Cleansing is critical

Cleansing is critical, but use a gentle, pH balanced and sulfate-free product so you don't damage your skin's natural moisture barrier.

Our skin is always changing. Fueled by age, lifestyle factors, and our environment, the rate of change varies from person to person; but the one thing that remains constant, is that it never stays the same.

Perhaps the most dramatic changes we see in our skin, regardless of lifestyle and environmental factors, occur with the change of seasons. The most pronounced changes occur at this time of year, when our skin has to tolerate the shift from the humid heat of summer to the cold, dry weather of winter.

Regardless of where you live and how you live, there are a few tips to help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy as you transition through all the seasons:

1. Know your skin type

If you don't get this right, nothing else matters. Dry skin should be treated differently than oily skin, which should be treated differently than combination or sensitive skin. Every conversation with a beauty advisor should begin with your skin type.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, inside and out

Drinking lots of water is a good start, but you also have to use a good moisturizer. Even in the summer, and even if your skin tends to be oily, you need to hydrate your skin and then lock the moisture in. Not only will your skin feel better, it will look younger and healthier.

3. Cleanse gently, but effectively

Dirt and other impurities will cause premature aging, a sallow complexion and dryness. Cleansing is critical, but be sure to use a gentle, pH balanced and sulfate-free product so you don't damage your skin's natural moisture barrier.

4. Fight skin-damaging free radicals

Liberal, consistent use of antioxidant nutrients will help protect your skin from looking tired and worn, and will keep aging at bay. Natural source antioxidants, typically Vitamins C, E and A, are best.

5. Exfoliate at least twice a week

Removing dead skin cells is vital to a healthy skin care regimen. Your skin will look and feel healthier and more vibrant, and your moisturizers and nourishing serums will penetrate better.

6. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet that emphasizes leafy greens, vegetables, fresh fruit and healthy fats will help feed your skin from inside. These foods are rich in antioxidants and long chain fatty acids that will nourish your skin and help protect it from aging.

7. Move around, work out, exercise

Sure it's good for your heart, and it will definitely help you manage your weight, but exercise will also help your skin look better. The increased blood flow will improve radiance and help firm your skin, while working up a good sweat will help release toxins.

8. Get a good night's sleep, and prepare your skin properly at bedtime

When we are at rest our skin is better able to repair itself and regenerate. Take advantage of this by feeding your skin its most potent nourishment at night. Use a simple moisturizer that is packed with nutrients

9. Choose healthier, more natural skin care

Regardless of your skin type or condition, you should try to choose natural products. Increasingly we are learning that harsh synthetic chemicals and highly processed skin care ingredients can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity. People who move to more natural products often see an immediate and dramatic improvement in the condition of their skin.

Younger, healthier looking skin isn't difficult to achieve, but it does take discipline. With just a bit of care and consideration your skin will look its best all year round.

 

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