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol—compounds that help lock in moisture.
* Oily: Even though your skin produces an abundance of oil, it still needs moisture, especially after using skincare products that remove oils that dry out the skin. However, since your skin type is more prone to break-outs, it’s important to pick a water-based product that’s labeled “noncomedogenic”, which means it won’t clog pores.
* Normal—not overly dry, oily or sensitive. To maintain this natural moisture balance, stick to a water-based moisturizer that contains lightweight oils—such as cetyl alcohol—or silicone-derived ingredients—such as cyclomethicone.
Tip: Moisturizers work best when applied right after bathing. Pat or blot your skin until it’s just barely dry, then applythe lotion to trap water in the surface cells.
[photo: Katie Tegtmeyer]
