Keep that skin looking fresh this fall with tips from local esthetician Nichole M!

As Starbucks has already introduced its “Fall” drinks featuring my personal favorite the Pumpkin Spice Latte (non fat hold the whip) I am reminded of my favorite time of the year! I love fall – the colors, the smells, the fashion and all the holidays that come with it. However, I don’t love how it affects my skin! If you live in an area that has all four seasons then you are probably use to the fall/winter affects on your skin; we have to plan for fall/winter skincare just like we do for our wardrobe.

As a licensed Esthetician (you can book with Nichole at Avital Beauty Lounge in Walnut Creek, Ca) I feel it is my honor and pleasure to provide some practical tips on how to combat “dry skin” through these colder months coming upon us. Did you know even people with Oily skin types suffer from dry skin in colder climates? Its true! So here are some tips and a few of my favorite products. Enjoy!

HYDRATE

What I mean by this is that we need to hydrate inside and out. Its so easy for us to drink water during the Hot summer months but as it gets colder our tendency is to go for all the warm drinks like coffee, tea and hot cocoa and while those are all scrumptious choices we still need to be taking in our daily amount of water for hydration to the Skin. Did you know the last organ in your body to get water after you consume it is the Skin? Drink that water like its going out of style!

MASK



Ok I know what you are all thinking, aren’t masks for drying out my acne and oily skin by using “purifying masks“? NO! There are so many wonderful masks out there for hydrating the skin. The wonderful thing about masking is that you don’t have to do it everyday and it’s a great way to add an extra boost of moisture to your skin. After using the mask, your skin will feel more refreshed, hydrated and over all glowing. Some of my favorite masks are:



Derived from pure, natural plant-based elements. Free of petrochemicals, parabens and chemical preservatives. Firms, lifts and tightens skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Improves water retention and absorption with ingredients such as   Palmaria Palmate acts to brighten skin by reducing melanin and pigmentation. Deeply hydrating formula that imparts minerals, nutrients and anti-oxidants.

An ultra rich, creamy leave-on mask that provides the skin with an intense dose of moisture for a softer, healthier complexion and instantly soft skin. Nourishing avocado hydrates and revitalizes, while mineral-rich banana puree helps soften skin and maintain an optimal moisture level.

Tip #3

I know we all talk about cellular renewal but in simple terms if you exfoliate your skin will look more refreshed, plump and overall amazing! If you already exfoliate on a weekly basis then kudos for you but if you don’t do it yet this is a perfect time of the year to start especially if you are prone to dry skin. For winter I recommends a mild exfoliant that any skin type can benefit from. If you stick to fruit acids and enzymes it’ll do wonders for your skin unlike some of the more abrasive ones out there that you should really only be using on your feet, ladies no condemnation but PLEASE do NOT use apricot scrub on your face! My recommendation for fall: Pumpkin!

Organic pumpkin puree with pineapple and organic ginger for ultimate exfoliation and nourishment.

Deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates. Improves skin’s texture. Smoothes fine lines and promotes healthy cell growth and increased circulation. Reduces the appearance of aging by nourishing with powerful antioxidants. Non-abrasive, non-drying, non-irritating. Calming and soothing. Provides a supple, healthy glow to skin. Derived from pure, natural plant-based elements.. Free of petrochemicals, parabens and chemical preservatives

Tip #4

Yes as if most of us don’t do this everyday right? But for fall/winter you might have to change out your moisturizer depending on how the weather affects your skin. There are literally thousands out on the market and it may be hard for you to choose one so here is my advise: Choose one that is right for your skin. If you have oily skin do not buy an “ultra rich” night cream unless you’d like to wake up the next day with a few ‘friends’ on your face. The rule of thumb is if you have oily skin look for ‘oil-free’ on the label and for dry skin usually look for the word ‘essential’ on the product packaging. Some great ingredients for hydration include: Vitamin E, L-ascorbic  acid and Rose. My faves:

A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and soothes red, irritated skin and conditions of couperose.



Skin Firming Cream Plus is an all-around anti-aging treatment formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid to promote collagen production, lycopene to combat free radicals and vegetable triglycerides. This light, emollient moisturizer for very dry skin boasts the ability to help you look 5 to 10 years younger due to the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin. It delivers up to 20 times more vitamin C than your body can absorb orally, and won’t cause skin reactions such as sunlight sensitivity.