Winter Skin: Part I
It’s officially winter! And the snow & bitter cold we’re experiencing makes it Authentically winter! Winter brings great things like Snuggies, crackling fires, hot chocolate or hot toddies, and the toasty heat in your house. However, some not so desirable things come from the winter weather like dry, dehydrated skin (in part due to the cranked up heat in the house), windburn, breakouts on your face & chapped lips. I’m going to share with you some basic tips on how to alleviate & treat all these issues. And in my next blog, I’ll share with you how to apply make-up to manage these issues.
In the winter, the wind can give you rosy cheeks, which is cute, for a minute, but then you just are dealing with wind-burned, dry skin that has gotten thicker. Skin gets thicker in the winter; this dates back to the beginning of time when people didn’t have the modern conveniences we have today to stay warm & keep skin protected. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling; their skin gets so dry that starts to flake (face) or crack & peel (hands & feet). Not only is this uncomfortable, but no one wants to go around looking like a human alligator because it’s not so pretty. If the problem is completely out of hand, I would definitely come in & see Amy or me, and you may need to consult a dermatologist, but I think in general everyone should moisturize more frequently (hands) & use something a little heavier on their face (and other body parts too) than they use during other seasons.
When weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. You’ll need to find a moisturizing cream that’s oil-based, rather than water-based because the oil will create a protective layer on skin that retains more moisture than a light lotion that people generally use in the warmer, milder months.
Many lotions labeled as “night creams” made specifically for skin repair while you sleep are oil-based. But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face or all skin and some are unhealthy to use at all. Mineral oil is not the best choice for your skin & is a major contributor to pollution in the world. It’s a petrochemical; petrochemicals are key ingredients in making gasoline. Gasoline, skincare-no. So look for non-clogging oils for that added moisture like natural avocado oil, jojoba oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. If you are not comfortable choosing or using an oil, then use a cream.
I suggest something by Amala Beauty (the hydrate or rejuvenate products) that we have at the studio or make sure to find the heavier moisturizers with the least amount of toxic ingredients-look on the EWG website for toxicity levels. Amala products are fragrance-free, 100% natural, nearly 100% organic, and contain emollients and humectants to moisturize your skin. Personally, I love the Yogurt Mask & suggest using it at night as an intensifier. This is a great addition to any routine you already have. Keep it on while you sleep, and wake up with amazingly moisturized skin. I also recommend the Jasmine Hydrating Face Cream. The whole-plant ingredients restore elasticity and protect skin from dehydration and create lasting smoothness.
Just like with your facial skin, exposure to the wind, snow & cold air as well as severe heat inside can cause your lips to start to chap, crack & peel. Use lip balms with cocoa butter or beeswax (Burt’s Bees’ products are really good, and I am currently in love with Peace Keeper Cause-metics lip balm(we plan to carry it soon at the studio). Make sure to check lip balm ingredients because some of them are medicated and act as irritants, like phenol and camphor. Phenol is a mild anesthetic and camphor adds a cooling, tingling sensation which in the short term may bring relief, but could potentially irritate already sensitive lip tissues.
Also stay away from Vaseline! I know that doctors, winter athletes and many other people promote this product, but again it is a petrochemical-based product. Your body and the environment can’t break this down! Do not use it! Additionally, do NOT lick your lips! This only draws moisture out & also causes chapping. The lipsticks and lip glosses we carry are also moisturizing, so slick them over a natural lip balm.
Most people only think of sunburn during the spring or summer, but be mindful that even though it’s cold, the winter sun can pack a punch. The winter sun combined with a glare from the snow can still damage the skin on your face. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes before going outside & reapply it frequently if you stay outside a long time. The sunscreen does not replace a moisturizer, so make sure to apply the moisturizer first. Sunscreen can be applied over a cream or oil.
Also be mindful that such thick products can end up having an adverse effect on your complexion if you choose the wrong one for your skin type. If you are experiencing clogged pores, see Amy or come talk to me about what products to use. Sometimes it may be hard to strike a balance between choosing a thicker cream to keep dryness away in the winter months, but something not too thick to where it will clog your pores & cause breakouts.
You need to exfoliate everyday or nearly everyday in the winter. I suggest that you use Amala’s Rejuvenating Face Polish with cocoa bean to whisk away dry skin build-up, flakes & debris. This is one significant step to take to ensure you don’t have breakouts. Also know your skin type & make sure you treat the conditions your skin experiences. You know your skin better than anyone else, but again if you’re unsure seek a professional opinion (Amy is great at analyzing skin). Every product is enhanced when you use a Clarisonic Facial Brush. If you don’t have one, get one. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your skin.
I take skincare very seriously throughout the entire year because healthy skin means flawless makeup. There is no make up to cover bad skin and make it look good, so protect yours today. Now is a great time to get an organic facial! Stop by & see me or Amy soon to talk about your skin. Book an appointment online or call Stephanie at 404-849-0443 or [email protected].
