The dry season is here! And now is the time to invest in our skin to keep that summer glow. Whether you are 20, 40, or 60 all of that cold outdoor and dry indoor air can leave skin looking dull and flaky!
Being new to Colorado I am finding my skin demanding more TLC more than ever (could be my 40s too). I am sharing what I found and being the three of the most important skincare categories you need for glowing, hydrated skin. I found a system that works well with my skin and I wanted to share. This is a system I have been using daily before my moisturizer for the past month and all I can say is I am LOVING the results.
EXFOLIATE
The first thing you want to do when resetting your skin for the new season is EXFOLIATE. Exfoliation can be done manually or chemically, but today I am going to discuss a manual application with The Method Polish. Not only is it going to exfoliate away the dead, dull and dry surface layer, revealing gorgeous fresh skin, but it’s going to remove surface debris and dull, dry surface cells. My favorite way to do this most recently is with The Method: Polish by Lancer. I love this because it sloughs all of those stuck dead skin cells that you accumulated over time. I have found that use a dim size daily for the last month, has let my products penetrate better and left my skin feeling silkier smooth.
REPAIR AND CORRECT
The next thing you want to do for a reset is REPAIR AND CORRECT with vitamins- specifically vitamins A and C. My go to has always been by Lancer: Advanced C Radiance Treatment with Vitamin C Collagen Cofactor Stabilized Vitamin C, which is used at 10%, helps lessen the appearance of unwanted pigmentation, sun and dark spots, which has been an issue for my skin the past two years. Retinol (Vitamin A) helps with the exfoliation of discolored surface cells.
Buuuuuut, recently I came across a product line called The Ordinary and to say I’m OBSESSED is an understatement, seriously. Their Retinol 0.5% in Squalane gives so much bang for your buck, promise. It’s a water-free solution containing 0.05% pure retinol. Retinol is the closest thing to the fountain of skin youth, in my opinion. Retinol is so amazing because it truly is anti-aging; it firms the skin, builds collagen and elastin, evens the skin tone, and can diminish deep wrinkles and large pores. It also helps with acne since it exfoliates the skin, which is a plus with the mask issues these days!
HYDRATE
Last, you want to HYDRATE. When you are using ingredients that exfoliate, you need to hydrate that freshly revealed skin. I am loving face oils after putting my moisturizer on. The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalene has done wonders for me!! I know what you’re thinking, “but I’ll break out”. I worked in cosmetics for years going through undergrad and graduate school and this was the number one comment whenever I introduced skin oils. Face oils are non-comedogenic and plant-based are so, so good. Here’s the truth: Face oils can do WONDERS for oily, combination, and acne-prone visages. Myth busted! Using the RIGHT face oil for your skin type can help to:
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Balance skin’s sebum (oil)
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Reduce shininess
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Unclog & reduce the appearance of pores
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Prevent breakouts
I hope you found this helpful! Leave a comment below telling me what you’ve tried and how it worked out for you!! I’d love to know what you use and love as well.
xx, Nicole
