Winter Skin Solutions - My top 5 tips

Winter Skin solutions 

Not only should you change your wardrobe for winter but you need to change your skincare routine too! As we get set to enter into a cold Canadian winter I want to share with you my winter skincare solutions, so you don’t get dry, dull and itchy this season!! Being a Canadian girl the transition to winter used to wreak havoc on my skin, but since putting the following strategies in to practice, my skin doesn’t suffer through winter fury anymore!! Keep reading for my top 5 winter skin care solutions to keep your skin soft, glowing and gorgeous even in the harshest cold.

1. Hydration

Skin often becomes “dehydrated” during the cold winter months. Therefore you need a hydrating product. What many people may not realize is that although the terms are mistakenly used interchangeably, moisturizing and hydrating are not exactly the same thing. Hydration refers to the water content within cells - water within cells leaves them plump/juicy like a GRAPE vs dry/wrinkly like a RAISIN. Moisturizers work to form a barrier on top of the skin to prevent moisture loss but hydration products actually ADD water to the skin from the environment.

ALL skin types need hydration!!  When skin is dehydrated, it creates more oil to make up for the missing water. This often leads to breakouts, irritation, dry patches, dullness, and wrinkles. I recommend adding a serum that contains HYALURONIC ACID and GLYCERIN to your winter skincare routine.  Their main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. Hydrating ingredients are generally appropriate for all skin types. They are water-soluble, so they won’t clog pores and they don't contain alcohol so they won’t actively dry out or irritate the skin surface.  

My must have hydration product? Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum. This oil-free serum raises skin’s hydration level 200% after just one use and keeps it there for up to eight hours for younger-looking, younger-acting skin. Active Hydration Serum contains a 30% glycerin concentration, compared to an average of 1-3% elsewhere. What does this mean? Not only does it plump the lines in your face, making for a younger looking appearance (think grape vs raisin), it also reduces that dry, flaky, itchy skin, leaving your skin smooth and soft! Do yourself a favor - get in touch with me if you would like to try a sample.  You can also purchase and try it yourself for 60 days risk free (if you don’t like it send it back and get your money back).

2. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy

What you put in your mouth can affect your skin. For example grapefruit can help stimulate collagen, eggs can promote healthy, smooth skin, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene which can help protect your skin from the sun.  Also, you should also be sure to drink plenty of water in the winter. If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, it can turn your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling - NO ONE WANTS THAT! 

3. Exfoliation

Exfoliation is key during the dry winter months. Exfoliating means removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Getting rid of dulling, dead skin cells allows younger, healthier-looking cells get to the surface. Not only does it help you look younger, exfoliation preps your skin for the products that follow by removing dry, dead skin cells that can create a barrier to your hydrating products. This  barrier can make your skincare ingredients less effective and cause you to use more product. No point in watering the grass before raking the dead leaves first, right? After exfoliating, your skin looks brighter — and with regular exfoliation, you can help maintain the glow!!!! Slough away dead cells and repair your complexion with a gentle facial exfoliator

4. Protect from the sun

Yes, you read that right!! Even in the winter months you should be protecting your skin with an SPF.  UVB rays are weaker in the winter, so you may not get sunburned as easily, but the UVA rays that cause wrinkles, premature aging and damage are JUST AS STRONG!  My biggest tip is use a daily moisturizer specific to your skincare concerns - dullness, sensitivity, acne or wrinkles.  Furthermore choosing a perfecting liquid - Dermacosmetic or a mineral peptide powder can provide an extra layer of defense!

Above: This tinted, multitasking liquid formula protects and instantly perfects skin! This three-part formulation of antioxidants to help neutralize environmental aggressors; barrier defense agents to help repair skin’s natural moisture barrier; and broad-spectrum SPF to protect skin from sun exposure. Available in six flexible, natural-looking shades that provide buildable coverage. Select one shade or mix two together for a customized glow. Apply as the last step of your skincare routine for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. 

Above: Achieve a flawless, foundation-free complexion in a few simple strokes. Mineral Peptides reduces visible redness and helps even skin tone for a healthier, more radiant you! Infused with skin-soothing peptide technology, this unique powder also provides broad spectrum SPF 20 coverage to protect against environmental stressors.

5. Cover Up

When you do head out in to the winter weather, don’t forget to COVER UP!  The cold air can dry out your skin.  Wear a scarf and hat. The skin on our hands is thin and can dry out quicker, so make gloves a non-negotiable!

CLICK HERE for your downloadable customized skincare plan tailored to your unique needs!