Fresh Winter Skin

Different parts of the world predict different scenarios for our skin. But no matter what, we will always know that winter change is to come. Typically our skin becomes dryer and wants to shed older skin cells more rapidly. Our skin is trying adjust to the weather change and to repair itself from summer sun damage and other factors like swimming, and any summer foods that might have contributed to any skin conditions. Sugar and alcohol is typically helpful in blocking moisture retention in the skin. And ice cream and other dairy consumptions help promote inflammation and acne. Acne, sunburn and other skin irritations can cause hyperpigmentation, leaving areas of the skin darker, rough to the touch and difficult to treat. (This also aide’s the reduction of collagen and elastin your skin naturally produces. Keep in mind that as we age, our collagen production slows down.)

Exfoliating our skin daily is so essential for generating fresh and younger skin cells. This keeps our skin soft, and fine lines and rough skin at bay. Manually exfoliating the skin also stimulates blood flow and oxygen, which promotes a healthy complexion. Before exfoliating, make sure skin is cleansed. I like to use cleansers that don’t contain harsh detergents or fragrance before exfoliating. Some great brands to look into are Laurel, and Flynn & King. These organic brands make their cleansers without a foaming agent because they are true to maintaining integrity in the lipid barrier of the skin. Lipids contain natural fats and oils, which keep the skin hydrated and supple. When skin is harshly cleansed with detergents the lipids can easily be striped, causing rough, dry skin, or overly oily skin.

Once the skin is cleansed, I like to use a great balancing toner selected for my skin type. There are several on the market so selecting the right product may be difficult. (Consult your esthetician for a customized skin care plan.) A couple of my favorites are from the two brands mentioned previously if you like organic skin care, and a few more which are non organic, but still gentle and effective are from Dermalogica, Control Corrective, and Naturopathica. Toners are great for keeping the skin’s PH balanced and hydrated.

Once skin is clean and toned, you can begin exfoliating. Again, choosing the right product for your skin can be tricky. For sensitive skin, exfoliators with oatmeal or almond grains would be best. You can still use these on normal, dry, and oily skin as well. But there are also other exfoliants, which use jojoba beads, gomage, or AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids), enzymes, and Beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s). It is best to stay away from facial exfoliants with sharp or rough materials. These can cause small fissures or abrasions/tears in the skin. Abrasive skin scrubs may inclue; sugar scrubs, plastic beads, exfoliating face sponges, and some mechanical face brushes. Make sure to follow instructions carefully to gain the benefits of your investment and protect your skin.

Now that you have prepped the skin, and removed dead skin cells, your canvas should be smooth. Your skin is now ready to absorb a nutritious moisturizer. Select the right moisturizer for your skin type and condition. If you use any serums or spot treatments, apply those before your moisturizer. And use your foundation as the last step in your skin care. Assuming you use sunblock, because you should! If it is not in your moisturizer already, then it should be applied after your moisturizer and before your foundation.

Your skin should feel smooth, refreshed, hydrated and clean.

*You can also follow your scrub with a hydrating masque, let sit for 10- 15 minutes and finish with a balancing toner, moisturizer and foundation.

Wishing you a happy, glowing winter.

- Mila Grass

milartistry.com