What I learned after Interviewing A Beauty Nutritionist & Biochemist on Skincare in Colder Months

Living in Fargo, North Dakota means I have to take conscious care of my skin in the colder days. Cold here is brutal, so if we are not gentle and careful, it will take a huge toll on your skin. If you also live in a cold-climate area, today’s article will be helpful for you. I have interviewed international celebrity Beauty Nutritionist & Biochemist, Paula Simpson . She will be sharing her knowledge about skincare in colder months.

She is launching her first book, Good Bacteria for Healthy Skin! In this book Author Paula Simpson shares how to achieve healthy youthful glowing skin.

Thank you, Paula, for the wonderful suggestions!

Skincare in Colder Months

How do we prepare our skin for the harsh colder months?

Your skin is the barrier between you the environment and acts differently from summer to winter months. As the weather changes, your skincare routine should as well. Winter brings drier conditions, hence the primary focus for skin should be hydration and locking in skin moisture.

• Avoid long hot showers and excessive cleansing or exfoliating – limiting tub time to no longer than 15 minutes and skip the hot water.
  
• Be careful when lathering up and wash your face with a gentle, mild cleanser versus soap, which can dry skin, causing premature aging.
  
• Consider a Humidifier to prevent ultra-dry indoor conditions. Have it on at night.
  
• Nourish from Within – You can also protect yourself from the inside out by adding good fats, ceramides, healthy probiotics and prebiotic fibers that all help to support skin resilience and barrier function; locking in skin moisture for colder months ahead. Drink plenty of fluids; lemon and water and herbal teas to stay hydrated.
  
• Slow down on post-summer skincare routines with exfoliants, peels and deep cleansers. Although great for removing skin debris and congestion, if done too often they strip away natural oils and good skin microflora (both critical for skin barrier and skin moisture). Look to naturally occurring muds, clays, algae or fermented dairy/probiotic type treatments that gently exfoliate, re-establish skin microflora and provide replenishing nutrients for the skin.
  
• Mist with Thermal Spray Water – spritz onto skin to hydrate and maintain skin moisture throughout the day.
  
• Oil-based products can be used as the last step of your PM routine since it will give a protective layer to your skin so your skin moisture won’t ‘escape’ through your pores.

Affordable and best skincare products for colder months:

Consider probiotic-based skincare –

Skin microbes are an important part of your skin barrier and this “good” bacterial ecosystem is imperative for how well your skin adapts and defends itself against the outside environment/colder winter months. Probiotic based skincare may help to re-establish those good residential skin bacteria that influence skin sensitivities, calm and nourish the skin and improve barrier function and hydration. If you’re considering probiotic-based skincare, you want to do your research as the type of bacteria (species, subspecies, strain,) will have different effects on the skin. Look for combined symbiotic blends along with pre-biotics, ceramides, and antioxidants for added stability and product effectiveness. I review this in more detail in my book, but here is one DIY probiotic-based mask I like to use;

Nourishing Mask with Probiotics & Honey:

• 3 Tbsp. plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp.unpasteurized honey 
• 1 probiotic capsule (choose a symbiotic blend of at least 10 billion CFU +)

Directions:

• In a clean glass bowl, break the capsule and mix with yogurt and honey
• Avoiding eye area, apply evenly to face and neck
• Leave on 15-20 minutes.
• Wipe very gently off with a lukewarm cloth and pat dry
• Apply a probiotic-based moisturizer for an extra dose of nourishment
• Repeat once to twice per week 
• *Always do a skin patch test on the forearm before applying the mask.*

Lastly, what’s the one special tip you will give to the readers of Sifa’s Corner.

Rethink and perhaps shift your regimen towards an integrated approach that includes topical, nutritional and potentially dietary supplemental skincare. Your skin is a mirror reflection of your inner health and nourishing from the inside + out is your best bet towards healthy skin.

Suggested read: Tips to Stay Healthy When the Weather Gets Colder

WINTER SKINCARE PRODUCT ESSENTIALS:

High-End Products:

About Paula Simpson :

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