How often do you think about your face? No, we’re not referencing how you’d grade it on the facial symmetry/attractiveness scale nor are we alluding to the never far from our aging minds question: do I need Botox? We’re talking about your facial skin, specifically, it’s propensity for dehydration this time of year. Because thanks to the seesawing temperatures outdoors and the overheated indoors we’re facing our annual challenge: complexion protection. Keep reading to find out where and why you need to pump up the hydration, and know: it’s not all for vanity’s sake.
Weather’s Wear and Tear You don’t have to travel to the Arctic to experience harsh weather conditioners. Step outside your front door for breathtaking, below zero temperatures. Then step back indoors for a humidity-free, scorching blast of heat from your cranked up furnace. “Exposure to both is hard on your face and can cause water to evaporate from your skin leaving it feeling dry, tight and itchy, while looking dull, flaky and lackluster,” explains Toula Bintas, aesthetician and co-founder of Allazo Skin Care in Toronto. Not a great scenario as “dehydrated skin can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, redness, rosacea, eczema and rashes.” And while our dermis’ natural sebum will eventually kick in, it’s not enough. You need to moisture.
What You Need and Where While hydrating your face is crucial with daily use of serums, creams and lotions, applying masks and balms on your face, body, hair and lips is also key. And when you do, opt for products “containing emollients such as honey, vitamins E and A, shea butter and plant-based oils help keep and lock moisture in,” says Bintas. Other moisture heroes to look for on product packaging include: humectants like hyaluronic acid for optimum moisture absorption and retention; silk tree and horse chestnut extracts to smooth fine lines and weariness into oblivion, while reducing dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles; and anti-inflammatory lavender, peptides and antioxidants like vitamins C and E to soothe redness, irritation and sensitive skin. Apply at least one hydrating product (or preferably all) each day and watch your winter weathered skin and hair fade away.
IN Magazine Recommends:
For Eyes
Serum (1): Dior Homme Dermo System, Anti-Fatigue Firming Eye Serum Vitamin E Phosphate, $72, at department stores.
For Face
Face Wash (2): Philosophy Purity Cleanser from $14, at Sephora.
Serum (3): GMC Medical Antioxydant 10 Serum, $85, at Spas and Clinics.
Cream and lotion (4): Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $25, at mass retailers and (6) Shiseido Men Hydrating Lotion, $40 at Hudson’s Bay.
Day and Evening Masks (6): Nip + Fab Dragon’s Blood Plumping Mask, $15, at drugstores and (7)The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask, $30, at The Body Shop.
Balm (8): Filgora Sleep-Recovery Fatigue Correcting Night Balm, $95 at mass retailers.
For Lips
(9) Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, $5, available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
For Body
(10) Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion Sheer Hydration, from $10, at drugstores.
For Hands
(11) Nuxe Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream, $17, Hudson’s Bay.
For Hair
(12) Frédéric Fekkai PrX 3-Day Transformation, $50, at Shoppers Drug Mart.
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ADRIANA ERMTER is a Toronto-based, lifestyle-magazine-pro who has travelled the globe, writing about must-spritz fragrances, child poverty, beauty and grooming. Her work has been published in FASHION, Chatelaine, Elevate, Flare, AmongMen.com, thekit.ca, thewhaleandtherose.com, Childview, worldvision.ca and righttoplay.com
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