Winter Skin Care Tips

Well we are in the heart of a traditional Canadian Winter here in Ontario. The snow keeps piling up and the temperatures have been frigid!
Here you will find a few simple steps to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your nose and your skin feeling hydrated.

• Do NOT over Cleanse - Cleanse only at night to assist the skin with entering the natural repair mode as you sleep. Choose a milky or cream based cleanser that will be gentle on the skin while effectively removing the impurities. Some of my favorites Eminence Organics Coconut Milk Cleanser, Sweet Red Rose, Blueberry Soy. See the entire line of products here http://www.eminenceorganics.com/

• EXFOLIATE - I recommend 1-3 times per week depending on the skin type.  Remove the dead skin cells that accumulate causing the skin to appear dry, flaky and lacklustre. Eliminating this step causes the flattened cells accumulate and prevent moisture from penetrating into the pore. When using an exfoliant, use a gentle pressure do not go to town scrubbing! In fact, I refrain from using the word "scrub" as I associate the term with harsh pressure. Your skin is delicate it is not a potato!  Avoid using the polysilicone beads as they are hard on the environment as they are proving to clog waterways. Also avoid using rock based (yes I said ROCK) these are much too harsh and cause microscopic tears in the skin. My personal favorite Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. This is a powder based product of dried chick pea flour and rice bran.  Mix a quarter size shake into your cleanser or form a paste with a few drops of water. Gently apply pressure and remove. Soft, subtle and smooth skin revealed! 

• HYDRATE - even oily skin requires moisture. When skin is dehydrated it is lacking water not oil. Even oily skin requires moisture, you just need to choose a water based product that is free from harsh alcohol ingredients. With a dry or mature skin you can choose a product richer in lipids to improve hydration and plump cells. Avoid products that list ingredients such as paraffin,Petroleum anything and especially Vaseline. These products are petroleum based and the molecular structure is much to large to allow for penetration. Therefore it is strictly a surfactant superficially hydrating the skin. These are high in toxins and a proven carcinogen linked to serious disease. More on that in another post. Drink water 6-8 glasses a day. This includes herbal teas, and clear broths for those not fond of water. Coconut water is especially hydrating as it is proven to hydrate and balance electrolytes. Add a squeeze of lime and drink up! Your skin will thank you!