Tag Archive for: dry skin

Hydrate + Protect + Shield

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Hydrate + Shield

Whether your skin type is oily, normal, combination or dry, moisturizing should be a regular part of your daily skin care regimen. Unfortunately, many people with oily skin believe that using any moisturizer would be counterproductive and only serve to compound their problem. The truth is that it all depends on the moisturizer you use. Everyone needs a moisturizer, but different skin types require different types of products.

For Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, instead of avoiding moisturizers altogether, you should select one that’s “water-based”. Water-based moisturizing formulas are the most common type found on the market today. These moisturizers list water as their chief ingredient and often include such active constituents as hyaluronic acid to help improve their water-binding properties.

Hyaluronic acid is a large, sugar-like molecule that’s found in virtually every tissue of your body. As a key ingredient in your skin’s extracellular matrix, it plays a significant role in maintaining moisture and softness. Hyaluronic acid is an ideal moisturizer because it can attract and retain 1000 times its own weight in water (a feat unmatched by any other substance in nature). The volumizing effect it has on your skin adds vital fullness that can minimize facial wrinkles. This type of moisturizer often comes in a lightweight gel and may be labeled “non-pore clogging”, “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic”.

Another excellent emollient that we highly recommend and use in many of our formulations is squalene. Derived from olives, squalene is a natural, organic compound that leaves skin soft and supple without an unpleasant, greasy feel, making it an attractive choice for people with oily complexions. Squalene absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply to help accelerate new cell growth. It even discourages microorganisms that can block normal healthy cell development by forming a protective coating on your skin.

For Dry and Sensitive Skin

The most important thing to consider when picking a good moisturizer for dry skin is the degree of dryness. Generally speaking, there are only a few basic types of moisturizers to choose from: gel, lotion, or cream. The heavier and denser a moisturizer is, the more moisturizing elements it contains. Gel is the lightest preparation, followed by lotion, with cream providing the heaviest dose of moisture. If your skin happens to be only slightly dry, a lightweight gel that’s water-based can sometimes get the job done. If your skin is somewhat drier and loses moisture more quickly, you may require a lotion that supplies a heavier dose of moisturizing ingredients. If your skin is extremely dry, however, you might need to use an oil-based cream or an oil. You should steer clear of products that use mineral waxes, mineral oils or other ingredients that can clog your pores and trap perspiration. This makes a fertile breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

Sensitive skin types should be very careful when choosing a moisturizer as many products on the market contain synthetic ingredients. Although these moisturizers generally don’t cause an adverse reaction in the majority of people, they can be very irritating to women with sensitive skin. If your skin is easily irritated, you should look carefully for a moisturizer that’s labeled hypoallergenic. These moisturizers are free of all dyes, preservatives, and fragrances. Simple is better. Products that contain the fewest ingredient are best, especially when they include natural oils and other nutrients like vitamins and minerals that nourish and rejuvenate your skin.

Protect + Shield

Even with all the public service warnings today concerning the damage caused by UV exposure, there are still some people who don’t seem to realize they need sunscreen.

The truth is that anyone can suffer the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun. Even if you happen to have olive or darker skin, you should still wear sunscreen. While it’s true that people with dark skin don’t need to worry as much about sunburn as those with fairer complexions, anyone can suffer the deleterious effects of sun damage. Every person, regardless of their ethnic background, can benefit from wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 at all times, especially if they’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors.

Certain people also believe that they only need to use sunscreen at particular times of the year. It’s important to realize that just because you don’t feel the heat of the sun, it doesn’t mean that harmful UV rays are not affecting you. You can get sunburned in the middle of winter when there’s three feet of snow on the ground and it’s 10 degrees below zero. You should always wear sunscreen if you’re going to be spending time outside, no matter what time of year it is.

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How to Prepare for a 16 hour Flight

Proper preparation for a long flight can make a difference in how you feel once you arrive at your destination. The key to a successful, restful flight is to start hydrating a few days before you travel. I prepare for really long flights like preparing for a marathon. The hydration doesn’t only happen on the plane or during the run, it happens days before too. If you start off hydrated and continue to hydrate while on the flight your skin, body and brain will thank you when you land and for days to follow. Hydration is extremely important to keep the body balanced and functioning at a high level. Dehydration leads to headaches, constipation and inability to get on a new time zone. Choose water as your beverage of choice during the duration of the flight. DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeine (this includes tea) as they both promote dehydration. Although having a glass of wine seems like the smart choice to induce sleep, it is actually the worst choice. Try taking Melatonin to help induce sleep.

