Whether you’re hitting the Slopes or the Surf this winter, Make sure you’re prepared!

‘Tis the time of year when we find ourselves with a contrast of Hot and Cold activities and getaways.  Whether it be a day trip to the mountains or a 7-day trip to the equator, packing and preparing proper skincare will leave your biggest worry to which tropical drink to order or which slope to hit.  Below you’ll find some great essentials for your destination as well as pre and post escapade protocols!

Heading to Sandy Oasis?

It may seem like a ‘no-brainer’, but Pack that Sunscreen! Here’s a punch list when choosing sun protection:

• Check the EXPIRATION Date!
  If it was from last year, toss it and buy a new one. You don’t want to find out the hard way that your sunscreen is past its full potency!
• Select one that states ‘Broad Spectrum Protection’ to protect against UVA and UVB rays which ravage the skin and lead to skin cancer and advanced aging.
• Purchase one specific for the FACE & one for BODY!They are formulated differently and it makes a difference.
• SPF for the HAIR!
  Yes, your hair needs SPF too! Here are 8 favorites among beauty bloggers!
• Protect those kissable LIPS!Select a gloss or lip shield with at least an SPF of 25 or above.  You will be happy as a clam (or mussel, or oyster) when your precious pucker is line free down the road!

Just can’t go out without makeup? Choose a Mineral Tint with a broad spectrum with a protection factor of at least a 25!

Deodorant in an inconspicuous dispenser like a roll on can keep you confident especially if you’re active on the beach.  Or how about this fashion statement Tory Burch Perfume Pendant necklace which contains a solid perfume scented with my favorite notes of bergamot, neroli and jasmine to complete your sun attire!

Book a Facial when you return to help counter any damage and restore your skin from the effects from sun, sand and wind. Your esthetician will analyze your skin’s needs and decide on a treatment specifically tailored to your skin’s immediate needs.

Slaying the Slopes?

You don’t have to be laying on sandy dunes to fear the affects of the sun. Damaging UV rays are an equal opportunity aggressor for snow & sand trekkers alike! So pack that Sunscreen using the above suggestions for your activities on the slopes and trails!

Treat your skin at night with an Anti-aging Serum that contains peptides which rebuild collagen and elastin stores depleted through sun exposure, strong winds and bitter cold. Retinol, Vitamin C and copper will help to reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage, strengthen existing collagen and elastin fibers and fight free radicals while addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

Pack your Body Oil and Lotion for after showering to help keep the skin on your entire body lubricated and well protected against the drying effects of indoor heating. Your skin will better absorb these lubricants if exfoliated first.  My favorite is using a Dry Body Brush which not only exfoliates, but also increases circulation and reduces the appearance of cellulite!  These can be easily purchased at any retailer. Select one with firm bristles for best results!

Happy Trails and Sails, Lovelies!

 

 

 

 

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About Me

Why ‘yourskinpro’ you may ask.  Well, for the last 23 years and counting, I have been an entrepreneur working in the field of aesthetics, loving every moment of it! While having dedicated most of my professional adult life to the beauty profession, my dreams have been to experience the life of a writer, painter, counselor, actor, healer, screenwriter, professional bohemian, confidante, spiritual guide, personal handler, and SAHM (Stay at home Mom) to name just a few.

Actual positions that I have held to date are makeup counter consultant, waitress, car sales associate, corporate travel agent, computer operator, project manager, student, wife and mom. Chronologically speaking, I am 53 years old (my mental age is more like 30), happily married with 2 children both of which are considered ‘young adults’.  I now begin the empty nest phase as my youngest begins her college journey and my oldest is off on his own, continuing his journey on his terms.

Welcome to my adventure in this wonderful playground called ‘my life’.  I absolutely LOVE meeting new people as there is something to be learned from everyone and their journeys to date! My hopes are to imprint others with a positive part of me in that exchange – something that enhances their lives in some way – be it modest or significant.  Welcome to my world, so happy to have you here! xo

Source: About

Fight The Flake Before Winter Hits!

By Jane Ferri, Clinical Esthetician

For many of us who live in regions where the temperatures change, our clothing selection isn’t the only thing that requires modification during this time! Focusing special attention on the largest organ, our skin, is also crucial to maintaining our health and our youth.

As a clinical esthetician in the Northeastern part of the U.S., I see firsthand how weather change affects the skin.  Cold temperatures, decreased humidity and inside heating conditions all contribute collectively to drier, lack-luster skin that shows itself with flaky, irritated and chapped skin.

