Baby, it’s cold outside…
Baby, it’s been cold outside… but spring has sprung and warm weather is on its way! I honestly don’t mind winter, I love the change of seasons and the change of routine each season brings. But, that being said, I am over cold weather this year, but it keeps revisiting. I am ready for spring things, spring style, flowers, and pops of color and change. One thing I try to remain faithful in is my self-care but with the changes, each season brings my self-care routines to change a little too. I've never been one to neglect a skincare routine. Our skin is our largest organ, after all. And it faces it all for us. Environmental toxins, UV rays, allergies, stressors, and the weather are all contributing factors to our skin reactions and changes. Every seasonal change I become hyper-aware that my sensitive skin is planning some type of major freak out. I love to spend a chilly day all warm and cozy, but the loss of humidity during cold weather months causes changes in my skin such as dryness. Although I have found that consistency in my skincare routine and self-care brings the most optimal results, I do change it up to account for changes that each season brings. So, as the weather begins to transition so does my skincare routine.
I have to admit exfoliation has always been the hardest part of my skincare routine for me to keep up with and maintain. My skin is super sensitive and is easily aggravated so I fear any chemicals that can slough off the skin! Derms will tell you you benefit most from exfoliating your skin 1-3 times a week. And since I’ve cleaned out my beauty bag and use only green products I know there are products that can benefit my skin and not disrupt it. That being said, I decided about a year ago I needed to add in one exfoliation routine weekly. Masking won the slot because I love the self-care ritual of taking 15 minutes to sit and mask. And honestly, when my busy schedule doesn't call for me to take the time to sit and relax, I am able to multitask as I mask. I’m writing to you now slathered in the Dr. Alkaitis Cellular Repair mask. I’ve made a self-care commitment to mask twice weekly and have seen a huge difference in my skin’s texture. It is more supple and defined and of course, the benefits have left me wanting more improvement! Regardless of skin type, exfoliation helps unclog pores and keeps them clean so that those awesome products you are using can penetrate more. It makes so much sense to maintain this routine so that I can get the most from the products I use.
I 100% embrace my age but I’m not going to lie, I want that youthful glow. I do not believe my skin can be too glowy, shiny is a no for me, but glowy is always yes, please. To get that youthful glow, I feed my face with a hydrating serum and then seal it all in with a rich moisturizer. Serums are a step that is often skipped in skincare routines but they are the heavy lifters of moisturizing products. They have concentrated nutrients that take your skin health to the next level and can plump your skin If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin you may shy away from the idea of layering on moisturizer for fear it will clog your pores but, what I have found to be true for myself is that now that my pores are exfoliated, moisturizing helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. I only use products with simple, clean ingredients as opposed to unsettling my natural chemistry with chemicals. Moisturizing creates a barrier against environmental factors. It is also such an important barrier under my makeup.
Products I Use: My Ride or Die heavy lifters for aging gracefully. I typically use these products at night when they can be on my sink the longest:
The Cellular Repair Mask is formulated to stimulate the skin’s regenerating properties on a cellular level, restore vitality, and strengthen the skin by infusing the deepest layers of the skin with sheer fruit power. Click here to check out Greenhouse Beauty’s Cellular Repair Mask.
The one product that I refuse to live without is the Dr. Alkaitas Ageless Facial Elixir. I order this from Rachel (from Greenhouse Beauty, CT) well before I think I am running out. And if I am traveling light this is the one product I transfer to little traveling vials because I really can’t and won’t live without it! The unique formulation contains a potent combination of anti-aging antioxidants, Ayurvedic herbs, and high potency superfoods that promote luminous skin deeply nourished at the cellular level. Click here to check out the Dr. Alkaitas Ageless Facial Elixir from Greenhouse Beauty.
I have faithfully used an eye cream day and night since I was 21. The skin around our eyes is so delicate and needs that extra moisture. I typically use an Organic Eye Cream from Greenhouse Beauty and I then seal the elixir in by patting a night cream over the top. Click here to see the Organic Night cream that I purchase from Greenhouse Beauty, CT.
My daytime combo is also great for those that want to have a healthier skin barrier. I get that goddess glow by hydrating and replenishing skin with eight botanical hydrators, including three molecular weights of plant-based Hyaluronic Acid with Earth Harbor Celestine Hydra-Plumping Peptide. Click here to check out the hydrating serums I use from Greenhouse Beauty, CT.
Samphire is a proven botanical that acts like retinol. Except, this green queen is naturally non-irritating, non-photo sensitizing meaning I can use it both day and night. It is also a physical barrier against blue light emitted from electronic devices. Check out the Samphire Sea Retinol Digital Serum that I purchase from Greenhouse Beauty, CT, here.
Last but definitely not least! I top off this combo with the Earth Harbor Cloudburt Balancing Gel Hydrator which is especially great for stressed or reactive skin. I have eczema that is easily irritated and this is a great balancer. Click here to see my favorite Gel Hydrator from Greenhouse Beauty, CT.
Images taken by Claire Marchand (2019).