The temperature is starting to drop, and the wind is picking up, it's starting to get pretty clear that Winter is almost here (oh no!). With that in mind you may have already run out to gt a new winter coat, some cute but warm boots, or even a pair of gloves or earmuffs (which is good). Unfortunately getting so caught up in what you want to wear can cause you to forget about what you're already wearing, your skin. Preparing your skin for harsher weather conditions is soooo important, especially if you're planning on attending any events (xmas parties, new years), and or want to still be looking fresh and bright in the spring.
First things first, we know that our skin naturally adapts to it's surroundings, hence why it reacts so differently in winter as apposed to summer (example, cold wind tends to shrink your winter pores). But we often ignore when our skin tells us it needs something extra, so here are your tips for keeping that gorgeous skin clean, glowing, and lush, all season long.
Prep Work: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Tone.It's just as important to keep your face clean in winter as it is all year round. Cleansers and toners, with a bit of lighter exfoliation will work wonders. Foaming cleansers from 'Clean and Clear', 'Biore', or 'Neutrogena' get the job done, and are easy to apply (I prefer to use them in the shower so there's no mess on the bathroom counter). They're also pretty cheap (under $10), and easily accessible at your local pharmacy or superstore.
The next step is exfoliation. Some people prefer to go out and buy an exfoliating tool such as the 'Neutrogena WAVE' (available for around $15.99 plus taxes in your local pharmacy section) which is more of a two in one for a lighter cleansing and very gentle exfoliation (not really the best exfoliant, especially for winter, but i still like it or regular skin care). Though if you don't plan on going out and spending about $20 on a tool, a simple washcloth works wonders. It's important that you start with a clean cloth (to avoid adding bacteria to your naked skin which could cause breakouts or blackheads), getting it nice and wet with warm-hot water then ringing it out just to get rid of the excess (NEVER use a dry cloth on your face, this will cause rashes and or blistering. Trust, not cute). Next start to scrub your face, applying necessary pressure to remove dried and dead skin (if it's your first time, go easy. Over time your skin will become more accustom to the pressure, you should feel something, but it shouldn't hurt!), remembering not to over-do it (a minute or less of exfoliating is really all you need). Remember, you really don't need to be roughly exfoliating every day, your skin regenerates every three days, so a couple times a week should have you covered (don't be scared off by any redness, it should go away after an hour or so).
The next step is exfoliation. Some people prefer to go out and buy an exfoliating tool such as the 'Neutrogena WAVE' (available for around $15.99 plus taxes in your local pharmacy section) which is more of a two in one for a lighter cleansing and very gentle exfoliation (not really the best exfoliant, especially for winter, but i still like it or regular skin care). Though if you don't plan on going out and spending about $20 on a tool, a simple washcloth works wonders. It's important that you start with a clean cloth (to avoid adding bacteria to your naked skin which could cause breakouts or blackheads), getting it nice and wet with warm-hot water then ringing it out just to get rid of the excess (NEVER use a dry cloth on your face, this will cause rashes and or blistering. Trust, not cute). Next start to scrub your face, applying necessary pressure to remove dried and dead skin (if it's your first time, go easy. Over time your skin will become more accustom to the pressure, you should feel something, but it shouldn't hurt!), remembering not to over-do it (a minute or less of exfoliating is really all you need). Remember, you really don't need to be roughly exfoliating every day, your skin regenerates every three days, so a couple times a week should have you covered (don't be scared off by any redness, it should go away after an hour or so).
Finally, the hot water was used to open your pores, so this is your optimal time to really clear out whatever gunk is in there and prevent the accumulation of new gunk. For this you'll want a toner, again 'Neutrogena', Clean and Clear', or 'Biore', offer some affordable and findable options. Though you'll want to find something that is alcohol free, since a major skin symptom of winter is dry skin, the alcohol will amplify this (potentially causing some major skin flaking). Toner is generally applied with a cotton swab or face pad, evenly all over the face.
