Thursday, February 25, 2021

Winter Skin Tips!

 I hope this finds you healthy and coping the best you can!


Although it's gorgeous and 65 degrees as I type this, winter has arrived with a vengeance in the rest of the country. Our winters here are mild, but I still notice some changes in my skin during this season. Read on below for some winter skin tips, wherever you're located.

No service updates as of right now. I'm still only allowed to do mask-on services. So I am available for Brow Design and the aptly named "2020" mask-on facial treatment. (Yes, I know it's 2021, but I am confident I'll be able to take that off my menu sooner rather than later, and I don't want to jinx it.) My online skincare shop is open 24-7, so no need to run out of anything until we can see each other again. I am also still doing virtual product consults if you need to shake up your routine, or need some advice on a new issue.

I completely understand that some of you are not yet comfortable coming in.
When you are, I will be here.

I cannot wait to see you all again!
(virtual) xo,
Jill

Winter Skin Tips
Protect, revive, and repair that vital skin barrier (year-round!) with the tips below:

Cleansing

  • Properly cleansing your skin is vital, but can become challenging for barrier-damaged skin that might need a bit more nourishment. I recommend changing up your cleansing routine to an oil, milk, or lotion, especially if you're currently using a cleansing mousse or foaming wash. Personally, I love using a cleansing oil for my pm cleanse in the winter. And yes, even oily skins can use a non-clogging cleansing oil, and it's great for makeup removal too. Super dry? This cleansing souffle is my go-to product.
Antioxidants
  • Free-radicals are responsible for damaging the lipids in our skin's barrier that protect, and lock in moisture. You constantly hear about the latest and greatest antioxidant, but the truth is, different antioxidants protect against different things, so your best bet is a topical cocktail of multiple antioxidants, as opposed to just one. I'm a huge fan of vitamin C, but it doesn't protect against Lipid Peroxide, which damages the barrier lipids. I combine my vitamin C serum, with an antioxidant complex (18 total!) in the morning to cover all the bases and provide complete protection. Back when we actually traveled, this was also my go-to before any air-travel to prevent barrier damage and dryness that occurs due to the ozone in plane cabins.
Moisturizing
  •  We all know we need to moisturize and hydrate our skin, but looking for barrier-repair ingredients is key. There are many great choices including shea butter, soy phospholipids, ceramides, and tocopheryl linoleate. Including soothing agents like sea whip is also advised, as inflammation leads to all sorts of problems, including poor barrier function. I love this calming creme in the winter, and for those really suffering, this barrier repair masque is fantastic.
  • Certain emulsifiers, when used in too high a percentage in a formula can actually emulsify the skin's lipids, which will later be rinsed away, resulting in that dry, tight feeling. So you might be applying moisturizer, but it is liquifying the lipids in your natural barrier, leaving you feeling tight and dry, so you apply again.... a vicious cycle. If you think this might be happening to you, have your skin therapist check your current product (or send the ingredient label to me). :)
Exfoliate Gently
  • We're learning the lesson that really aggressive treatments, in general, can often do more harm than good in the long term. While exfoliating surface cells can indeed stimulate the skin to repair itself and produce those vital lipids, it's important not to go overboard. A barrier-damaged skin should steer clear of physical abrasive exfoliants that can irritate and create micro-tears on the surface. Instead, try using a gentle resurfacer, with glycolic or lactic acid, get the renewal process going, and stimulate that barrier repair you need.
For The Body
  • Take it easy on the hot showers and long soaks! The same goes for hot tubs and saunas. If your body skin is really dry, just wash the important bits and get out of there. Also, you might want to check that you're not using a body wash with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which can be irritating to the skin. Lastly, please stop using soap. It doesn't rinse cleanly. Due to its alkalinity, it can actually leave a film on the skin that impedes the penetration of other products. Moisturize your entire body as soon as you get out of the shower to seal in moisture. You can find some great body options here.