Winter Skincare Tip: Hyaluronic Acid

Every client since last week has been coming in saying, “I'm sooooo dry”. Here's why: in Chicago we experience a severe 80-100 degree temperature difference from Summer to Winter. Just like you need to change up your wardrobe, your skin's regimen needs a few tweeks to survive our winter 20 degrees and -zero windchill. Not to mention the salt compound that is applied to the streets and highways during this time has an extra drying effect as soon as it is introduced. 

How can you do easily modify your skin care regimen? Here are a few great ideas.....

1. Use a hydrating mist toner, with no alcohol content to your skin before applying your moisturizer. It will make your skin feel relieved and so much less flakey and tight. My favorites: Dermaquest Skin Hydrating Mist, Dermalogica makes great toners, Jane Iredale Hydration Spray, A Natural Difference Mango solution

2. Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your daily skin care routine. First apply the hydrating mist toner, then follow while the skin is still damp with the hyaluronic acid serum. My favorite: Dermaquest Essential B5 Serum

3. Apply oil to your skin. Food grade oil. Flax seed oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, canola oil, pomegranate seed oil, avocado oil, wheat germ oil....any of these will work beautifully, have important nourishing lipids for the skin, and are a great inexpensive alternative to make up remover that has  potentially drying chemicals. Use these oils as a make up remover, a "pre cleanse" --before your cleanser-- before you do your final wash, or an oil mask when you get home after a long day.  Face oils are so popular right now and can offer such an important benefit to the skin topically. Slather your skin with oil when it feels dry. My favorite: Mountain rose herbs company out of Oregon has wonderful oils and great customer service. 

4. Get a soothing and or hydrating masque. My favorite: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask