Brrr! Aahhh! It is that time of year when we think of hot chocolate and delightfully warm fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. We say – “gosh where did the Fall go? It’s Winter now!”.  We seem to be surprised by it, but in reality we knew it was coming. Did you stock up on a thicker moisturizer for the winter? No? Not yet, huh. Your skin is at it’s most dry state right now. It is probably trying hard to keep things ok – but it is a little sensitive.  Ah, the “I have sensitive skin” comment is pretty common and it usually stems from the fact that your skin is screaming for moisture and it is very unhappy.

What to do? First, if you haven’t purchased an exfoliant - now is the time. You need to slough off that layer of dry skin that has built up to protect your skin from the wind and cold.  It is trying very hard to keep the skin from total unhappiness! Using one of our exfoliants free of parabens, chemicals, dyes and fragrances is a good idea as your skin is now “sensitive, i.e. mad” and will really have a reaction to anything that has bad ingredients in it. Go natural. Go chemical free!

After exfoliation we usually recommend a moisturizing masque (like our Spirulina Masque) to help infuse needed moisture. But if your skin is really not happy – just a thick application of your winter moisturizer is perfect.  We recommend the Tamanu Nut Masque due to it’s great combination of healing properties (Tamanu Nut & CoQ10) and heavy moisture content. When you apply it – go thick. The first time after you exfoliate very dry skin and then apply moisturizer your face is going to drink it up like mad! Yes! Over-apply. Wait 10 minutes, then touch your face – now where did all that product go? And wow! My skin is so soft and dewy and feels much better. It’s amazing what a difference a great all natural moisturizer has on your skin. It’s ok to put a little bit more on – your skin will thank you with even skin tone and softness for sure!

Another benefit you get from this combination of exfoliating and moisturizing with your winter moisturizer is that your makeup will apply smoother – more evenly. Your skin tone will not be so blotchy with red patches from the over dryness. So there is less corrective make-up application, helping your skin to breathe easier.

So if you haven’t made the switch to your winter moisturizer now is the time! Doubling up on the light summer product will not help – the cold temperature and wind will go right through a light moisturizer and leave your skin unprotected. Also, using an over the counter moisturizer full of fillers and chemicals also contains a lot of alcohol.  Avoid products containing alcohol on your face. This creates such a dry state that it makes it hard for you to smile! Amp up the moisturizer and be sure to exofliate at least once every two weeks to rid your skin of the dry, flaky bits. Smooth, soft and dewy – that’s our goal for your all-natural skincare here at Renaud Naturals!

(While we have mentioned our own products here on the blog, Renaud Naturals will formulate your own private label skincare line for your spa, salon or boutique store. Brand yourself and your business with a special skincare line of your own. Call us at 970-667-1433 to inquire or see our website for more information. Also, if you found this article informative please feel free to re-Tweet it or post it on your Facebook page! We appreciate the link! Click below)

The following basic skincare routine steps should be done twice daily, morning and evening:

CLEANSING
Cleansing the face is the first step in taking care of your skin. Cleansing helps remove any excess skin oils or dirt that has accumulated throughout the day or night. The best cleansers are effective, yet gentle enough to not disturb the skin’s natural moisture balance. They help to maintain a healthy complexion and are an essential step in your facial care routine.

Select a cleanser suited to your skin type. Place a small amount of cleanser into the hands and emulsify with lukewarm water. Apply to the face in a circular motion, covering the face for about 30 seconds. Remove from the skin with warm water, while gently scrubbing with a face cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm and cool water. This action will remove dirt and impurities from the skin’s surface and prepare it for the next step.

TONING
Toners, or toniques, are important to use after cleansing to return your skin to its proper pH balance. This is valuable because it can take your skin up to six hours to return to its proper pH level without the help of a toner. Keeping the skin at its natural pH allows it to function at its optimum level. Apply toner using a cotton pad or spray once or twice, over the entire face and leave on. Your skin will feel fresh and rejuvenated.

SERUM
After using the toner, it is time to treat specific skin care concerns, such as acne, rosacea, or lack of firmness with a specific serum. This is an optional step but once you experience the clarifying and age-defying benefits of this step you will want to continue to include this in your regime. Wait 2-3 minutes after applying the serum before applying moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING
Moisturizing is the final step to complete the daily skin care routine. Even oily skin needs a light moisturizer to keep skin soft and supple. Soften and hydrate the skin with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Apply over the entire face and neck area and leave on. For a lighter application, emulsify a small amount of moisturizer in your hand with a few drops of water. You may then very gently apply a small amount of eye cream or gel around the eyes.

We all know the basics of skin care – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. But why should we also exfoliate and use a masque? These are skin care treatments that should be integrated into a weekly maintenance plan.

EXFOLIATING
Why Exfoliate? Exfoliation is the key to vibrant skin. It is important to exfoliate your skin at least once or twice per week. Exfoliating should be done after cleansing. Facial exfoliators, or scrubs, are essential to keep skin soft and glowing. They help slough off dead skin cells and keep pores clear. This sloughing action also smoothes and clarifies the face’s complexion. An exfoliator is a great pick-me-up for tired, dull skin. This is also a good way to deal with rough or flaky skin. Apply the exfoliant suited to your skin type and allow it to dry for 5-10 minutes. Use a face cloth moistened with lukewarm water to gently scrub off the dried exfoliant using a circular motion while scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with water and apply toner and moisturizer.

MASQUES
Why use Masques? Using a facial masque once or twice a week will dramatically increase the elasticity and health of your skin. Choose a masque suited to your skin type or the condition that you are treating. Emulsify a small amount of the masque in your hand with a few drops of water and apply evenly over the entire face, neck and décolleté areas. Avoid the eye area. Allow the masque to dry for 5-10 minutes while breathing in the soothing scents. Use a face cloth moistened with lukewarm water to gently scrub off the masque using circular motions while scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with water and apply toner and moisturizer.