Keeping Skin Healthy and Hydrated All Winter Long

Ahhh, the joys of winter… the seasonal sounds of holiday music, snuggling by the fire, frolicking in the swirling snow followed by a steaming hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows… Right… only if you have a sister named Elsa and you live in a Disney movie! As for the rest of us, winter typically means fighting blistery wind, freezing temps and being in rooms filled with moisture-sucking dry air. So much for those visions of snowball fights and rosy cheeks! That is why maintaining the moisture in your skin by devising a skin care regimen during the winter is crucial.

So, what’s a girl to do to keep her skin glowing, healthy and hydrated? Here are a few tips and treatments designed to help your skin look and feel great all winter long.

Moisturize More         `

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine. Find an “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion.

But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for “nonclogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil — or butter — is controversial, because it can clog facial pores.

You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.

Slather on the Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun — combined with snow glare — can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes prior to going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside for an extended period of time.

Unlike a bulky sweater, we recommend going lightweight with our favorite sunscreens from Image Skincare that not only provide great UVA/UVB protection but also include all the essentials for healthy skin, including antioxidants.

Ban the Baths

Sure, soaking in a hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath can actually break down the lipid barriers in the skin, which may lead to a loss of moisture. It’s better to limit your time and heat level in the shower.

A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can also help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy and scaly. And, don’t forget to periodically reapply your moisturizer.

Go easy on the spirits

It’s easy to overindulge during the holidays. However, drinking can take a toll and cause damage to your skin. The first effect is dehydration, as it actually depletes your skin of fluid. If you look at a woman who has been drinking for 20 or 30 years, and a woman the same age who hasn’t at all, we see a massive difference in the skin—more wrinkles from that dehydration damage, which can make you look 10 years older. So, while a fun, festive cocktail or two is okay, as with anything, moderation during the holidays is key.

Give yourself the gift of pampering

It’s no surprise that facials do wonders for your skin. Packed with water-rich properties, a hydrating facial does an excellent job at restoring water content to your skin especially during the cold winter months. Winter air contains low humidity, that can easily dry out the skin, causing it to become less radiant, less smooth and easily irritated.

At Ettane, we have numerous facial treatments to help hydrate your skin. Our Basic Hydrating Facial is designed to bring water content back into your skin and lock in moisture. Those experiencing dehydration, dryness and irritation will benefit most from this type of treatment that is suitable for anyone looking to get that radiant and supple look. If your skin looks flaky and feels rough to the touch, your skin is dehydrated. However, if your skin looks dull and more oily than usual, your skin is also dehydrated.

Products used in a hydrating facial are directed toward treating this dehydration. The formula of these products are water-based and consists of moisture rich ingredients that help retain the skin’s moisture balance and prevent any moisture from seeping out.

Our 02 Lift Facial is oxygen infusing, has enzymes for exfoliation, and stem cells for anti-aging. Using oxygen, plant-derived stem cells, peptides and specially concentrated enzymatic botanicals, our Image O2 LIFT delivers a premium spa experience with immediate results to release fresh, healthy and ultra-hydrated skin!

So, don’t let the harsh winter elements put a damper on the health and vitality of your skin. Be merry and bright all season long with these tips and treatments designed to illuminate and hydrate your skin!