Hey everyone, Dr. Kara here! As a board-certified allergy/immunology/lifestyle/functional medicine physician and a fellow Sjogren’s patient, I know firsthand how frustrating dry skin can be, but it's even worse when you have Sjogren’s. You feel it everywhere.
In this article, we're diving deep into the science of hydration – specifically for skin! –– and I’ll share a three-step approach that has been a game-changer for me (and my patients!). Whether you’re battling eczema, Sjogren’s, or just the effects of aging, this method will transform your skin.
Dry Skin: Why Moisturizers Alone Aren't Enough
I'll illustrate with a case study. Meet Emily, a 35-year-old patient who came to me frustrated with dry, dull, irritated skin. She was using high-quality moisturizers, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding irritants –– but nothing seemed to work. Sound familiar?
The missing piece? Understanding the science of hydration. Dry skin has a compromised barrier –– it’s leakier, losing moisture more easily. Just like a damaged roof lets the rain in, dry, cracked skin loses precious hydration.
Building a Hydration House: A 3-Step Approach
Think of your skin’s hydration like building a house:
- Humectants (The Foundation): These are your water magnets – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera. They draw water into your skin, like molecular sponges. They’re ideal for oily or combination skin, or if your skin feels tight or dehydrated. Pro Tip: Apply humectants to damp skin (after a shower or using a warm compress) to maximize their water-attracting power.
- Emollients (The Walls): These are your comfort blankets – shea butter, squalene, ceramides. Ceramides act like the “glue” holding your skin together, filling gaps between skin cells and smoothing the surface. They’re ideal for dry or mature skin, rough patches, or compromised skin barriers (eczema, Sjogren's). Think of emollients as the mortar between your bricks, creating a strong, unified barrier.
- Occlusives (The Roof): These seal in all that goodness! They lock in moisture with ingredients like mineral oil, waxes (beeswax), petrolatum, or even coconut oil (smells like a vacation!). For dry noses, try a gel-based product (like NeilMed or Ayr) followed by a thin layer of coconut oil. For extra dry hands or feet, try “wet wraps” overnight: soak in lukewarm water, apply moisturizers and/or medications (if you have eczema), and seal it all in with a thick cream or Vaseline.
Important Note for Acne-Prone Skin: If you’re prone to breakouts, opt for lighter occlusives like dimethicone that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
The Transformation: Emily’s Skin Success Story
Using this three-layer approach, Emily’s skin transformed in weeks. The key is understanding how each layer works together!
My Personal Hydration Routine: A Sjogren's-Friendly Approach
Here’s what works for my combination skin:
- Morning: Light humectant serum, light emollient moisturizer, mineral sunscreen.
- Night: Thicker serum (I love Primally Pure’s Plumping Serum), thicker cream, and sometimes a balm (Beautycounter’s Lotus Balm is a favorite) on extra dry areas. For extremely dry areas, I do those overnight wet wraps with a balm, Vaseline, or coconut oil, followed by gloves or socks.
From Skin to Sinuses: Adapting the 3-Step Method
This approach isn’t just for skin! You can adapt it for dry noses, sinuses, even dry eyes (though be careful with occlusives around your lash line)!
- Dry Nose: Saline spray or gel (humectant), Xlear (xylitol – humectant and emollient), coconut oil (occlusive).
- Dry Eyes: Artificial tears. (I have another blog post specifically on this!).
Ready for Hydrated, Healthy Skin?
This three-step approach to hydration is simple, science-backed, and truly effective. It’s about understanding what your skin – and your body – needs.
For more support, join my free Facebook group, the Becoming Immune Confident Community, and download my Immune System Disorders Pre-Appointment Workbook (links below)! I'm also accepting new patients at my telehealth practice – join the waitlist for updates!
What are your favorite hydration tips and tricks? Share your wisdom (and product recommendations!) in the comments!
