Contrary to popular belief,
winter-proofing your skin doesn't always have to entail a super-rich
body butter and an ultra-moisturizing lip balm. Top skin experts have
cracked the cold-weather skincare code about five common winter beauty
misconceptions!
Mistake #1- Using a super-thick cream will hydrate your skin better.
"Concentrated doesn't necessarily equal optimum hydration," says
Annet King, director of training & development for the International
Dermal Institute. "An overdose of lipids can actually trap dead cells
and leave skin looking duller." King suggests
layering serums under creams
in order to boost moisture. Facialist Sonia Dakar agrees: "Serums are
light, yet have super-concentrated ingredients - ideal for absorption."
RECOMMENDATION: Mary Kay Timewise Serum C+
Mistake #2- Loading up on lip balms prevent chapping
Only if it is the right balm.
Some common ingredients can actually have an adverse effect. Mineral oil
(petroleum jelly) creates an artificial film on your lips, signaling
your skin to stop producing lipids, while funky flavors, perfumes, and
colors can also dry out skin. King suggests seeking natural-oil-infused
balms or those with shea & cocoa butter. "
To get rid of flaky patches,
apply a little facial exfoliant to damp lips, scrub gently, then follow
with balm," she says. Wait till spring to resume use of lip plumpers
and super-long-lasting formulas that dry out your pout.
RECOMMENDATION: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set
Mistake #3- Extra layers of high-tech clothing are a cold-climate must.
While warmth is obviously a necessity when temps plummet, some nylon and
polyester fabrics can cause unsightly bumps, clogged pores, and even
ingrown hairs when they trap dead cells, oils, and sweat. Better to wear
natural fabrics — especially inner layers that touch your skin — and
moisturize head to toe, morning and night. Also consider
face and neck creams with humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.
RECOMMENDATION: Mary Kay Hydrating Body Lotion
Mistake #4- If you have oily skin, you can forgo moisturizer.
Dry, cold climates wear on
all skin types — even oily. And
without some added protection, barrier function (which keeps pollution
and other damaging elements out and moisture in) gets compromised.
If your skin is super-oily, you can get by with a
gel-cream or lotion formula. For
true combination skin,
use different moisturizers for different areas — a light formula for
your T-zone and a richer one for cheeks that get dry, patchy spots.
RECOMMENDATION: Mary Kay Moisturizing Products for All Skin Types
Mistake #5- Overcast skies mean you can skip the sunscreen.
Hardly. As a depleting ozone has led to stronger UVB burning rays,
SPF is now a year-round endeavor. And
clouds do little to filter out wrinkle-accelerating UVA rays. Come
cooler, drier weather, find a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum
SPF 15 (or higher) to hydrate and protect. "You can enhance your sun
protection exponentially by using an
antioxidant-rich serum underneath your moisturizer," says Washington, D.C., dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess.
RECOMMENDATION: Mary Kay Hand and Décolleté Cream w/ Sunscreen SPF 15* and TimeWise Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 25
Get your skin in tip top shape for this winter!
What you do today helps you look amazing for the rest of your life!
Have a fabulous day!
Much love, Amanda