Keeping Your Skin Hydrated During Cold Months

If your skin is anything like mine then it can become really dry during the cool/colder months. So I compiled a short list of my favorite moisturizers that will keep you hydrated for when Old Man Winter comes.


1. Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme      $40.00
This is one of my favorites. It has Tourmaline- a naturally energizing mineral—mixed with marine and plant extracts and 11 powerful anti-oxidants. It's pricey (for some) but I only use it in the winter. You don't need much of it to get the job done.

2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream                                 $10.99
Not only can you use this on you face, but you can moisturize your whole body with it as we. A little goes a long way. Great for eczema and psoriasis too.

3. Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Moisturizer       $4.99
This moisturizer is not only good for dry skin, but sensitive skin as well. It contains aloe vera and mineral water which is specially formulated to soothe as it hydrates. Fragrance-free.

4. Hope In A Jar SPF 25                                               $15.00 (travel size)
This moisturizer is made by Philosophy. Not only does it moisturize it protects you from UVA and UVB sun rays. Remember we must protect our skin from the sun during the winter months as well!

How To Treat Hyperpigmentation

Finding the right treatment for hyperpigmentation can very difficult because there are many factors involved. Such as hormones, which us Estheticians have no control over. One thing that must be addressed is your sun habits and you must avoid any exposure if any progress needs to be made. Before going outside make sure you apply an SPF 15-30 sunscreen everyday.

Home Care for Hyperpigmentation (according to Milady)

1. Cleanse with a product appropriate for your skin type.

2. Use a toner that is appropriate for your skin.

3. Apply an AHA product, usually a gel of 8%-10% AHA concentration.

4. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, usually with a physical sunscreen agent and built in moisturizer. If you work outdoors the sunscreen should be water-resistant.

5. At night follow the same instructions. However you don't need to use a toner or sunscreen at nighttime. Just a good moisturizer instead.

Before you go out to purchase any products I would highly recommend seeing an Esthetician first, because there are many other factors that may cause hyperpigmentation.

Please be patient! Hyperpigmentation is hard to treat and can take months before there is a change in your skin's appearance. You must be consulted consistently and diligent with your home care and spa treatments. Most importantly, all treatments should be non-agressive and non-irritating.

AHA's = Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Many are found in nature and as a result are sometimes referred to as fruit acids. When applied to the skin as part of a skin care regimen, alpha hydroxy acids loosen the outer layer of dead skin cells. source

What Should Your Skin Care Regimen Consist Of?

If you want healthy skin you’ll need to take care of your face and nourish it with the right products. Everyone should have at least two products that they use for their facial regimen. One being a cleanser and the other a moisturizer. Both should be used twice a day. Yes, morning and night! You may ask why do I need to cleanse my face at night and AGAIN in the morning? Well for starters, our pillows and sheets that we lay our faces upon, can hold dirt & germs(unless you wash them everyday).

Now a more advanced regimen would consist of the following:

1. Cleanser: It removes surface dirt and impurities.
2. Toner: Refreshes skin, removes excess oil and product that your cleanser didn't remove (don't use at night).
3. Treatment product(s): Includes serums, eye creams, spot treatments, masques/masks, etc.
4. Moisturizer: Hydrates your skin.

I know that sounds like a lot. If you're lazy or cheap (haha) start with a basic regimen consisting of a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. All products should be used in the order listed above.

Here are few things you should keep in mind when looking for skin care products:

+ For sensitive skin use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products. Usually anything containing less than 10 ingredients.
+ Normal/dry/dehydrated skin types should use a cream facial cleanser. Oily skin types should use a gel cleanser.
+ Have dry skin? Avoid using products that contain alcohol, it will cause your skin to become tight and dry.

Hope that helps!