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Winter Skin Tips
As the winter season wraps its icy fingers around us, it’s time to revamp our skincare routines to combat the harsh effects of cold weather. Just as we bundle up in cozy layers to protect ourselves from the chill, our skin deserves extra love and attention too. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and let’s dive into some delightful winter skin tips that will leave your skin glowing throughout the season!
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Winter’s dry air can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, tightness, and dullness. To combat this, focus on hydrating your skin from within. Start by increasing your water intake to keep your body and skin well-hydrated. Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and soups. Additionally, consider using a humidifier at home to combat the dry indoor air.
Nourish with Deep Moisturizers
Swap lightweight lotions for richer, nourishing moisturizers during winter. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides, which help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin. Apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing to seal in hydration effectively.
Show Some Love to Your Lips
Our delicate lips are prone to dryness and cracking during winter. Keep them luscious by exfoliating gently with a homemade sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush. Follow up with a lip balm containing natural emollients like beeswax, cocoa butter, or coconut oil to keep your pout soft and supple.
Sun Protection All Year Round
While it may seem counterintuitive, sun protection is vital even during winter. Snow and ice can reflect harmful UV rays, leading to sunburns and skin damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outdoors, and don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF as well.
Warm Water, Not Hot
As tempting as it is to take a steaming hot shower or bath to beat the cold, it can actually worsen winter skin woes. Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving your skin dry and irritated. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit your bathing time to avoid excessive moisture loss.
Exfoliate Gently
Regular exfoliation is crucial to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion. However, be gentle with your exfoliation routine during winter to avoid over-exfoliation, which can cause further dryness and sensitivity. Opt for a mild chemical exfoliant containing ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or enzymes, or use a gentle physical exfoliator once or twice a week.
Amp Up Antioxidants
Antioxidants are your skin’s best friends all year round, but they are particularly beneficial during winter. These powerful compounds help protect your skin from free radicals, which can be intensified by cold weather and indoor heating. Look for skincare products containing vitamins C and E, green tea extract, or resveratrol to give your skin an extra dose of nourishment and protection.
Shield Your Hands and Feet
Our hands and feet often bear the brunt of winter’s harsh conditions. Keep them protected and moisturized by wearing gloves and socks made of natural fibers like cotton or wool. Apply a thick hand cream and foot balm before bed, slipping on moisturizing gloves and socks overnight for an intense treatment.
Don’t Forget Your Body
While we tend to focus on our faces, it’s essential to give our bodies some TLC during winter too. Opt for a nourishing body moisturizer or body oil to combat dryness and lock in moisture after showering. Consider adding a few drops of a hydrating oil like jojoba or argan to your bathwater for a luxurious and moisturizing experience.
Stay Hydrated from Within
Healthy skin comes from within, so nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, or chia seeds to support skin health. Additionally, herbal teas infused with skin-loving ingredients like chamomile, rosehip, or calendula can provide both hydration and soothing benefits.
Winter may bring cold winds and low temperatures, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin glowing and radiant throughout the season. Embrace these winter skincare tips, and let your natural beauty shine. Remember to hydrate, moisturize, protect, and indulge in self-care to ensure your skin remains healthy, supple, and happy all winter long. So bundle up, embrace the season, and let your winter radiance steal the show!
The winter weather can really do a number on our skin and hair. The cold outside is very dehydrating, then we turn the heat on in the house and dry it out some more. These days I’m walking around with skin as ashy as an ashtray and my hair..well let’s just say that I am going through oil and deep conditioner like there is no tomorrow! Our skin changes from season to season and we need to be aware of these changes so we make sure that we are using the correct products and our skin can function at it’s optimum level. Drinking water is very important and we need to do it all day every day, but you need to know that the skin is the last organ to receive the hydration, so most of us don’t even drink enough to hydrate the skin like we need it to.
Here are a few tips you can do to protect the water balance in your skin this winter:
For Dry Skin:
1. Switch your cleanser to one that is a creamy lotion. This will remove and break down the oil and dirt but will not disrupt the delicate moisture balance.
2. Make sure your toners are free of alcohol or witch hazel. These ingredients can be too drying and will strip the surface of necessary/protective oils.
3. Incorporate specialty serums into your regimen like Vitamin C, essential oil blends (evening primrose oil, carrot oil)
For Oily Skin:
- I have oily/acne prone skin. In the summer I use cleansers that are more antibacterial and can remove more of the oil on the surface of my skin. But in the winter I switch to a gentle gel cleanser. This will remove the dirt and oil at the same time, it doesn’t dry my skin out too much.
- Incorporate a light to medium weight moisturizers into your regime to lock in moisture and protect the surface from dehydration and dryness.
For your body
Use sugar and salt scrubs 2-3 times a week. This helps to get the circulation going and sloughs off all that dry dead skin. Scrub all the way down in the shower before you turn the water on, then rinse off. Use creams with a lot of good oils and shea butter.
Invest in quality skin care products. Your skin is all you’ve got, you need to take care of it and invest in it. Be good to your skin and your skin will be good to you.
Recommended Products:
Face Reality CranPeptide Cream
Cran-Peptide Cream is an ultra-soothing moisturizer containing a powerful blend of antioxidants and peptides that offer anti-aging benefits. Key ingredients include include Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac Stem Cells), Matrixyl® Synthe’6™, Neodermyl®, and Cranberry Fruit Extract. It should not be worn in combination with Acne Med because it will prevent the Acne Med from penetrating the pore and working correctly.
Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner
Moisture Balance Toner is a fragrance-free toner that offers intense moisturization and is a good choice for skin that is dehydrated from using active products or dealing with harsh weather. Key ingredients with moisturizing and hydrating properties include Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Fructooligosaccharies, and Glucosamine (D).
Hydrabalance is a water-based hydrating gel that contains antioxidant properties and can help reduce the appearance of oily shine. This hydrating gel can be used under Clearderma, Cran-Peptide Cream, or a sunscreen during the day. Because it is water-based, Hydrabalance can be safely used under Acne Med. It can also be used before and after a serum to provide extra hydration for dehydrated skin.