Our bodies sit under layers and layers of clothing during winter, tucked away from the sunlight and from the public eye. So, not only does it lose its healthy summer glow, but we tend to neglect it simply because it’s not on show. But winter body care should be on our top priority list. The harsh, dry winter weather can wreak havoc on our bodies, so it’s definitely not the time to hold back on pampering. There are several Aveda treatments that can and our talented esthetician will recommend what’s best for you based on your body’s individual needs. Keep your body smooth, moisturized and looking healthy between visits with these tips:
- Shower Dos & Don’ts
The temptation to crank up the water temperature when taking showers during winter will be strong, but try your very best to resist it – the hotter the water, then the drier your skin. When you dial back the water temperature, chances are, you’ll probably want to be in and out of the shower as fast as you can. The good news is, that’s best.Water can be your best friend and your worst enemy during winter. Be sure to drink lots of it to hydrate your body, but topically, water can have a drying effect on your skin. As it hits your body in the shower, it can break down the layer of naturally occurring lipids between and on top of your skin cells. Too much time in the bath tub or the shower will make dry skin even drier. So, keep the bath and shower time to a minimum and be sure to moisturize immediately afterwards. Also avoid harsh shower gels and bubble bath products. The ingredients used to make them suds and foam (usually sodium laureth sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate) are irritants and very drying. - Moisturize While Damp
To reap the benefits of your moisturizer, blot your skin, rather than drying it completely after you shower. This allows the humectants in your moisturizer to attract the water on the skin’s surface, enabling your moisturizer to be more effective. Also try to replace your regular body lotion with an extra-nourishing lotion, cream or adding a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy oils to your bath water. Try Aveda’s Beautifying Composition oil, or Stress Fix Composition oil which is great for its therapeutic qualities. Don’t forget your hands and feet when you moisturize. They need special attention. Choose a very rich cream like Aveda’s Hand and Foot Relief. Apply it in the morning [and be sure to concentrate on those cuticles]; reapply when you wash your hands and apply again at night before bed. Slipping your feet into socks at night after moisturizing will help to lock in moisture, and you’ll wake up to baby soft feet. - Exfoliate
Exfoliate but not too much! This is a very important step, as it will help to remove dead skin cells that tend to build up in the winter. For your face, try Aveda’s B K Exfoliant, a non-abrasive liquid that wipes away spent surface cells, revealing a smoother, clearer, more refined complexion beneath and priming pores for maximum treatment and moisture benefits.For rougher areas of the body, like knees and elbows once a week to exfoliate your body with a blend of finely-ground walnut shells, kelp, aloe, lavender and herbal extracts. Gently polish away dead surface cells and skin-dulling debris to reveal smoother, softer skin beneath. You will be left with radiant, smooth skin that is more receptive to your moisturizer.Alternatively, if you want to whip one up at home, you needn’t look any further than the kitchen. Simply mix ½ a cup of sugar, salt or used coffee grounds with a cup of olive oil, four tablespoons of honey and your favorite essential oil for scent. Lavender is always a good choice, but Aveda’s peppermint and eucalyptus oils are also great choices for winter.
With these three tips, there’s no reason your body should suffer the negative effects from the harsh winter months. If you need more help keeping your skin under control, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. We’ll give you a free skin analysis and recommend a winter skin regimen based on your skin’s individual needs. Call us at (847) 458-9990 to make your appointment today.
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