WINTER & DRY CLIMATE SKIN HEALTH

by GreatSkin.com
� GreatSkin® Clinics

The winter months can be especially damaging to the skin. The wind blows harder and colder, the temperature drops, and moisture becomes depleted in the skin causing skin dehydration, erythema, scaling, and flaking cracked areas. Areas such as the lips, elbows, knees, heels, and hands become particularly parched during this season. UVA rays in winter are as intense and cause as much damage as UVA rays in the summer months.

The following are some pointers to help alleviate and prevent these conditions, whether in the dryness of winter or in an arid climate. We’ll discuss the facial area first.

First, and foremost, cleansing should be done with tepid water and a lathering gel rather than with hot water and soap. Hot water and soap are too harsh and can strip our Natural Moisture Factor and cause flaking of the skin.

Secondly, be sure to exfoliate the skin at least three times a week with a gentle non abrasive scrub (Dermalogica’s Skin Prep Scrub is a great one).

A hydrating mask should be used at least three times a week. M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenating Hydrating Mask and Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power Mask are two of my favorites.

A Vitamin C Serum is powerful at combating wrinkles, which are much more prominent in the winter months. Our GreatSkin® C Serum has 14% ascorbic acid potency with pycnogenol for an added punch!

During winter months (no matter what skin type) we should be applying a hydrating booster with hyaluronic acid before our moisturizer, which will help draw moisture to the upper layers of the skin and replenish hyaluronic found naturally in our skin. I can’t go a day without using Skinceuticals Hydrating B Gel!

Always choose a moisturizer with anti oxidants to help protect from free radicals, especially Vitamins A and E. Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance is wonderful for extra dry skin!

Say good bye to ugly chapped lips with Bioelements Instant Emollient, Dermalogica’s Solar Shield Lip Shield, or Biomedics Lip Shield. All are excellent winter lip savers!

And, remember Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care was named the "Best Eye Cream" by a panel of Dermatologists with Health Magazine. It offers four important benefits to the eye area: re-texturizing, sun protection, minimizing of dark circles, and reduction of puffiness.

Last, but not least, defend against further environmental insults by applying Skinceuticals Daily Sun Defense 20 or Obagi Sunblock, both offer the maximum protection from the winter sun which is every bit as harmful as the summer sun.

For body, use a Body Wash like Bioelements Comfortable Clean Shower Gel or bathe in Dermalogica’s Hydro Active Bath Salts. Then, exfoliate with Bioelements Body Mineral Glow, using Dermalogica’s Ultimate Buffing Cloth or Bioelements Cactus Cloth. After blotting skin dry (never rub dry), spritz with Bioelements Monsoon Spray and then apply a rich body moisturizer like Dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream or Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Cream.

Dry, neglected feet can be soothed with Biomedic Foot Cream while Dermalogica’s Multi Hand and Nail Cream will protect nails, cuticles and add moisture to chapped, parched hands.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Get Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

YOUR SKIN TYPE AND UV RAYS

In the mid 1990's, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, created the UV Index. It s purpose was to create a standardized system to measure UV rays and to communication UV information to the public. This effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression from overexposure has led to the inclusion of the UV value on many weathercasts. The actions you take are tied to your specific skin type as listed below.

SKIN TYPE DESCRIPTION: Type I Fair skin, blue or green eyes, little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely. Type II Fair skin, blue eyes, blond or brown hair. Burns severely and easily peels, tans minimally. Type III Fair skin, brown hair, brown eyes. Burns moderately, tans somewhat. Type IV Olive or light brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns minimally, tans easily. Type V Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially. Type IV Black or dark brown skin, brown eyes, black or dark brown hair. Burns only with severe exposure. *If your skin description is not obvious, always use the lower of the potential type choices. UV INDEX VALUE & EXPOSURE LEVELS (Base: Type II Skin Type) 0 - 2 Minimal Indicates minimal damage from sun's UV for the average (Type II) person. Most people can stay in the noon sun for up to one hour without burning. 3 - 4 Low Indicates low risk of harm to the skin: Type II individuals can experience a burn in 30-60 minutes. 5 - 6 Moderate Indicates some significant risk of skin damage due to the sun. Unprotected exposure can result in a burn in only 20-30 minutes. 7 - 9 High Indicates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun should be limited during midday (10 am to 4 pm) since skin may burn in as little as 13-20 minutes. 10 + Very High Indicates very high risk from harm. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the length of time to burn may be less than 13 minutes without protection. Sunscreens and sunblocks remain the best defense your skin has against the drying, wrinkling, burning effects of the sun's UV rays. Adjust your SPF strength for your skin type. Or use one of our excellent Sunless Tanners. In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our GreatSkin® clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

SUMMER skin care

The pool. The beach. The sun. The wind. The air conditioning. The joys of summer can also wreak havoc on your skin. Chlorine keeps pools free from harmful bacteria and algae, but strips the outer layer of skin of its protective coating of oils, sweat and natural acids. The immediate result is dry skin. Good preparation and protection are your best allies for summer enjoyment without future blues. Knowing how your skin type reacts to the sun's UV rays can help you protect yourself.

• Exfoliate to lift away dry winter skin cells. During and after summer, skin rejuvenation treatments including face and body exfoliations and deep moisturizing treatments restore skin balance and health.
  
• Sunscreens are still the number one protection against the aging, drying effects of the sun. Invest in your future beauty with recommended SPF skin protection products. And our sunless tanners can give you that healthy glow without the danger of over exposure to the sun.
  
• Overexposure to the sun is one of the major causes of hyperpigmentation or discolorations of the skin. Products and treatments ranging from mild bleaches to acid peels can help reverse hyperpigmentation. If you are prone to this condition, it is advisable to limit sun exposure and wear a strong sunblock year round.
  
• Premature aging is the legacy of unprotected sun exposure. Deep cleansing, rejuvenating massage and professional products and treatments that firm, lift and moisturize can help revitalize your skin. Peels are a particularly effective way to reverse premature aging.
  
• Living with wrinkles from your sunbathing youth? Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE