The Bestheticianā€™s Winter Skin Survival Guide
It’s that time of year again and the worst of the winter months is about to wreak havoc on your skin. So, how do you “save face”?
Follow The Besthetician’s Winter Survival Guide to avoid a dull winter complexion and say hello to happy, healthy, glowing skin.
CLEAN UP
Throw out the ‘ol soap and water routine to wash your face, pronto. Your skin will thank you! Soap is too harsh and strips your skin of its own natural, protective oils. Instead, use a cleanser appropriate for your skin type that is a creamy, milky formula.
Before bed, cleanse your skin and blot dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with a towel as this can be very irritating to skin. To prevent stripping away those oils, just splash your face with cool water in the morning instead of washing your face. This will not only be beneficial for your skin, but will also give you that wakeup call you need to get to class or work on time.
BRING ON THE MOISTURE
During the winter months, our skin can become flaky and itchy. The harsh elements and freezing temperatures can definitely take its toll.
To combat those drying effects, simply use a good moisturizer (and yes, even if you have oily skin, you still need to apply a moisturizer). Applying a moisturizer balances the skin and creates a protective barrier that fights against cold, dry and windy conditions. It will give skin a young and fresh appearance. It will also help to create a longer-lasting base for makeup.
There are many different types of moisturizers ranging in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Price does not matter just be sure to choose a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you will not want to buy a product intended for severely dry skin. You will want to find a moisturizer that is oil-free but still hydrating to the skin.
Avoid any products that list alcohol as an ingredient (fatty alcohols OK!). Alcohol is very drying to the skin. For the best protection, use a moisturizer with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) built into it of at least 15. Remember that snow, ice, and altitude intensify the power of UV rays.
Protect your skin just as much as you would in the summer months. And don’t forget your lips! Lips chap easily when exposed to dry or windy conditions. Use a lip balm (no Chapstick, please) frequently. Find an emollient lip balm with a SPF of 15 or higher in it.
BUFF AWAY THE WINTER BLUES
Exfoliation is a must, especially during the winter months. This is the time of year that the skin tends to look dull and dry. Exfoliating the skin will help to reveal a glowing and soft complexion.
The top layer of skin consists of layers of dead skin cells that gradually slough
away. By exfoliating regularly, you can speed this natural process exposing fresher
skin underneath.
Use products intended for the face but avoid products with fragments of nuts and seeds to exfoliate. These are simply too aggressive and will cause too much damage to the delicate skin barrier. Instead, use a product with jojoba beads or ground oats.
Do not exfoliate the skin more than twice a week. Doing so will break down the natural barrier of the skin that protects from environmental elements, chemicals and harmful bacteria. An inexpensive option is to cut squares of muslin (available at local fabric stores) to wipe off makeup and cleanser. This gently removes excess dead skin cells and because the muslin is so gentle, it can be done daily.
BEAT THE HEAT (INDOOR, THAT IS!)
Indoor or artificial heat plays a big role in drying out skin during the cold winter months. Central heating and furnaces tend to dry out moisture in the air and even draws out moisture from the skin.
Keep the heat at a lower temperature and use a humidifier in your home to add moisture back to the air. Your bedroom is the best place to put a humidifier since you spend most time there. At least 8 hours anyway-while you sleep!
Another hot spot in the home is the shower. As appealing as a hot shower sounds, it is very drying and irritating to the skin. It will strip the skin of natural oils. Instead, take a lukewarm shower or bath and put a body oil or lotion immediately after getting out.
H²O IS THE WAY TO GO
Often, women will spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on that “miracle” skin cream, but the best thing you can do for your skin during the winter months and all year long is free.
Water used internally and topically is a skin saver[1]. Put a small bottle (with a spray pump) of water in your purse or schoolbag. Throughout the day, mist your face. This adds moisture to the skin and will refresh and invigorate your face and your mind.
You can add also one or two drops of your favorite essential oil (assuming you do not have sensitive skin) for a customized spritz.
Finally, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. This will hydrate your body and skin from the inside-out leaving you with a flawless, youthful complexion.
Now that you know a few tricks of the trade- you can “face” this year’s Winter Wonderland with confidence!
