This time of year can be a challenging time for your skin. While dryness is especially common during this time, keeping your skin healthy and moisturized during this cold period can take some special effort. To be careful in choosing an effective routine that doesn't damage your skin, you may need to do some research and find professional support. We get questions about skin and hair care during these months more than any other and we are not surprised. Cold, windy weather can speed up the evaporation of moisture in your skin, leaving your face feeling tight, dry, and flaky. It can take a while to find a skin and hair care routine that is both nourishing and effective. Even if you choose to hunker down away from the cold, indoor heating and cooling systems can dry out your skin, leaving chapped lips and dry throats in their wake.
But what exactly are the causes of dry/sensitive skin in general? The answer to this question can vary because of heredity, hormonal changes, aging, disease and medications, harsh ingredients in skin-care products, cold & dry weather, chemicals and pollutants, and post-procedure healing.
When Winter comes around, here is what you can do to keep your skin moist and beautiful:
1. Look after your DIET:
Eating nutritious foods supports your skin health and it is the most important step before you decide to introduce other products to your routine.
Your body is your temple and the famous saying, “you are what you eat” is very true. It can be hard to keep up with a balanced diet during the winter as we naturally feel the need to eat more when it is cold. Be mindful of the variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products you ingest and don't refuse to find a nutritionist to support you through this phase if necessary.
Natural oils found in certain foods like walnuts, olive oil, fish & avocados, for example, can help your skin to naturally produce moisture. But don't overdo the use of those and be careful with caffeine, alcohol, and processed food as they are proven to make your skin drier.
A very important and basic thing you can do is: Drink a lot of clean water!
2. Observe and change your HOME environment if necessary:
Remember that a cool temperature is ideal. Central heating can make the air in your house very dry and affect your skin. Many times, lowering the indoor temperature to help prevent a drying effect of the skin from extreme temperature differences from inside to outside, can be very effective.
Consider a humidifier in your home to help regulate moisture levels to keep skin balanced and keep your skin hydrated.
3. How important is it to wash your face and hair?
Hot showers that pull moisture from the skin are best avoided. Try washing your face with cool water so your skin won't complain and won’t turn red. It is also proven that normal temperature water is just as effective at removing germs and is less irritating.
Following the guidelines above, it is important to wash your face well, at least twice a day, then dry it with a clean and soft towel.
4. Avoid Harsh Cleansers
I was surprised by the number of people who use harsh cleansers to support their skincare routine. A lot of women who use make-up daily, for example, end up using products that are not ideal.
Make sure you carefully read the ingredients of the products you purchase, as some of them may have a list of hard fragrances or additives that can affect your skin.
Fresh Faces by Frances created the Natural and Botanical Cleanser that nourishes your skin instead.
5. What about my HAIR CARE during the Winter?
A balanced combination of natural botanical ingredients smooths the hair surfaces, prevents protein loss and damage of the hair body, and enhances microcirculation of the scalp. This improves the follicle circulation to deliver protective nutrients to the active growing, living portion of the hair, the follicle.
BELOW IS A 3 STEP HAIR CARE PROCESS:
1- NUTRA PEPTIDE SHAMPOO
Cleanses gently and effectively to add volume and bounce to your hair.
2- NUTRA PEPTIDE CONDITIONER
Conditions your hair to its natural bounce and shine.
3- NUTRA PEPTIDE SENSORY SERUM
Revitalizes and enhances natural growth at the follicle.
Do you still have questions about SKINCARE and HAIR CARE during Winter Months?
Contact Frances Cortez, a Certified Esthetician, and Electrologist and the founder of Fresh Faces By Frances for an appointment.