By Elizabeth Sykes, Guest blogger, UV Sun Specialist and F.O.S. (friend of Supergoop!), Seattle, WA
My first blog post as an “official” F.O.S. (Friend of Supergoop!, of course). What better way to kick things off than with a little sit-down on winter skin—also known as “the bane of my existence.”
There is nothing worse than the blasting heat, the drier-than-the-driest-martini air, and the cuts-like-a-knife cold does to the skin? The redness, the tightness, the flakes … it’s enough to make a person want to move to a warmer (and damper) locale. And of course, let’s not forget that we are about to fa-la-la our way into the holiday-party season, and we really need to have our skin cooperate with us.
That said it’s crucial to create a new routine for the chillier months ahead to keep skin looking fresh and gorgeous (and by the time the first buds appear on the trees, I’ll have some great warm-weather tips for saving face, too). And don’t even think about skipping a step because your skin is extra vulnerable when you start exfoliating. A photo-stable, SPF 30+ daily lotion that protects from UVA and UVB rays, free radicals, and environmental damage is a must.
Tips for the A.M.
-While in the shower, don’t forget to exfoliate with a loofah or something that stimulates the skin. Stimulating or very slightly injuring the skin (yes, that’s what you do when you exfoliate) boosts collagen production. It also allows whatever product you’ve chosen to put on your face and body to better absorb into the deeper layers of the skin.
-After showering, while your skin is still wet, apply a moisturizer to your body that will lock in the water, in such as jojoba essential oil which is available at most health food stores.
-Ditto with your face: Always apply a generous layer of moisturizer with UV protection like my personal favorite, Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday UV lotion, which contains vitamin E and protects from free radicals triggered by sunlight, tobacco smoke, and smog. It also contains the super-charged antioxidant blueberry extract, which helps prevent and repair oxidative damage while assisting in boosting the regenerative power of the skin’s cells to improve your skin’s overall smoothness, wrinkles, texture, and elasticity without leaving any heavy residue.
-And never neglect your lips: Always put an SPF balm on before leaving the house and be sure to carry one in your bag while you’re out and about. The new Supergoop! SPF 30+ UVA/UVB AcaiFusion and MintFusion lip balms (in stores this January!) provide a unique, high SPF 30 lip balm solution to protect against broad-spectrum UV rays in a super-antioxidant and regenerative formulation. And with the added benefit of shea butter and the power of super berry acai and cooking spearmint leaf oil, respectively, lips are guaranteed to smack.
Tips for the P.M.
-In the evening, after washing your face with your favorite cleanser, always apply either an over-the-counter lotion with AHA to help rid the dry skin on the topmost layer of your face so you can prepare your skin for soaking up the moisture and UV protection in the morning.
-Another tip I highly recommend is regularly applying a Retin-A at night. It’s a wonderful way to combat fine lines and sunspots. Just ask your you dermatologist during your next appointment (maybe your six-month mole check … hint hint) and find out what level is right for you.
