Winter Skincare
Well, it happened …
the cold weather has finally arrived. And as much as we love the festive lights, clean crisp air, and holiday cheer – our skin does not share in this same joy. The cold air and low humidity of these winter months, make it a perfectly imperfect atmosphere for dry, tight, and flaky skin.
A change in season, equals a change in skincare
So, why does this time of year have such an effect on our skin? Because everything from dry outdoor air and hot indoor heating, prevent it from retaining its full moisture capability.
Even though this 2017-2018 Toronto winter has been predicted to be one of the coldest we’ve had in a while, our experts here at Q Esthetics have seen it all. And, because of this, they know a thing or two about maintaining moisturized, healthy and glowing skin!
The key? … Hydration, hydration, hydration!
Along with keeping our bodies well-protected..
by bundling up in thick sweaters and warm, yet stylish, coats – it’s important to bundle up our skin as well. So, jump on board to see what we have to share, and let’s learn how to plan our skincare as we would plan our wardrobe this winter…
…preventative and protective!
Tip #1: Beautiful skin starts from the inside-out
If you’re not providing your body with ample nutrients, it’s going to be that much more difficult to maintain that oh-so-desired happy and healthy glow. Therefore, drinking-in that essential hydration, is our number one skincare tip for a healthy body & healthy mind.
Our body requires hydration from the inside-out; therefore, not drinking enough can result in dull and dry skin. As much as we love that quick boost of caffeine in the morning, this is exactly what we should be trying to avoid. Instead of stripping our skin of essential moisture from these caffeinated drinks, two super-hydrating drinks to feed our skin with this winter instead, are – water and herbal teas.
The calming and warming effect of herbal teas..
along with being packed full of antioxidants, internal healing properties, and natural stress relievers – is exactly what our skin needs! Warm water with lemon is also a great habit to get into. Indulging in one of these cozy cups first thing in the morning, is incredible to flush out toxins and as an added winter immunity-boost!
Q Pro Tip – Try infusing your water with some other water-rich fruits and veggies; such as cantaloupe, apples, oranges, celery, and cucumbers – for a healthy added burst of flavour!
Tip #2: Harsh cleansers equal a harsh reality
Once you’ve supplied your body with hydration from the inside out, why would you want to throw it all away with a rougher-than-pinecone cleanser? Using a harsh cleanser, with ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, will strip your skin of essential oils and protective barriers – leaving it feeling dry and damaged. Instead, take a step in the right direction, and opt for a soap-free one instead!
Soap-free cleansers are gentle on our skin, and should be a staple 12-month product in your skincare regimen. Do we really only want ultimate skin protection during the winter months? Definitely not! A cleanser with moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, is essential to maintaining that essential hydration year-round.
Q Pro cleanser recommendation:
SensiCalm Gentle Cleanser – by Alumier MD
Tip #3: Your skin is hungry too!
Feeding your skin with the right serums and moisturizers is a winter skincare essential. Choose products both rich in hydration, and those that protect our skin from the harsh outdoor elements. Winning ingredients to look for in your winter skincare are humectants; such as, glycerin & hyaluronic acid (or sodium hyaluronate). Both are key elements in moisture retention, because of their ability to fight against dehydration, and by their capacity to attract and hold onto water.
A Q Pro Tip to remember,
is to always be sure to apply any type of moisturizer to your skin immediately after cleansing – when pores are still open and ready to retain optimal hydration!
Q Pro serum, moisturizer, and eye cream recommendations:
Ultimate Boost serum – by Alumier MD
Alumience A.G.E serum – by Alumier MD
Recovery Balm moisturizer – by Alumier MD
HydraDew moisturizer – by Alumier MD
Alumineye eye cream – by Alumier MD
Q Pro Tip #4 – Hold on tight!
Our final Q Pro Tip in preventative skincare, is to hold onto that hydration, protect yourself from those harsh winter winds, and – if it isn’t already – make sunscreen your new best friend!
It’s true – the winter sun’s UV’s are just as damaging as the summer ones. Skipping the SPF will not only reverse your efforts of supplying your skin with that essential moisture, but result in dry and damaged skin as well.
Sunscreen helps to prevent premature aging..
as it protects from harsh elements – elements that trigger sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Even that short commute to work – you know the one where you tell yourself it’s not worth the extra effort to apply that last-minute sunscreen – can make the difference between your skin looking great now, and your skin still looking great 10 years from now!
Q Pro sunscreen recommendation:
Sheer Hydration – by Alumier MD
And that’s it – you’re ready to go!
So, indulge in that delicious cup of hot herbal tea, feed your skin with the protection it needs, top it all off with your favourite sunscreen, throw on that added chic accessory piece – and protect your skin in style this winter, by kissing dry flakey skin goodbye!
*All AlumierMD Products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, Petrolatum and Dyes. AlumierMD does not do any animal testing on their products.