Winter Skin Hydration
Lets talk winter skin care. Between the transitions of the seasons from summer to fall, then right into the cold winter months, paired with the holiday seasons and the unfortunate correlation to bad diets, the winter season can be one of the hardest on your skin. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your skin glowing this holiday season.
Diet
I know I know, we are all tired of hearing of all the reasons not to indulge during the holidays. While I agree that is part of the joy of the holidays being during a time where big comfy sweaters are not only fashionable but also hide the extra few pounds you’ve gained unfortunately the increased consumption of salt, sugar, and alcohol can significantly impact your complexion. While I am all for the occasional indulgence it is all about moderation. The salt and sugar can lead to breakouts, and who wants to have to suddenly struggle with blemishes during holiday photos? If you find that you are at a few more holiday engagements and consuming a bit more wine or hot toddies than usual make sure you increase your water intake to help prevent dehydration. Dehydration will not only affect your performance but unfortunately significantly impacts your skin.
Beyond water a diet rich in omega-3’s will greatly aid in the overall appearance of your skin. Omega-3’s are just good for the body, but are equally as beneficial in the appearance of your skin so consider adding a few more omega-3 rich foods into your diet.
Avoid Hot Water
After a day out in the cold winter weather I know we all want to take a quick soak in the hot tub or indulge in a hot shower but unfortunately this should be avoided. While this will warm up your body you are actually drying out your skin and hair. Hot showers and baths break down the lipid barrier of your skin and leads to moisture loss.
Moisturize
Now let’s get into skin care. The cold winter weather dehydrates your skin so it is more important than ever to add moisture back. Traditional lotion or cream based moisturizers contain wax and filling agents that give an illusion of hydration rather than actually hydrating your skin. This is why with most of these products as soon as you rinse your face your skin immediately feels dry. Not only are you not offering ample hydration but also the anti aging ingredients in these products aren’t penetrating deep within the layers of the skin that they need to actually do their job. Consider using Face Oil, particularly one rich in Omega-3’s, 6, and 9 as well as one that offers antioxidant support. Using face oil rather than a lotion or cream hydrates not only the outer layer of your skin but also the sub surface layers. The results, much healthier, more hydrated skin that will stay moisturized longer while also providing a healthier, glowing complexion. Because the subsurface layers are also hydrated your skin will stay moisturized longer than with a lotion or cream based moisturizer. The Pacific Face Oil by True Nature Botanicals was clinical proven to increase facial hydration by 41% in just 45 days.
Throughout the day, you are losing moisture due to Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which basically means that the moisture in your skin is evaporating. This is particularly more prevalent in the winter months due to cold, dry, and windy weather. Consider using a serum in combination with your face oil. Many contain ingredients that increase barrier function of the skin, which helps keep moisture in. The Pacific Face Serum can be layered over the Pacific Face Oil and in a clinical trial result these two products increased hydration by 49% in just 45 days! See Trial Results.
Now, for many of you, winter sports are an important part of your life. Keep in mind that the winter weather can significantly impact your skin and if you are spending the day out in the snow you really need to be mindful of your skin’s hydration. Consider carrying with you a hydrating mist to help offset for the evaporation that is occurring. These are also fantastic for travel and are a must have at high altitudes or when on a plane. The Pacific Mist replaces moisture in aging skin by delivering potent marine extracts and nutrients to the topmost layers of the skin. In a pinch, you can use an Evian Mist for some temporary relief.
Exfoliation
Now that we know how to keep our skin hydrated lets talk about exfoliation. Unfortunately there is a lot of inaccurate information out their about exfoliation that needs clarifying. While exfoliating your skin is important as it removes dead skin cells as well as increases cellular turnover there can be too much of a good thing. Over exfoliating your skin can not only cause significant long term damage to your skin but also can leave your skin vulnerable to environmental assault. Now what can that mean?
Well while that buffed and polished look might leave your skin looking great for a special event it can increase your risk for free radical and UV damage, which in turn can lead to accelerated aging which no one wants. Lactic Acid is the safest exfoliant out there but stay away from glycolic, salicylic, or Retin-A products. You should only exfoliate once or twice a week at most and make sure you are in tune with your skin. If you start to feel any irritation or redness give your skin a break. Many new products are now available that pair exfoliation with hydration. Pacific Exfoliating Moisture Mask is a must have for me during the winter months. It not only exfoliates with lactic acid to remove dead skin cells and increase cellular turnover but it also contains mango and avocado butter to hydrate your skin while exfoliating. The result hydrated glowing skin and is perfect before any special holiday events. Even better, this mask only requires 2-5 minutes because we all know how precious time is.
Protect
Now let’s talk about the part that everyone would rather skip, sunscreen. We all have heard this hammered into our heads and we are well aware of the importance of proper sun protection. Unfortunately I find that while most people now listen to the rules during the summer month’s sun protection is a step that is skipped during the winter months. The simple fact is that UV rays damage skin year round. The harmful rays are able to penetrate through clouds and glass and are just as damaging during the winter as they are in the summer. Also, snow reflects 80% of UV rays so if you are a snow bunny it is even more important to make sure you are properly protected. Still adverse to sun screen use, face the facts: UV damage is the number one cause of the visible affects of aging. Simply put, UV rays= wrinkles, and no one wants that! Use a non-nano zinc oxide which is the safest source of sun protection available.
I am the Director of Community Relations for True Nature Botanicals, a luxury lifestyle and skincare company focused on creating the most advanced, results driven anti-aging skincare and lifestyle products available, without the use of toxic ingredients. Having worked in the skincare and spa industry for numerous years I am privileged to have the opportunity to work for a company at the forefront of the toxin free luxury beauty industry. It is my passion for this industry that makes each day and new development exciting and I am truly honored to be part of such innovation within the skincare and cosmetic industry.