Winter Skin Care

Originally posted January 13, 2012

We asked Devon what we could do fr our dry, windblown winter skin. Here are her tips for brightening and moisturizing our sad, flaky faces!

When it comes to winter skin problems, the biggest complaint we hear from clients is about dryness. From tight, parched cheeks to flaky scales around the brow line; even the oiliest of skins can suffer from the feeling of dry skin.

When diagnosing skin types and conditions the one thing that is important to understand is that there is a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin occurs when the skin is not producing as much of the natural oils which keep us looking supple and young. The moisture content in skin will inevitably reduce with age, producing a thinner texture and tone. This results in a tight and uncomfortable face that spotlights fine lines and dullness.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is generally more of a skin condition than a skin type. The most obvious culprit of dehydration is a lack of water intake. Other things that create a dehydrated surface include: ineffective (or non-existent) exfoliation, strong chemicals in skin care products, and environmental conditions.

The best way to combat dehydrated skin is to start with a good professional exfoliation through a facial and  follow-up with an advised at-home routine. Many times the most effective course of action is to have a professional chemical peel, which provides a fresh surface for the esthetician to work with.

Visiting the spa for a facial is the first thing to do before making any decisions about combating dryness or dehydration. Our most popular facial at Spa Soak, Oxygen, helps combat dry and lifeless skin. This relaxing and effective service infuses the skin with natural ingredients and anti-oxidants.  It is an invigorating jump-start for dry sluggish skin. If you’re feeling prematurely aged, congested, or clogged, Oxygen will also boost tone and texture making you look-and feel-younger.

Winter doesn’t only attack the skin on our faces. Many of us suffer from cracked, bleeding, and painful skin on our cuticles and thumbs. Seeing a nail technician for a manicure and paraffin treatment will help ease the dryness, but we would like to share an at-home remedy with you.

Every night before bed try putting Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment on the cracked areas and covering with a bandage. Within two nights of treatments it should clear up for you.

We’ve had somewhat of a mild season but in Chicago it could get nasty at any second. Once the forced air heating begins to blow you will start to feel--and see--the negative affects it has on your skin. Take some time to see a professional and most importantly take care of yourself; drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.

The professionals at Spa Soak are committed to helping you achieve your skin care goals and making you look your best during all seasons.