Fridged outdoor air leads to woodstoves and furnaces drying out the air inside. Defrost blaring at the windshield, long hot showers to take the chill off- all leads to dry, dehydrated skin lacking glow. I’ve got some winter tips to keep your skin nourished and glowing even when forces are against it.
Tip #1 – Use a Humidifier in Your Bedroom
Not only will the moisture in the air from the humidifier help prevent a cold, but it will also help prevent moisture loss to your skin at night when you sleep. Moisture loss in the skin will result in your skin feeling dry and tight in the morning. To prevent this, I use a cool mist humidifier in my bedroom from December-March and aim for a humidity level between 45-50% on my barometer. Just make sure you’re keeping fresh water in the container to prevent bacteria buildup.
Tip #2 – Switch to a Cream Based Cleanser
Cream based cleansers such as Replenish Cream Cleanser, will leave a light layer of protective moisture on your skin after it is washed off. This will help keep hydration in your skin, so that’s it is not left feeling tight and dry afterwards.
Tip #3 – Exfoliate, But Not Too Much
When the skin becomes dry, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface which does two things. 1) Dead skin cells prevent a moisturizer from really nourishing the skin and sinking in because they act like a barrier to the healthy cells. 2) They leave the skin looking dull and increases the chances of clogged pores and acne.
However, too much of a good thing (exfoliation) can actually create more wrinkles. GASP!!
Skin cells along with lipids and fats within the skin naturally, create a moisture barrier on the skin. This natural barrier prevents moisture loss and irritants from entering the skin that can cause redness and inflammation. So if one was exfoliating too often, this can over strip the skin cells and protective lipids thus breaking down the protective moisture barrier and lead to more wrinkles, breakouts, and inflammation.
My general rule is to aim for exfoliation 1-2 nights a week. It always depends on the thickness and health of your skin as well and level of oil within the skin. In general as long as the skin allows:
- exfoliate with a gentle AHA exfoliant (like Refining Lotion) or gentle scrub (Skin Revitalizing Scrub)1-2 times a week,
- OR an enzyme 1x week
- OR a stronger acid once every 1-2 weeks
Tip #4 – Use a Hydrating Serum
Serums contain a higher percentage of active ingredients making them the powerhouse of skin care. My favorite serums from my line of products for hydrating the skin are, Youthful Glow Serum and Ultra Restore Serum. Look for the following hydrating ingredients in products to give your skin deep hydration throughout the winter:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Propanediol
- Glycerin
- Snow mushroom extract
- Beet sugar extract
- Ceramides
Tip #5 – Use a Hydrating Mask
Masking often goes undone due to a percieved lack of time in ones schedule. However, by using a hydrating mask, like HydraRestore Mask at least once a week, ideally after exfoliating, can give your skin an at-home-spa experience and really revitalize the look of your skin. HyraRestore Mask can be used nightly or as often as you can make time for it. You can even do house chores while it’s on, or read a book- make time for caring for your skin. Masking can really give your skin a boost in hydration making it look and feel so much better.
Tip #6 – Top it Off With a Face Oil
Face oils, especially ones made out of the highest quality organic, cold-pressed oils like Radiant Face Oil and Luminous Face Oil, can really nourish your skin cells, help your skin to retain moisture and give you a glow. My favorite way to use face oils is on top of a serum and moisturizer. This will allow the oil to hold moisture in the skin, diminish the look of wrinkles and really boost a glow to the skin. I find that just a little oil on top of everything makes my skin look more youthful and hydrated.
Tip #7 – Don’t Forget the SPF
So many people think that since they are mostly inside during the winter that they don’t need a SPF. I disagree. In my opinion, spf should be used daily to prevent skin aging. UVA rays, the rays that cause aging, wrinkles and pigmentation are out all year long and come through the windows. So even if your sitting in your home next to a window or driving in your care your getting UVA damaging rays on your skin. I only recommend to use non-nano zinc oxide based sunscreen (like Sun Salutation). Zinc oxide is the safest sunscreen for your skin as well as the environment.
I hope that you make time for caring for your skin all winter so that even on the gray, dark days you’ll still feel glowing and bright!!