7 Winter Skin-Care Tips To Give Clients
- Created on Friday, 06 January 2012 15:21
- Written by Alexandra Innes
Colder weather signals more than a need for warm clothing. It also means it’s time to transition your clients to a winter skin-care regimen, both in the spa and at home.
1. Change moisturizers
To prepare skin for the cold blast of winter, Erin Wilson, a skin therapist at Ritual in Toronto, recommends starting with a change of moisturizer. She advises using a heavier, non-comedogenic formulation that protects skin from the elements without clogging pores or causing breakouts. And if clients don’t want to part with their favourite moisturizer, she suggests giving it a boost for winter with a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid. For nighttime repair, she favours creams that contains restorative vitamins A, C and E, ingredients like honey to nourish, or aloe, cucumber or arnica to soothe.
2. Book professional treatments
“In a perfect world,” Wilson says, “a face treatment would be on our to-do list every four to six weeks.” She points out that as well as being a great way to keep clients looking and feeling their best, professional treatments also help to monitor any changes in their skin so adjustments can be made in their home-care routine.
Pascale Couton, an esthetician and spa trainer at Solarice Wellness Spa in Vancouver, agrees. “We have to educate our clients,” she says. “Because you can do a facial, but if they are not taking care of their skin at home, it’s wasting their time and their money.”
3. Exfoliate once a week
As the air becomes drier so does skin, and Couton advises her clients to exfoliate and use a mask once a week at home to help remove dry skin. Otherwise, it acts like a barrier that blocks the penetration of any cream or serum. Opt for an exfoliant that uses enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids instead of harsh scrubs that contain nuts or shells, which can cause micro tears in the skin, leading to dehydration and sensitization.
4. Wear SPF
Although the sun may not feel very strong in these colder months, it’s still an important factor for skin care. “You don’t feel it,” Couton warns, “but we see a lot of sun damage, especially when skiing.” Everybody should use a moisturizer on their face with an SPF of at least 30, she says.
5. Oily skin still needs moisture
Skin that's oily also feels the effects of frigid temperatures and becomes dehydrated. This may lead to an overproduction of sebum to compensate for the moisture loss. For these clients, Wilson advises looking for an oil-free hydrating lotion to keep a happy balance.
6. Toners and cleansers are your friend
A hydrating toner is great for thirsty skin. It can be applied under moisturizer and also used throughout the day to refresh. Use a pH-balanced cleanser that won't strip skin of valuable moisture.
7. Water matters
A humidifier is a great investment. It keeps the air comfortable and skin well hydrated. Also avoid moisture-stripping showers by keeping the water tepid instead of hot and follow immediately with a lipid-rich body moisturizer. And last but not least... Drink more water!
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