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Most planes have 10-20 % humidity levels, which can lead to dry throat, dry + scratchy eyes and dry skin. Low humidity also ups your risk of catching a respiratory virus (a cold), and since about 50% of the air on flights is recycled, germs are rampant. So take precautions! You can wear a mask, nostril covers, or simply cover your face while sleeping. Another smart way to protect yourself from germs, is to wipe down your seat area. Pack disinfectant wipes and use them on the seatbelt, tray table, armrests and remote controls. Also try not to touch bathroom handles, faucets etc. You can also put down your own blanket or wrap, so you have a clean seat.

Exercise is another key factor in feeling good on a long journey. Try to exercise the night before or morning of your trip. Exercise relaxes the mind and body, increases circulation and produces sweat. Sweating realizes endorphins, which make us, feel good.

When it comes to skincare on a long flight, hydration is the name of the game. If you wear makeup you’re going to want to remove it before going to sleep. I always travel with facial wipes for this purpose. My favorite are Ko Gen Do cleansing spa water cloths because they are organic and contain essential herbs and they don’t dry the skin out. After removing all makeup, apply a hydration serum or oil to clean skin. My go to oil is Fleuressence Native Botanical Oil because it’s super hydrating but not greasy. Next apply eye cream and hand cream. Carrying a facial mist is a good way to stay hydrated and feel refreshed while traveling. My favorite is Glossier’s Facial Mist made of roses and aloe to soothe.

Travel bag necessities:

Eye drops

Hand cream “Hands To Heart”

Saline nasal spray

Dr. Lipp lip balm/also works in the nose

Facial mask

Nostril covers/try “Filter Your Life” covers

Compression socks

Eye mask

Earplugs

Something warm to wrap up in

Safe travels!!

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Healthy + Hydrated Winter Skin

Winter is fast approaching and as temperatures and humidity levels drop, it is important to have your ‘winter regimen’ in place. Whether you live in a freezing cold climate or a mild balmy one, skin needs more hydration during the winter months. With just a few minor adjustments and additions you will be able to ensure a dewy, glowing complexion all winter long.

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Photo via Byrdie

Truths

Humidity levels drop during the winter

Hot showers dry skin out

Covering your face with a scarf will protect against environmental elements (wind, snow, sun)

Oil is your friend

Hydration after bathing is imperative to soft, healthy skin

Switching your regimen is a good thing

Ideas to try

Invest in a humidifier. Humidity levels drop during the winter months, thus drying out skin, eyes and hair. Add in artificial heat and you’re doomed. By adding humidity back into the air, you can reverse some of the damage. Cool vapor is the best bet to not only feeling better but looking better too. We recommend leaving it on all the time so that your home maintains an even level of humidity, but if tats not possible, at least sleep with it on!

Try to introduce warm showers instead of steamy hot ones. If you’re thinking a hot shower will feel good after a brutally cold day, a good trick is to turn the shower on very hot and let the bathroom steam up. Then step inside the bathroom and get warm. Then turn the shower back down to a warm temperature.

Staying hydrated from the inside out is also crucial. Make sure to increase your liquid ingestion during the winter. Think teas, juices, water and healthy soups.

Always apply moisturizer to damp skin. Post bath or shower; try moisturizing your skin while still damp. This allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture.

Take a look at your cleansing regimen. If you’re an exfoliation junkie particularly with physical scrubs, decrease the frequency during the winter. Instead try a chemical exfoliator once a week, like Fresh-A-Peel or African Botanics Oil cleasner. On the other days, try introducing a creamy, milk based cleanser (Chantecaille or First Aid Beauty) or a gentle oil cleaner like Tatcha.

Switch up your serum. Trade your Vitamin C serum (which can be aggressive + drying) for an oil that can be sued as a serum. Look for cold pressed, pure oils, such as Baobob, Kalhari, Mongogo and Marula, which all contain Vitamin A, C, E and essential fatty acids and omegas. Our Fleuressence offers all these and more.

Winter is the optimal time to switch into more hydrating luxurious night cream treatment. Hydration is not the only benefit to look for. Anti-oxidants and ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate the skin are really what you want. Nourishing seaweed promotes collagen production and increased tightening and plumpness to the skin. Red Tea Extract or Rooibos is 50 times more potent that green tea (as an antioxidant) and contains vitamins A, C and E to resurface, protect and brighten skin.

 

 

 

 

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