With the weather getting colder, many of us, unfortunately, experience drier, patchier, and irritated skin. In order to avoid this, it’s vital to eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, and, of course, moisturize your skin with the right products. Usually, people use moisturizers to hydrate their skin, but many experts say serums are better.
What’s the difference between serums and moisturizers? While serums penetrate the skin’s surface up to ten layers deep, moisturizers (which have larger molecules) affect only the first layer of the skin. If you frequently suffer from dry skin in the winter and you’re in the market for some serums to add to your skincare routine, look no further! Experts agree Bakuchiol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the best serums ingredients to hydrate your skin in the winter.
We spoke with Ksenia Sobchak, dermatologist and skincare expert at Loxa Beauty about the best serums for dry skin in the winter. She said the anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of ingredients like Bakuchiol and AHAs heal dried-out skin and leave it looking fresher and younger. Find out more below!
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant which is commonly used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine. It often acts as an alternative to retinol to help heal, calm, and soothe the skin (especially ultrasensitive skin!). This is possible thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
"Bakuchiol encourages skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production," Sobchak says. The collagen in this serum, she notes "kicks out the signs of aging," like dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles. "My research also established that it helps with congested skin and acne," Sobchak concludes. It's specifically useful as a cream for around crow's feet and under eye bags!
2. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Another common serum ingredient is Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which are often found in foods. Citric acid is found in citrus fruits, glycolic acid in sugar cane, lactic acid in sour milk and tomato juice, malic acid in apples, tartaric acid in grapes, etc. They're used in a number of daily anti-aging skincare products, such as serums, toners, and creams. AHAs are also found in occasional concentrated treatments like chemical peels.
In skin care, AHAs dissolve the top layer of skin to reveal and promote new skin cell growth beneath it. "Most AHAs in anti-aging serums are obtained from high-sugary fruits," Sobchak says. Fruit like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. The more you know!
"In action, AHAs get rid of dead skin cells and initiate a peeling action that elbows out pigmentation and scarring." As a result, she says, "you achieve skin with better texture and tone," but that is not all, as "your skin can become fine line-free and wrinkles-free."
So there you have it, two expert-recommended serums that hydrate dry skin in the winter. We're not saying that these serums are the "fountain of youth" for skincare, but dermatologists and skincare experts agree they definitely have their benefits and get good results. Make some of these serums a part of your daily skincare routine to help smooth fine lines and brighten skin. Your skin will thank you for it!