Heading it off at the proverbial pass is key before the extreme temperatures plummet and taking heed by incorporating some of the suggestions listed here will help you sail through the winter months beautifully prepared and protected!

Drink More Water! This is one of the easiest things to do and one of the most important!  Our bodies are made up of more than 70% water and many people don’t maintain or increase their intake of water to counter the effects from arid conditions.

Consider Changing Your Cleanser! If you have a drier skin naturally, switching your cleanser from a gel or lighter cleansing fluid to a richer, creamier cleanser with more moisturizing properties is recommended.  For the oilier, more active skins or those who break out regularly, continued use of your summer cleanser at night only and use a light cleansing emulsion or lotion in the morning. This will help deter the flakiness that can come with cleansers geared toward oily/acne skins during the winter months.

Exfoliate! Weekly or daily exfoliation is key to keeping the skin conditioned to receive all the moisturizing benefits in your home regimen.  Finding the right exfoliant for your skin is also important.  If your skin is thin and fragile, consider using a mild enzyme (Pumpkin is one of my favorites for sensitive skins) or a serum containing retinol to help eradicate dry, dead skin buildup.  Scrubs are great for the less sensitive once or twice weekly.  Look for those without sharp husk fragments as the exfoliating modality as these can scratch the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid! Incorporating a serum of Hyaluronic acid or containing Hyaluronic Acid will help keep your skin soft and hydrated.  The molecules in this wonderous ingredient hold 1000 times its own weight in water making them powerful warriors against dryness at the deepest level!  Every skin type, even oily skin can use and benefit from Hyaluronic Acid.   So what exactly Is Hyaluronic Acid?   “Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body,” explains Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser and Skin Care. “It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin. It’s also present in the eyes and in the joint spaces, where it acts as a lubricant and ‘shock absorber.’ ”Know how a baby’s skin always looks so deliciously dewy and pillowy? It’s because babies are born with a high level of hyaluronic acid, which keeps their skin plump and smooth. Unfortunately, your body produces less and less hyaluronic acid over time. “The amount of hyaluronic acid in skin diminishes with age, most significantly after age 40,” notes Dr. Kauvar.

Change Your Moisturizer! For normal to dry, dry, mature skin types you might want to seek out a richer, oil based night cream!  I layer my night cream under my day moisturizer which has an SPF for added hydration during the colder months. I get the added moisture boost without compromising the sun protection that is needed every day, regardless of season!

Attend To The Lips! One of the most expressive parts of your face are your lips! The skin of the lips is actually translucent which is why they turn bluish when cold and pink in warm surroundings.  Since they are made up of only three layers of skin, protection from sun and cold is important and necessary.  Exfoliating lips to clear away telltale signs of environmental stress will leave the delicate lip surface soft, conditioned, and renewed. Follow with a lip balm containing vitamins and hydrating ingredients along with a sunscreen! Unlike other areas of the skin, lips don’t produce as much melanin, needing the extra protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Body Care During Winter! The skin on our bodies are more durable than that on our faces.  Daily exfoliation and moisturization will go a long way to preventing rough patches, scaly skin and cracks! Using a body brush, exfoliating gloves or scrubs and pumice made expressly for the body will help reduce and eliminate the dryness and conditions that can progress if not addressed.  For protecting feet and hands from cracking, exfoliate first then finish with a hydrating moisturizer. Make sure you wear gloves at the first sign of cold and keep a pocket-sized moisturizer with you for reapplication throughout the day, especially after hand washing.  At night, apply moisturizer followed by a layer of organic coconut oil and wear 100% cotton socks and gloves to keep hands and feet baby soft and crack free.

Invest In A Humidifier or Plants! Since we spend at least 6 or more hours in our bedrooms and offices each day, adding a humidifier is one of the best ways to help increase the moisture in the air which will help counter the water loss experienced from internal heating conditions and while we sleep!  If a humidifier isn’t feasible, simply add some plants! Yes, Plants!  The water in the leaves diffuses into the air and adds moisture.

As with every season, this winter will come and go and summer will be here before you know it! Using these tips will help you and your skin sail through it beautifully! Stay warm Lovelies!

Daily Mantra

” I lovingly forgive and release all of the past”

” I love and accept all of me – I am perfect.”

” I choose to fill my world with joy each and every day.”