Winter is tough on our skin. After months of cold exposure
and central heating, many of us are left with skin that feels dry,
tight and uncomfortable.
Common problems
Skin is stripped of its natural moisture by wind, heating and low
humidity. Even people who don't normally have dry skin can find the
winter months a problem. Many people find dry skin can start
to itch and when breaks appear it can also lead to
infections. People with a tendency towards eczema can itch a
lot. Other winter skin problems can include a flushed
weather-beaten look caused by fluctuating blood vessels when you go
between extreme temperatures.
What can you do?
Very cold days, windy days can wreak havoc on your skin. Soaps, harsh
chemicals and hot water can all aggravate dry skin also.
People who have particularly dry skin, or conditions such as eczema or
psoriasis, should look for alternatives to soaps. During
winter you should also reduce excessive washing. Avoid alcohol-based
cleansers and toners at all costs.
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Keep your environment humidified
A major contributing factor to winter dryness is low humidity, caused
by cold winds and overheated homes and offices. Use a vaporizer or a
humidifier to keep your environment humidity at the right
level. One other simple idea is to leave bowls of water near
heat sources.
Consuming foods that nourish with the right nutrients will not only add
to your general health, but they will give your skin a boost.
Healthy eating includes important vitamins such as A, C, D, E. These
can be found in a range of fruits, vegetables and dairy
products. Eat a balanced diet. Essential fatty acids such
omega 3 are good for general health, and may help play a role in
supporting the skin. The best source of Omega 3 in the diet is oily
fish, such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines and
herring. Drink adequate amounts of water.
Also remember: alcohol dehydrates, thus drinking will affect your skin
also. |
We recommend light, gentle exfoliation to get rid
of dry skin cells. With dry skin, there's a build-up of dead
cells.
This build-up hinders the skin from carrying out its normal function of
excreting toxins, and as a result adds to the skin's
problems.
However, vigorous exfoliation can remove some of the skin's protective
barrier function, so do not over do it. Those with severe dryness or
sensitive skin should probably avoid exfoliating.
Our
Micro-Dermabrasion
Resurfacing Treatment is a gentle exfoliating cream
that combines fine granulated crystals of marine salts, fruit enzymes,
hydrolyzed vitamins and herbal extracts to improve the texture of the
skin.
You surely notice that your skin feels different in the winter.
Naturally your moisturizer should be different also. Use a
rich, more potent moisturizer for the winter months. Be
especially diligent when going outdoors, and don’t forget that even
when it is cold the sun causes damage to your skin, so you should apply
sunscreen.
We recommend the Hydrating
Cream Concentrate – a light texture moisturizer
for dry skin, which delivers intensive hydration with a quickly
absorbed
formula, rich in herbal extract such as jojoba and sunflower oils.
As an alternative, the Placental
Crème is a rich, regenerating,
anti-wrinkle night cream. For those with intense dryness, who
feel that no cream is ever rich enough this is the answer. A
wonderful treatment for the neck and décolleté area.
However, for keeping your skin in its best shape there is no substitute
for regular salon visits. Our Busy
Woman's 50 Minutes Pamper Facial or the Ultimate Nourishment ECHO2 Oxygen
Facial will help your skin look its best.
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