I like face masks and I cannot lie (insert dance moves here), haha. No matter the season, stepping up your home masking game is always a good idea, and you can totally customize homemade masks from items in your pantry.
During the wintertime, harsh winds and cold temperatures strip the skin, so you’ll want to focus on infusing moisture and nourishment to maintain a healthy complexion. Should you feel hydrated but struggle with acne year-round, you can easily combat those winter breakouts with homemade masks too. It’s ideal to mask 2-3 times a week and mix it up as you see fit.
HYDRATING/NOURISHING BASE
Avocados – Vitamins A and E will heal the skin while the fatty acids and oils will add hydration and nourishment
Bananas – Vitamins A and B will repair the skin, potassium will nourish and hydrate, and the amino acids will keep skin supple
Oatmeal – Oats lock in moisture while soothing the skin and reducing inflammation
Egg Whites – Vitamins and proteins boost elasticity and add nourishment to the skin
ACNE FIGHTING BASE
Yogurt – Lactic acid and the live cultures combat bacteria and promote healthy skin
Honey – Its antibacterial properties will minimize breakouts and reduce inflammation
Pineapple – Vitamin C, antioxidants, and bromelin will improve hydration, skin tone, and reduce inflammation
Papaya – Enzymes will gently remove dead skin cells to get your skin glowing again
MIXING AGENTS
Coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Olive Oil
DIRECTIONS
Mash base(s) of choice
Add 1-2 teaspoons of mixing agent
Mix to create your desired consistency
Apply and lightly massage onto face and neck – leave on for 10-15 minutes
Rinse with cool water and top it off the treatment with your favorite serums and creams
My secret to an ultra nourishing facial is to tap serums into the skin prior to masking – doing so will provide that extra boost of nourishment your skin craves! And don’t be afraid to get creative with your Aesthetician as more aggressive facial treatments are ideal in the wintertime. The papaya and pineapple masks also tighten and brighten the skin, so add them in between facial appointments to maintain that radiant winter complexion!
The overindulgence struggle is real during the holidays! From homemade dishes to champagne steadily flowing, there is no shortage of temptation. While your taste buds will be delighted, your skin may be less enthused.
In order to stay on track with your skin care goals, you can monitor skin suppleness, breakouts/inflammation, and dullness to identify the root of these adverse reactions. This will help you make healthier choices and exercise portion control. I’ve put together a bit of information to help you feed your face while enjoying the holidays.
ANTI-AGING Consuming foods with high antioxidant qualities help minimize risk for premature aging and disease. The below treats are great choices for maintaining your youth…
Red Wine
Berries
Pecans
Dark Chocolate
Potatoes
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Red Beans
Broccoli
RADIANCE BOOSTING To promote a radiant complexion, seek foods rich in Vitamins A and C. Working the below goodies into your holiday diet will ensure your shine isn’t dulled!
Sweet Potatoes
Oranges
Peppers
Brussels Sprouts
Eggs
Nuts
Olives
Soy Products
Green Tea
INFLAMMATION FIGHTERS
Foods containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids provide excellent anti-inflammatory qualities that minimize irritated and/or sensitive skin due to acne, eczema, and/or psoriasis. You can easily calm that complexion with some of these yummy options…
Leafy Greens
Grapes
Walnuts
Whole grains
Salmon/Fatty Fish
Herbal Teas
MOISTURE ENHANCERS Maintaining hydration levels is quite a challenge during the winter. Sticking to foods rich in Vitamins B and E will add that extra boost of moisture to your pretty face…
Apples
Pears
Strawberries
Broccoli
Nuts
Salmon/Fatty Fish
Avocados
Sweet Potatoes
You should also be mindful of maintaining water intake and minimizing indulgence in foods that don’t nourish the body. Some things to tread lightly with are…
Processed Foods
Gluten
Dairy
Sugar
Sodium
Alcohol
Fried Foods
I hope this serves as a helpful guide to maintain your skin care goals into the new year. I wish you all a very happy holiday season filled with love, gratitude, laughter, blessings, and FUN!!!
What do cracked, dry, flaky, and dull skin have in common? Yep, you guessed it…they’re all effects of harsh winter weather. Because of this, our skincare regimens should shift with the seasons just as our wardrobes do. While a light moisturizer and daily exfoliation may work during the spring/summer, that may not carry over well into the fall/winter months.
If you’re a creature of habit and keep the same routine year-round, hopefully I can convince you to switch things up with these 15 reasons to…
1: COLD AIR STRIPS THE SKIN
2: SUMMER MOISTURIZER IS TOO LIGHT
3: INDOOR HEATING DEHYDRATES THE SKIN
4: HOT SHOWERS AND BATHS DRY OUT THE SKIN
5: WIND IMPACTS MOISTURE BARRIER
6: TONER CONTAINS DRYING INGREDIENTS
7: YOU’RE SKIPPING SPF
8: SERUMS ARE NOT MOISTURIZING ENOUGH
9: COLD WEATHER EXACERBATES SKIN CONCERNS
10: “COMFORT FOODS” CAUSE FLARE UPS
11: MOISTURE LEVELS IN THE AIR ARE LOW
12: INDOOR TO OUTDOOR WEATHER IS DAMAGING
13: WINTER WEAR ISN’T BREATHABLE
14: YOUR REGULAR CLEANSER IS TOO HARSH
15: YOU FAIL TO PROTECT YOUR EYES IN THE WINTER
The key to maintaining healthy skin in the winter is to add nourishing products to your regimen. Avoid alcohol based products and any other ingredients that could impair your barrier function to protect moisture levels. Using a hydrating cleanser and body wash will also ensure a healthy complexion. For an extra hydration boost, you can apply serums on damp skin to lock in that moisture – don’t forget the eye cream, too. Lastly, top off your winter regimen by sealing everything with a nutrient rich moisturizer to help maintain that glow through the winter months.
Sleeping with a humidifier can also aid in moisture retention as indoor heating methods can be extremely drying. And as glorious as that hot bath or shower before bed sounds, skip it! Your skin is already struggling to remain hydrated all day, and immersing it in hot water will only make things worse. Your winter attire can further irritate the skin, so be mindful of the fabrics in your scarves, gloves, and hats.
If you need additional guidance selecting winter products, don’t hesitate to reach out to your aesthetician or send me a quick note. A few lifestyle and regimen shifts is all it takes to keep that radiant complexion all year long!
