11/6/2022 0 Comments Fall/Winter Skin PrepThere's no sugar coating this: winter in Canada is BRUTAL for our skin and often times our mood. As a chronically dehydrated skin, eczema-prone, seasonal affective disorder sufferer myself, I want to share the skin & lifestyle tips that keep my skin, mind and body feeling loved and healthy. We can't escape it, so together let's embrace it shall we? SKINCARE Keep up with exfoliation We must continuously remove dead cell build-up to allow our hydrating products do their job best. 1/2 of what I do in my treatment room is removing dead skin. Without this essential step you can layer all the serums, moisturizers and oils you want but will be left feeling like you need more. Why? As you age you accumulate more dead skin and dead cells don't retain water as well. We need to assist removal of these dead cells by using a variety of exfoliation methods ie. enzymes, acids, physical scrubs Over the years I've noticed that clients are either not exfoliating at all or are doing way too much. Frequency and method can be tricky so this step is best guided by a professional. Exception: When you are dealing with inflamed eczema and psoriasis you should not be exfoliating at all so once again it's best to work with a professional who can guide you. Top Performing Products Incorporate a barrier supportive serum Low humidity + indoor heating is a recipe for a compromised skin barrier. This means your skin is more prone to water loss and can lead to invasion of bacteria + irritation such as redness and stinging. If you've ever experienced eczema, psoriasis or over-exfoliated, you know exactly how uncomfortable this is. Moisturizers may not be enough alone to support your skin for the whole day and EVERYONE experiences dehydration (lack of water). Serums are formulated with smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin more easily and are an efficient way of transporting a variety of barrier supportive ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, beta glucan and niacinamide into the skin. Top Performing Products Switch up your moisturizer For anyone who was able to get away with a serum + spf in the summer, now is the time to build a moisturizer in for AM + PM. For dry skin types, this is the time to switch to a moisturizer formula with more emollients and occlusives. Moisturizers are typically a combo of: Humectants - water binding ingredients Emollients - ingredients that mimic our natural oil and/or fill in the cracks of our skin barrier Occlusives - ingredients that seal the other ingredients in like a bandaid Dry skin types can also benefit from an oil as the last step in the routine to seal everything else in. Top Performing Products Make masking a staple Masks provide a great deal of repair throughout the week, act as quick pick-me-ups and are SOS products every routine should have on hand. I recommend 1-2 dedicated rest days in the week to strictly focus on replenishment, especially for routines with several cellular turnover products ie. retinoids + acids My philosophy for healthy skin is that replenishment is equally as important as removal so I strive to create balance in my treatments & curated skincare routines. Skin that thrives is balanced in oil and water and will indicate when it needs more or less. Also who doesn't love a self-care masking moment. Top Performing Products Additional Tips Build a cream cleanser into your routine for AM or as the 1st cleanser in the PM Keep a hydrating spray within reach to quickly bump water levels throughout the day Continue protecting your skin with sunscreen. This must remain a daily staple to prevent damage Incorporate microcurrent treatments to increase water retention & stimulate circulation Try sandwiching your retinoids between a hydrating serum + your moisturizer or layer on top of your skincare to soften side effects LIFESTYLE NEVER wash your face with hot water & turn the shower temperature down for your body Apply your skincare head to toe when your skin is damp Keep a humidifier on in your workspace + bedroom Dry brush daily Boost blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and energy though daily body movement Try to get outside for a daily dose of vitamin d & fresh air (even for 5-10 min) Strengthen your immune system with whole foods ie. oatmeal, stews, soups, root vegetables, ginger, tea, apples and cinnamon Create a wind-down evening routine to get ample quality sleep. This can include dimming the lights, putting your phone on DND an hour before bed, listening to a sleep story/ meditation/ calming music, read a fiction novel, gentle yoga and stretching, baths, candles, wearing an eye sleeping mask and tracking your sleep habits with smart watches Keep your mood high with more dedicated self-care time booked in your calendar When you make time for the things that help your skin, body and mind feel loved you will sustain a more positive daily outlook xoxo Alicia
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