TIPS FOR
HEALTHIER SKIN
THIS WINTER
“For many people, the cold days of winter bring more than just pink cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face and hands. It can be worse than just a general tight, dry feeling: Your skin can get so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed). When we begin to run the heater, our skin starts to dry out. As an aesthetician, skin is my passion, and my clients are my priority. I have put together a list of “do’s and don’t’s” for these wintery months. Be a doll and protect your skin because after-all Skin is in!” Casey Nolen, Licensed Aesthetician
1. Seek a Specialist (www.onaskin.com)
Going to an aesthetician even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.
2. Moisturize More
Chances are, what worked for you in the Summer, will not work as well in the winter. As weather conditions change, so should your skincare routine. Find a moisturizer that’s oil-based rather than water-based. The oil will create a protective layer on the skin, it will retain more moisture than a cream or lotion. Usually if it says “night cream” then it is oil-based.
*choose oils wisely, look for “non-clogging” oils, like avocado oil, or almond oil. Also look for lotions containing “humectants,” (including glycerine and sorbitol) that attract moisture to your skin*
Serums are great as well and because they are made up of smaller molecules they allow the skin to breath. If you suffer with acneic skin, a good hydrating serum can be your best friend. We are obsessed with the hydrating serum by Revision skincare!!
3. Slather on the Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Sun in the winter combined with glare from the snow can be damaging. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face prior to going outside.
4. Humidifiers are your friend
Humidifiers put moisture back into the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place a few small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly. I have one next to my bed and a travel one in my car.
5. Hydrate!
Water, water, and more water! Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. Water is good for your overall health. I was once told to never pass up a glass of water when offered. Think about it, how many times do people offer you water and you say “no thanks, I’m good”… just think if you took them up on it every single time. That’s a whole lot of h2o!!
6. Keep your Peels to a minimum
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners, all of which can strip your skin. Instead, book yourself a hydrating facial. At [primary_practice] we offer an ahhhmazing Oxygen facial and our “Red Carpet Facial” with a hyaluronic heated mask will leave you with a glow that lasts for days.
7. Exfoliate
Get rid of those dull skin cells! You can use an exfoliating glove in the shower or a mild scrub. I like the ZO Exfoliating Polish, by Dr. Zein Obagi. Once or twice a week will do the trick. You can also use retinol to help soften fine lines and keep the flakiness at bay.
8. Less steam
Steamy showers feel so good but they leave your hair and skin feeling a bit frazzled. Being squeaky clean is nice but remember our body’s oils are good for us. Turn down the heat a little and keep those oils around.