When the temperature drops, do the skin care swaps.
As I am writing this article, signs of the approaching fall and winter months are all around me. I experience colder morning and evening temperatures that require me to put on a warm robe and slippers. The leaves on the trees outside my window are changing colors. My favorite stores now have cozy coats, sweaters and Halloween decorations for sale.
So as we are going to change the wardrobe in our closets, there is a real need to "winterize" your skin.
As soon as we turn on the heaters in our houses, our skin begins to dry out. The skin is losing moisture and begins to flake and crack. Some people even develop dry and irritating eczema spots on their skin.
So what is the solution?
Let's start with cleansing, exfoliating and toning.
Once your skin becomes dry, it is time to change your foaming cleansers to mild creamy ones that will not strip the skin from hydrating layers. Our Perfect 2-in-1 Cleanser is gentle yet effective for winter skin care.
Although we still occasionally need to exfoliate, it is important to avoid harsh peels and masks that contain clay or alpha hydroxyl. It is better to use a non-chemical, natural, gentle enzyme mask that still removes dead skin cells but do not cause irritation. Ditch any alcohol toners and switch to the ones that replenish moisture. Look for spritz toners that contain Aloe Vera, Rosewater, and E vitamins.
It is crucial to start using more serums and creams.
During summer we were able to get away with using just light moisturizers and sunscreens. That is no longer enough.
The first step after cleansing and toning is to use proper serums. Serums that contain hyaluronic acids and peptides can penetrate into deeper layers of our skin, both hydrating and plump the skin from inside. Try our Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum for deep hydration.
Second is to seal the skin with a moisturizer.
Moisture and oils are two different ingredients. Your moisturizer does not have to be oily and extremely heavy. It does need to contain natural ingredients that bring hydration and protection from harsher environments.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acids that actually pull hydration from the environment. Good moisturizers will also contain jojoba, sunflower oil, avocado oil, vitamin E and PCA to lock in moisture.
Avoid creams, and any products with artificial fragrance or colors and parabens as those chemicals irritate and dry our skin even more. Stick with natural and certified organic products that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. Explore our moisturizers collection to find your perfect match.
A couple of other tips for keeping your skin looking good during colder months is to hydrate your body by drinking water and installing humidifiers throughout your home to keep the air moist.
Choosing a correct skin care routine can be a challenge. Salespeople in stores are not necessarily skilled to correctly select the products for you. That is why the best person that can analyze your skin type and best advise a proper skin care regimen is your esthetician.
I hope my advice will help you look forward to the fall and winter seasons with soft, glowing and supple looking skin!
To your health! Margaret
As a skincare specialist with over 25 years of experience, I've noticed that even clients who follow basic winter skincare guidelines sometimes need extra support. Here are some professional insights I've gathered from my practice that can enhance your winter skincare routine.
One often overlooked aspect is the timing of your skincare application. I recommend applying products within 60 seconds of cleansing or showering, when your skin is still slightly damp. This technique, which I call the "moisture sandwich," helps lock in maximum hydration. Our Age Proof: Daily Crème works perfectly with this method.
Diet also plays a crucial role in winter skin health. I advise my clients to increase their intake of omega-rich foods and healthy fats during winter months. These nutrients help strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier from the inside out. Additionally, consider taking vitamin D supplements, as reduced sun exposure during winter can affect both your skin's health and its ability to repair itself.
Sleep is another critical factor in maintaining healthy winter skin. Your skin's repair processes are most active between 10 PM and 2 AM. Creating an optimal sleep environment with proper humidity levels (around 50%) can significantly improve your skin's overnight recovery process.
Remember, winter skincare isn't just about adding moisture – it's about creating an environment where your skin can maintain its natural balance and protective functions. With these additional strategies and the right products, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout the cold season.
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