Between the harsh winter climate outside to blasting artificial dry heat inside to frequent mask-wearing, our skin and hair definitely have their work cut out for them this winter!
Natalie Sexton, a beauty and lifestyle expert, has some really easy to use products & self-care routines to incorporate into your day/night that will have you feeling refreshed, glowing & saying goodbye to the winter blahs! These simple steps will give you maximum impact and they work for all skin/hair types & ages.
Shampoo
Our morning shower that we start the day off with is so important, I always feel like it sets the tone & energy for my day! We are all too familiar with the effects that dry and cold winter air conditions can have on our hair - dryness, static, and general lack of that luscious, smooth, shiny feel. More often than not, the exposure to the harsh cold elements and constant transition to heated indoors can zap our hair of its moisture, leading to dull hair that's more susceptible to damage, dryness & dandruff. Look for sulfate-free products that won't strip your hair and natural ingredients like Aloe + Hemp to hydrate and control frizz, while strengthening and adding shine. This formula works to help protect hair from damage and gently cleanses it to renew hair health!
Oil on Skin
Using oil directly on your skin can be a scary concept, with many of us having had the experience of them leaving a filmy, heavy residue after applying. BUT I have the perfect solution, Bio-Oil, I have been using it for years & you will notice that your skin drinks up the oil very easily and quickly without leaving any sticky shiny layer. For the best results, I would definitely recommend slathering on immediately after the shower while your skin is still damp for maximum absorption. I love their newly launnched100% natural, plant-based formula that's formulated to maintain and improve your skin's natural regeneration properties, the combination of natural oils like sunflower seed, chia, pomegranate, and rosehip with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and rosemary creates a beautiful, fast-absorbing oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is clinically proven to improve moisture barrier & regeneration of soft scar tissue.
Cleansing Skin
A step that we need to do morning & night is cleansing! This is one that I BEG you not to skip! A perfect option is a mild and gentle soap-free cleanser that anyone skin type, even sensitive & dry types can use. Very soothing after mask-wearing. This is such a cool bonus about the cleanser, you can actually use it with or without water (simply just wipe it off with a cotton pad!) It cleanses while restoring your skin’s natural moisture barrier, so your skin feels less dry, tight, sensitive, and reactive. You don't get that dried-out feeling when you rinse it off or soapy filmy residue. It's also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from fragrances, preservatives, and colorants!
Hydrating Your Skin
This is always my immediate step after I cleanse my skin, always apply all over face and neck, morning & night. We need to lock the hydration back into our skin to protect it & prevent damage & dryness, but this doesn't have to mean thick & greasy face cream, with this deeply hydrating, ultra-lightweight formula you get next-level silky smooth skin. Supremely light, fast-absorbing soft texture that minimizes dullness and discoloration. Powered by Beautyberry Extract and Vitamin C to help release a renewed clarity and a healthy-looking glow, it also helps significantly reduce the look of dark spots and acne marks. Don't forget to apply to your neck too - it's an often-neglected area and tech neck has had a drastic effect on that area of our skin!
Skin Protection- Sunscreen
SPF is a must on top of your last skincare step! If there’s one season you want to work harder to prevent dry skin and wrinkles, it’s winter, so slather on that sunscreen and use it to keep your skin radiant. UV rays penetrate winter clouds, we are all outside this winter now more than ever, so even more of a reason to make sure we are not skipping this often-forgotten step in the cold weather months! Although the sun might not feel as strong in the winter, it’s a huge mistake to skip sunscreen during this time, it should be a staple part of your routine. (major drugstores)
Face Mask
I love to mask before bedtime, it's that perfect 10-15 minutes of self-care to wind down and end your day with and a great way to detoxify and cleanse the skin! Masking also makes a super cute #selfcaresunday post on your Instagram! The Pink Clay Mask is made with Kaolin clay, an ingredient native to Australia, witch hazel, Aloe vera, and vitamins and E which all work together to strengthen, detoxify and cleanse the skin, it's super easy to apply, you let it sit for 10 minutes and then gently remove with a damp washcloth. It will leave your skin feeling unbelievably smooth and soft! Its products also vegan, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
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Contents of article provided by Natalie Sexton.
