WEEK 3: SHOW THE WEATHER WHO’S BOSS

Taking proper care of your skin has a lot to do with current weather conditions, as odd as that may seem. So for week 3 of our 30 days to your best skin yet plan, we’ll show you how to fight against one of the culprits to healthy, glowy skin: the weather.

 DAY 15: FIX POST-SUMMER SKIN

Iluma serum

 

Did you spend too much time in the sun this past summer and have more freckles than you thought, or even unsightly sun spots? This is all a result of accumulated sun exposure, which actually causes your body to produce extra melanin. A serum with lightening agents can help you undo sun damage and brighten skin overall, like Image Skincare Iluma Lightening Serum ($39), which contains a blend of botanical lighteners, Vitamin C and grape seed extract to gently reduce inflammation and promote a clear, fresh-looking complexion.

 DAY 16: TAKE CONTROL OVER WATER TEMPERATURE

Hot water may feel like the only solution to ease your stress after a long day, especially as temperatures drop. But note, however, that those comforting, scalding hot showers and/or baths strip skin of natural, nourishing oils. And while cold water may seem like a better option, don’t be fooled- it doesn’t clean as well as warm water and it closes pores. The ideal water temperature for your skin is tepid- warm enough to open pores and clean them out, but cool enough not to dry out skin.

 DAY 17: SPEED UP YOUR SHOWER & BATH ROUTINE

Too much water on any skin surface can be damaging since it can break down skin surface layers. So cut down the time of those hot, leisurely baths and showers and your skin will thank you!

 DAY 18: INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

This dry Colorado weather can be harsh on skin, especially skin that is dry to begin with, and encountering brisk Fall and Winter temperatures. In cold-weather, skin tends to get sensitive from the shortage of humidity in the air, and the heat inside doesn’t help, as it saps moisture out of the air. Being exposed to all this dryness depletes your skin’s moisture, making Humidifiers the answer to all your skin’s prayers by adding a controlled dose of water vapor back into your environment. Buy one this season and notice how gladly your skin will soak up the extra moisture and actually stay hydrated.

 DAY 19: EXFOLIATE THOSE FLAKES AWAY

MDReconstructiveRepairCreme

Cold weather making your skin rough and flaky? One of the biggest mistake clients seem to make is relying solely on moisturizer in an attempt to hydrate. Rather, layer a lotion containing salicylic acid underneath your moisturizer a few times a week to help slough away those dead skin cells that are causing you to flake. We are all big fans of Image Skincare

If the cold weather makes your skin flaky, don’t just rely on moisturizer in an attempt to hydrate. Instead, layer a lotion containing Glycolic Acid at night a few times a week. The Glycolic Acid will act as an exfoliator and help slough away those built-up skin cells that are causing you to flake. We highly recommend Image Skincare MD Reconstructive Repair Creme ($59.90), which contains a concentrated blend of retinol, glycolic acid and oil soluble Vitamin C to resurface, rejuvenate and repair aging skin, leaving it radiant and youthful after just a few applications.

 DAY 20: MIX N’ MATCH YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Have you heard of multi-masking? It’s basically the practice of using various masks in different zones of your face, depending on your needs. It’s a great way to combat specific problems without exacerbating others, and the same practice can be used with your various skincare products. If you have an oily T-zone, for example, but your cheeks get dry in colder weather, go for a lightweight gel for your T-Zone and a thicker cream for the rest of your face.

 DAY 21: HYDRATE

You KNOW you need to drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy and hydrated, but water also keeps your skin functioning optimally too. In fact, dehydration hinders your skin from excreting waste, which leads to a sallow, unhealthy complexion. But before you start chugging those 8-oz glasses per day, remind yourself that this rule isn’t for everyone and that the amount you drink varies by your activity level and size. If you’re an athlete and exercise intensely and sweat a lot, for example, you’ll need to drink a lot more water than someone who is a couch potato.


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