Feb 4th, 2017, 12:06 PM

Five Secrets to Luminous Skin this Winter

By Samantha Stiteler
Image Credit: Wikimedia/Christie's
Tips and tricks to revive your facial well-being after a day in the dry, polluted city.

We often forget that our skin is an organ itself, not just something lifeless that shields our vital organs. I remember reading that what we put on our skin, we put in our bodies. Our skin is a reflection of how we care for our bodies and the environments in which we live. With pollution at an all-time high in Paris, temperatures regularly below freezing, and the air dry and frigid, our skin often reveals the consequences of winter in a big city. Lucky for us, dermatologists and beauty connoisseurs know just the trick for radiant skin, no matter the time or place. 

Choose the right moisturizer

Depending on your skin type, chilly weather will have a different impact. Check out this article on moisturizing correctly during the cold season. Cream-based moisturizers are recommended for normal skin, as they permeate below the first layer of skin to truly nourish the lower layers. Also, it is important to replenish the skin with antioxidant-rich products. For dry skin, oil-based moisturizers, such as those packed with seed oils (such as rosehip, sunflower, raspberry, or jojoba). For oily skin, it is vital to continue hydrating the skin, as drying out often leads to more problems. Water-based moisturizers help to maintain the oil-water balance of the skin, preventing excess oil production. Products with zinc are also recommended for oil-prone skin, to regain moderation in the skin. For combination skin, find moisturizers that respect both the oily and dry nature of your face, and for sensitive skin, look for gentle, soothing products. 


Image Credit: Pixabay/Public Domain

Wear SPF (no, seriously, do it.)

We have all heard it before: applying sunscreen daily is the trick to a life of healthy, youthful skin. However, it can be a pain to apply, and often times feels greasy and as if it is actively blocking your pores. I have had this problem for years, and finally found an almost water-like formula that is easy to apply to a clean face, or under makeup. My SPF secret is Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ by Kiehl's. A little goes a long way when applying this product, and it is packed with vitamin E (a.k.a. an antioxidant-rich product). If you are still not sold by liquid sunscreen, a friend of mine adores this powder sunscreen that you can keep in your bag and reapply throughout the day. It is the Instant Mineral SPF 45 by Peter Thomas Roth. There is also an Instant Mineral SPF 30 version for oily skin. Dermatologist Patricia Wexler M.D. recommends at least 30 SPF throughout the day, so both these products have you covered. This product puts zinc to work, and will promote the balance of your skin and protect it, all at once. 


Image Credit: Public Domain/Teodoro S. Gruhl

Exfoliate

While exfoliation may seem counterintuitive during harsh weather, it actually allows the products you apply to reach deeper levels of skin, for a truly nourishing effect. Dead skin cells not only block the product from seeping into your skin, but also give your face a lackluster look. As for chapped lips, a toothbrush can remove dead skin just as well. 

Drink Water

The frigid outside air paired with the artificial blaze of heating systems inside are intense for our skin. Hydration maintains the balance of the body, and thus, of the skin, especially in such extreme climates. The LA Times wrote a fantastic piece that explains all you need to know about water consumption, its importance, and signs that you need more water. It is recommended that, in general, women drink 2 quarts (8 cups) of water daily, and men drink 3 quarts (12 cups). Granted, these recommendations are flexible depending on the person and their day-to-day activities.


Image Credit: Pixabay/flyupmike

Eat Well

It is easy to choose a creamy, sweet, latte drink over a glass of water, and even more so, comfort food over steamed vegetables. However, skin is the reflection of the well-being of our bodies, and so you must continue to eat well to promote beauty from the inside out. Sonya Dakar, a skin specialist, offers the advice to eat "clean and green."


Image Credit: Max Pixel

Remember that healthy skin and healthy bodies go hand in hand, and that balance is key with all bodily functions. Products, you will notice, are unanimously attempting to bring your specific skin type back to homeostasis. Oily skin is brought back to regular oil production levels, dry skin is, as well, normal skin is kept in balance, combination skin is cared for in both ways. Balance during such unbalanced weather is the ultimate trick to happy, healthy skin this winter.