By: Four Pillar’s Nancy Brown, Spa Director/Lead Aesthetician

Winter is an excellent time to spend some extra attention on your skin. With cooler temperatures and less time in the sun, it’s a great time to work on specific skin issues and enhance your glow.

 

Exfoliation and Peels:

This time of year the skin can appear dull, dry, and lifeless. Deep exfoliation removes the dull and dead layer of skin. This can be done with Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, or a series of Peels. These procedures are quick and effective at removing the superficial dead layer of skin. Exfoliation helps to improve the overall texture of the skin, minimize fine lines, minimize pore size, and even out the skin tone. At home exfoliation will pick up where professional treatments leave off. Use of a gentle scrub or a rotating facial brush no more than twice a week will keep the skin clear and healthy. Just be mindful to not over exfoliate, which can cause irritation or dry the skin out.

 

Correct Sun Damage:

Winter is the best time of year to correct all those dark spots that haunt our skin from the sun. The best way to treat sun damage is through a combination of exfoliating facials or peels along with lightening products that contain ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or hexarestorsinol. These product ingredients work by penetrating into the skin to slow the production of pigment deep in the skin. These products usually take a few weeks to work, and often the spots may appear slightly darker before they lighten. This is caused by the pigment lifting out. It is important to remember to use SPF when using a lightening product to ensure its effectiveness.

 

Change your products:

The cool, dry, winter air offers a great opportunity to switch things up with your products. This is the time of year to really keep things gentle. Look for a cleanser that will be effective but won’t strip the natural oils your skin needs. It’s also a great time to add a richer, night-time moisturizer. Winter is a great opportunity to use Retinol products to repair the skin along Hyaluronic Acid to keep the skin hydrated.

 

Facials:

Facials are recommended every 4-6 weeks. In addition to the relaxation and stress relief benefits, the improvement in your overall skin health is priceless. Facials help to keep the skin clear, properly balanced and hydrated, improves circulation which helps to promote healthy cell growth. The anti aging benefits of regular facials will keep your skin firm, healthy, and glowing.

 

Your skin is the largest organ of the human body. Take care of your skin and love the skin you’re in!