Beauty Tips Tuesday - Winter skin woes?

Getting winter skin summer ready is something that is probably on every one's mind. We all yearn for that youthful glow but are many times unsure just how to get it. With these simple tips, you can achieve it in no time!

Wake up a winter face by kicking exfoliation up a notch! To uncover healthy skin, you must clear away the dead, dry, wintry stuff. Removing dull cells reveals the new skin underneath, helps keeps pores clear of trapped debris, and makes moisturizers and anti-aging products penetrate your skin better. To help tackle this rougher, tougher skin, you need something strong, like a cosmeceutical strength weekly at-home peel treatment. I like MD Formulations My Personal Peel System, which allows you to effectively whisk away dead skin cells and customize your professional treatments according to your own skin's concerns and changing needs. I however do not recommend it if you have very sensitive skin, and would instead recommend that you use the Sensitive Skin Repair Complex daily (also by MD Formulations).

As I mentioned in a previous post about body care, removing dead skin cells is only the start! Another factor in winter skin is the seasonal dip in the production of natural lipids (skin oils that seal in moisture). A simple way to replenish this loss is with hydrating masks. They are fabulous in helping maintain optimum hydration levels because they contain humectants like urea and sodium hyaluronate that attract moisture as well as occlusive ingredients that seal in moisture, so skin stays dewier longer. I recommend using Perricone MD Hydrating Nutrient Mask or MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Treatment Masque several times a week for the perfect "super-hydration" treatment. Both will sooth and calm the skin while providing vital moisture and potent antioxidants that will rebuild the skin's protective barrier to help defend against environmental damage.

Another way to pump up your hydration levels is by using a facial mist. I personally am never caught without one! I keep travel size bottles in my purse and gym bag that I use throughout the day, have a bottle in my make-up drawer in the bathroom, and keep a bottle in the refrigerator for when it is hot outside.

Moisture mists are so SuperFabulous because they are multi-taskers. Not only do they give you a great shot of hydration anytime of the day, but they also set your make-up, cool and de-stress, have the ability to freshen up your hair, and tame static/flyaways in a pinch. But it doesn't stop there! If you choose one with the right ingredients, it can also help fight off free radicals and environmental stressors. There are of course a lot of really great mists out there, so just keep your eye on the ingredients and look for ones that have oil free hydration, humectants, really light non irritating fragrances or fragrance free (nothing minty or citrusy on the face if you are sensitive), and antioxidants. I recommend Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Facial Mist, Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist, and MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Spray. You can buy the little travel containers at any major retailer in their travel isle or sometimes they can even be found at the dollar store. I recommend stashing the travel sizes on you everywhere to encourage use. Oh! and they are especially great during travel. Airplanes can be TERRIBLY drying and having a small 3 oz travel bottle in your carry on can prove to be a life saver! I assure you, if you follow these tips, your skin will be glowing in no time!

Next week I tackle Self Tanners and make recommendations on how to get that beautiful Faux Glow!