As humidity drops significantly, dry weather advisories are being issued one after another, particularly in inland regions. With indoor and outdoor environments becoming noticeably drier, many people are experiencing symptoms of dry skin such as itching and tightness. At this time of year, even those without specific skin conditions such as psoriasis or xerosis are prone to developing various skin problems, so caution is advised. In particular, it is important to be aware of and practice proper skin care, as seemingly harmless routines such as exfoliation can actually make the skin even drier.

One of the most common mistakes made during dry seasons is over-exfoliation. When the skin is exposed to low humidity and cold winds, dead skin cells can appear visibly flaky and white. In response, people often try to remove them immediately by soaking the skin in warm water for extended periods or using scrub products — however, forcibly removing dead skin in this way can make the skin more sensitive and even drier. This is because the exfoliation process can strip away not only dead skin cells but also the epithelial cells that help retain moisture and protect the skin.

Furthermore, washing your face until it feels squeaky clean or cleansing too frequently can also disrupt the oil and moisture balance, leaving the skin dry. To maintain skin health, it is recommended to cleanse with lukewarm water at around 30–35°C, which is close to or slightly below body temperature, and to avoid rubbing the skin vigorously during rinsing or drying. Applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing is also important. Some people use a humidifier or facial mist to instantly replenish moisture due to dry indoor environments; however, for the sake of skin health, these should be used correctly with attention to cleanliness.

<p>If a humidifier is left with moisture remaining inside, bacteria can easily multiply, so it should be cleaned and thoroughly dried before use, ideally once every one to two days. If mist is sprayed too close to the face, moisture can form droplets on the skin; these particles may not be fully absorbed and can actually draw moisture away from the skin as they evaporate. Therefore, when using a facial mist, it is best to hold it approximately 20 cm away from the face and spray in 3 to 4 short bursts. In addition to directly applying moisture to the skin for hydration, it is also important to drink plenty of water to ensure the body stays sufficiently hydrated.</p>

Skin dryness is directly linked to aging, so if you feel that your skin has lost elasticity due to dryness, it may be worth considering a dermatological procedure. Sculptra is a representative treatment for improving skin elasticity. PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), a collagen stimulator, is injected directly into the skin to induce collagen production. After the procedure, it takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks for collagen to be produced. As a result, elasticity gradually improves and volume increases over time — and while individual results may vary, the effects last approximately 2 years. Sculptra's greatest advantage is that, rather than delivering dramatic immediate results, it continuously and naturally improves volume over time.

Sculptra is ideally administered an average of 3 sessions at 4 to 6 week intervals. For effective treatment, it is important that each vial of Sculptra is injected into the precise skin layer, so patients should carefully verify that the procedure is performed by a dermatologist with sufficient experience and that the clinic guarantees the use of authentic products in the correct dosage before deciding to proceed. <Dr. Lee Won-shin, Director of Apgujeong Wells Dermatology Clinic>

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