Winterize your Skin
Colorado can be a confusing place to live. 70 degrees one day and then 30 and snowing the next and it’s sunny over 300 days a year. Extreme weather changes and upcoming winter months can be harsh and unforgiving. As the temperature drops so does our skin’s ability to protect itself. The low humidity is dehydrating and can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and broken capillaries. However, with a few important changes and additions to your daily routine, your skin will stay balanced and healthy.
Use Lukewarm Water When Cleansing the Face and Body
The skin’s outermost layer is full of natural oils that protect it and act as a barrier from harsh environments. As tempting as it may be, when you use hot water, you’re softening that layer and removing these protective oils. To avoid this, I recommend using lukewarm water to shower or bathe.
Exfoliate, but don’t over-exfoliate
Because skin in the winter is drier and more sensitive, I recommend a gentler exfoliator, such as ARCONA’s Gentle Solution or Berry Gel Gommage for your face. I always recommend starting a new season with an enzyme peel or a microdermabrasion treatment so you can reset for the upcoming season. Both the Gentle Solution and the Berry Gel Gommage are chemical exfoliators, which prevents you from needing to scrub (scrubs can cause micro-tears on the epidermis) especially when the skin is more susceptible in the cold weather.
Always add oil to your routine (yes, even if you have oily skin!)
Water-based moisturizers can freeze on the skin causing broken capillaries. Add oil in harsh winter climates to avoid this predicament and pamper your skin. The ARCONA Wine Oil mixed with the ARCONA Celestial Activating Essence can be a wonderful boost for skin protection and hydration. Layering your oil underneath your moisturizer rather than cocktailing them during winter, so you get the most out of each product.
Adding bath oils and bath bombs to your bath is a simple yet luxurious way to incorporate oil into your routine for the body. After showering, I like applying the Elixir Radiant Body and Massage Oil to my skin while the skin is still damp. This helps with water absorption and the essential oils offer a soothing aroma to help you relax. Each Elixir Botanicals oil has a blend of essential oils with properties that help encourage health.
Protect Exposed Skin
Sunscreen is not an optional product EVER, especially in the wintertime. Just because your fully clothed and your body isn’t fully exposed to harmful UV rays doesn’t mean those UV rays aren’t getting to you. These rays are highly reflective, making them extremely dangerous when surrounded by snow, as well as more potent at higher altitudes like here in Colorado. Think of the snow and ice as a mirror. When it’s on the ground, it’s easier for UV rays to reflect up at you when you’re outside. Remember to use gloves, hats, scarves, or whatever you can to keep the cold air from touching your skin whenever possible.
Stay Hydrated
Unfortunately, we need to do more than drink water to get proper hydration. When we drink water, it is processed through our other organs first before reaching the skin. Therefore, it is important to hydrate topically as well. Topical hydration keeps your skin healthy, plump, and fresh. When you are inside at work or home, and the heat is in overdrive, use a hydrating mist such as ARCONA’s Lavender Hydrosol. This can revitalize your complexion (and your mood).
Show Your Lips Some Love
It’s important not to forget about your lips! As lips get drier and flakier during cold months, a simple DIY exfoliator made from the Elixir Botanicals lip balm mixed with a ¼ teaspoon of sugar rubbed on the lips will help maintain a perfect pout. Sugar being a natural humectant will help keep the moisture on the skin even after you have removed it. You can then apply the balm right after exfoliation for a soft and smooth finish. If your lips are especially dry or chapped, you can add a little honey into the exfoliator, or simply apply a little honey to the lips before applying your lip balm. Using a lip balm with sunscreen during the day is the best way to ensure you are protected. jane iredale has several tinted lip balm shades that have an SPF 25 that offer a pop of color. Don’t forget to show those lips some love!