Fall is upon us and winter is knocking on its door which means most of us, including me, will see changes in our skin. Unfavorable changes that is. The combination of cool weather and warmer/drier temperatures in our homes and offices cause hydration levels to fluctuate in our skin. Dry air can leach away oils and evaporate water in our skin, specifically our skin barrier. The outer layer protecting our skin from water loss and the entry of harmful chemical and environmental irritants. It contains ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, called lipids, that protect our skin. When the skin barrier is compromised our skin gets flaky, sensitive and dry. Below are some tips for protecting your skin barrier, including some product recommendations.

  1. Cleanse, but not harshly. Warm water and gentle cleansers will suit your delicate skin best during these upcoming months. Creamy cleansers are best for dry skin and light weight foaming or gel cleansers are best for oily.
  2. Avoid abrasive scrubs and beads as a form of exfoliation. I’m talking about fruit and seed scrubs which can cause microscopic tears in the skin weakening your skin barrier. And, while I’m at it, avoid alcohols and witch hazel astringents as well which are severely over drying. The best option is a daily chemical exfoliant such as AHA (glycolic and lactic) or BHA (salicylic acid). For dry, mature or sun damaged skin, a product compounded with arbutase, which is a skin lightener, is a great choice. Sensitive, oily or blemish prone would do best with a salicylic acid serum.
  3. Add nutrients to you skin! Oral supplements are great for your body but when it comes to skin the best option is a topical application. Antioxidants essentially form a barrier around your healthy molecules which will protect them from pesky free radicals which damage your cells, destroying collagen and elastin. We offer products with a blend of vitamins C, E and Ferulic Acid in a non-fragranced, dye free, silky serum.
  4. This goes without saying, but finding the right moisturizer can be frustrating. Rich and creamy moisturizers are best for dry skin but a lighter serum is what oily skin needs. A great option for oily skin is Hyaluronic Acid. HA will retain 1000 times its weight in water making it a remarkable option for hydration without clogging your pores. Dry skin and sensitive skin benefit from this as well and can be layered with your heavier moisturizer.
  5. In the winter? Yes! UVA rays, the aging and cancer causing rays, are damaging year round and can penetrate clouds and windows. (If you’re near a window during the day these rays are finding you!!!) The sun is responsible for 85% of our aging and releases those free radicals in our skin. I’ve heard almost every excuse in the book about why people don’t wear daily sunscreen. My answer is you haven’t found the right one! When choosing a sunscreen, it must have an SPF between 30-50 and is applied as the last step in the skincare routine, right before makeup application. Sunscreens have come a long way and we offer a variety of elegant and non-greasy formulas many of which have no “sunscreen smell”. We offer a product with spf 40, containing antioxidants and satin texture, and a very light tint, making it appropriate for any skin tone. With a consultation, I am able to best determine the right product for your skin.

Written by Licensed Esthetician, Heather Happy

For additional information or a customized skincare routine call us at (615) 771-7718 for a complimentary skin consultation!