Through the cold, dry months of Winter, your complexion comes under attack daily. Whirling winds, dry air, and chilly temperatures can really do a number on exposed skin and hair, leaving you feeling dry and itchy all over. Without sufficient moisture, lines and wrinkles in your skin can become more prominent and noticeable, while hair can become rough and
Some easy ways to remedy skin's Winter challenges and enjoy soft, supple skin through the coldest time of the year:
Cleanse, Face: Cleanse
daily with an effective yet gentle cleanser. (many foaming cleansers
tend to strip the skin of it's protective oils, which can cause dry and
flaking skin.
Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming chemical that strips away your natural oils and can cause more harm than good - certainly worth avoiding).
For more information on SLS click here
Exfoliate, Face:
There is a fresh-faced glow hiding under that layer of dull, dead skin
cells. The best way to uncover it is to exfoliate (gently remove the
dead skin cells - 2-3 times per week, depending on skin type). For the
healthiest glow it is best to use a product that contains
spherical/round beads (ie. cornmeal, jojoba beads...) vs. sharp, jagged
granules (ie. apricot, walnut shell...) that can scratch and inflict
microscopic tears to the skin.
Moisturize, Face: You
can add moisture to your skin from the inside and out, by drinking
plenty of clean water (avoid caffeine and alcohol as they create
dehydrating effects in the skin and body) and applying a high
quality moisturizer to facial area, neck and chest, while skin is still
damp from cleansing (morning and bedtime). This will help your skin to
absorb and lock in the moisturizing nutrients it needs to stay soft and
supple.
Protection: Wear your sunscreen 365
days a year. The winter-glare reflecting off of the innocent looking
white snow, can actually increase your exposure to skin damaging UVA
rays. Apply SPF 30+ to all exposed skin. (face, neck, hands...)
Temperature:
Avoid dehydrating, dry heat by turning down your thermostat at home and
on the hot water heater. Add a humidifyer to your bedroom. Use
lukewarm water to cleanse your face and turn down the hot water in your
bath and shower, as high temperature water can wear down and defeat
skin's protective layer, which can increase inflammation and accelerate
skin's ageing process (yikes).
Body: Whether you prefer a nice relaxing bath or a speedy shower, take time to:
- Cleanse with a moisturizing soap or bath & shower gel (SLS free).
- Exfoliate with a body scrub or polish, to
release dead, dry skin cells that can cause the irritating dry-itch we
often experience through the Winter months.
- Moisturize, in the bath or shower by
using a bath & massage oil (plant based oils vs. mineral oil), apply
a thin layer of oil while in the bath or shower, after cleansing...just
before you are ready to turn off the water and head for your towel.
Massage it over skin, rinse and pat dry. This will add moisture to your
skin and can often allow you to skip the body moisturizing step that is
dreaded on the freezing cold days.
- If you skip the bath & massage oil or just need a little extra
moisture for your skin, use a body moisturizing cream or lotion, daily
and as needed. Apply while skin is still damp for the most effective
and long lasting results. Also, be sure to avoid lotions and creams
with alcohol listed as being one of the first few (or any) ingredients.
The alcohol actually evaporates the product from the skin (to leave a
non-greasy feeling), which contributes to dry skin and multiple
applications of the product throughout the day. A nourishing body cream
or lotion made with cold pressed botanical oils may take a little time
to sink into your skin, but it will also nourish and moisturize your
skin for an extended period of time. (this can be a healthy step as well
as saving you money in the long run).
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| Photo Credit: SuzyLamont.com |
Purple Essentials skin nourishing
products that can help you to keep your skin healthy, soft and supple
throughout the year and its skin changing seasons.
Cleansing, Face -
Orange & Rosemary Facial Cleanser.
Cleansing, Body -
Soaps
Exfoliating, Face -
Cleansing Grains.
Exfoliating, Body -
Scrubs & Body Polishes, Vanilla Tangerine Body Scrub, Ginger & Mint Body Scrub. Whipped Cocoa Body Polish, Whipped Sugar Body Polish.
Moisturizing, Face - Peppermint Pore Toner, Essential Eye Treatment, Rejuvenating Serum, Lip Butter, Nail Enhancer
Moisturizing, Body - Whipped Body Creme, Mango Body Butter, Massage Bar, Bath & Massage Oil (Tranquil, Aphrodisiac), Whipped Sugar Body Polish
Purple Essentials Helps Protect and Nourish for Healthy Winter Skin!!
Live Purple
