7 Ways to Winterize Your Skin

Let’s face it, we can’t all escape to an island to avoid the chill of winter. As the cold settles in, Old Man Winter can wreak havoc on our skin leaving us dull, blotchy, and even scaly. Far from glowing, the dry heat, dipping temperatures, and harsh elements can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated, but it’s not time to throw in the towel just yet. You can brave the winter months by making a few simple modifications to your winter skincare routine.

Follow these 7 simple steps to winterize your skin in time for the upcoming freeze:

1. Exfoliate.

While harsh scrubbing can be dangerous, gentle exfoliation is key to maintaining cell turnover for a youthful appearance. Our Refining Micro Buff will do the trick, but, if you tend to get carried away, trade in your scrub for a chemical exfoliant like our Aha! AHA Toner. The glycolic and lactic acids help to exfoliate while brightening your skin.

2. Switch it up.

Winter calls for a change in your cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Ask your aesthetician for their recommendations each season to keep your skincare routine maximally effective. Generally, you want to incorporate more hydrating products during the winter months.

3. Banish dry air.

If your home has dry heat, consider investing in a quality humidifier. Since you spend eight hours sleeping each night, your bedroom is the most important room to keep at a comfortable humidity level. Your dry skin will thank you!

4. Don’t scald your skin.

We know it’s relaxing to soak in a hot bath or unwind beneath a scalding shower stream, but that heat does a number to dry out already parched winter skin. Hot water pulls out natural oils from your skin, so shorten your bathing time and turn down the heat whenever possible.

5. Eat more seafood.

Salmon and black cod are an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Unlike external moisturizers, EFA’s keep you skin hydrated from the inside out. And, if you don’t like the taste of fish, you can substitute flaxseed oil supplements effectively.

6. Drink up.

Your body is made up of mostly water, so be sure to stay hydrated! To up your intake of water and other anti-aging nutrients, increase your intake of raw fruits and vegetables. Think cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, radishes, tomatoes, green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, watermelon, spinach, strawberries, grapefruit, baby carrots and cantaloupe. I start off every morning with a fresh, green juice!

7. Don’t slack on the SPF.

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can slack on the sunblock! Do you know that even on the cloudiest winter day approximately 80% of both UVA and UVB rays penetrate the clouds? This is the biggest mistake you can make if you want to keep your youthful glow or avoid worsening your wrinkles! Wear- at least– SPF 15 every day, all year round!

Science. Truth. Results.