Lastly, without washing off the toner, splashing a bit of cold (and i mean COLD) water on your face will seal the deal and tighten your pores, making them smaller and thus harder for bacteria to infiltrate.
 |
| Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer from Sephora $19.50 |
Don't Forget!So now that your skin is clean, it's time to get into the actual maintenance. After cleaning and before applying makeup, moisturizer is a must. Now if you have relatively easy-going skin that isn't too oily, dry, or sensitive, it shouldn't be too hard to find a basic moisturizer for your face. Overall you don't want anything too heavy or oily (most opt for 'oil-free' moisturizers. Bad idea, the base ingredient is water which won't blend properly with your face because it produces oil. Oil + water = non-blending mess), the more ingredient on your face, the more likely it is to clog your pores. Something light and nourishing would be optimal (unscented), again taking your skin's needs into consideration (example, I have really oily skin, so i need something super-super light that will quickly be absorbed to level out my natural oil production). A great option for easy and on the go is a tinted moisturizer (easily available at most drug stores or 'Sephora' if you're looking for competitive pricing and coverage click here). Most come with SPF 15 or so, this is also beneficial because a lot of people forget to use sunscreen in the winter. A dime-sized amount of product is all you need, work it evenly into the face and you're set to do your makeup.
Below the Jawline
Below the Jawline
 |
| Purchased at 'The Body Shop' for $8 plus taxes50mL, also comes in 200mL for $20 plus taxes |
Great winter skin doesn't end with your face, dry hands and feet are another thing to consider. As well, your arms, legs, and everything else can be effected too. A simple moisturizer can get pretty necessary in the dry weather. You can pick one up pretty much anywhere, things you should be looking out or though are cocoa or shea butters, these add natural moisture and work to soften your skin long-term. I bought a little tub of 'Body Butter' from 'The Body Shop' last year and that's lasted me a while (I don't really use moisturizer ever, but it smells amazing and isn't greasy). As well, if you're looking to soothe any dry or itchy winter skin, look for alovera in the ingredient listing, this is a natural calming agent. You can even get moisturizers with glitter added to them to give you a cute sparkle effect for going out at night.
For an easy fix for dry hands, try moisturizer gloves. I've seen them at places like 'Winners' or 'Shoppers Drug Mart', (I don't think they'd be too hard to find) basically they're thin little gloves (usually with cute designs on them) that are lined with a kind of thin plastic that won't allow any thing to escape the inside. You put them on at night with moisturizer inside and they let your hands soak it up while you sleep (my sister and mom use them a lot).
For an easy fix for dry hands, try moisturizer gloves. I've seen them at places like 'Winners' or 'Shoppers Drug Mart', (I don't think they'd be too hard to find) basically they're thin little gloves (usually with cute designs on them) that are lined with a kind of thin plastic that won't allow any thing to escape the inside. You put them on at night with moisturizer inside and they let your hands soak it up while you sleep (my sister and mom use them a lot).
At Home Fixes
Facial ScrubCombine two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of sea salt (ionized salt, NOT table salt. Findable at most grocery stores or health stores) together in a small bowl. After mixing, apply this to your face and gently scrub for about a minute. The texture of the salt will loosen and remove and dead or dry skin, as well it will stimulate new skin growth. The honey serves to keep the skin clean during the exfoliating and as an antioxidant. Remember to rinse with warm water after.
Skin Softening Masks
1. Apply about a tablespoon and a half of natural yogurt (non-flavoured) to your skin and let sit for about twenty minutes. Plain yogurt contains lactic acid, a natural skin smoother that will keep your skin soft and happy. Also if you have any pimple or even acne, the zinc in the yogurt will help to lessen the redness and even prevent future breakouts. You can find it at your local superstore grocer or at health food stores and smaller markets.
1. Apply about a tablespoon and a half of natural yogurt (non-flavoured) to your skin and let sit for about twenty minutes. Plain yogurt contains lactic acid, a natural skin smoother that will keep your skin soft and happy. Also if you have any pimple or even acne, the zinc in the yogurt will help to lessen the redness and even prevent future breakouts. You can find it at your local superstore grocer or at health food stores and smaller markets.
2. Combine one egg white, one tablespoon of yogurt, and one tablespoon of honey together in a small bowl and apply to face. Leave to sit about twenty minutes and remove with warm water. You can even try adding ingredients like olive oil (half teaspoon) to add more moisture to your face, just remember with olive oil you really will have to work to get it all off, you only want that absorbs into your skin, the rest that sits on the surface needs to go!
In combination with these treatments and regimes, your daily requirements of vitamin C and at least eight glasses of water are crucial to keeping your skin looking it's best (hydrated skin is healthy skin).
Don't forget to follow me here on blogger for the latest tips and tricks for beauty and style, or even leave a comment with your thoughts or responses!
No comments:
Post a Comment