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Blog #30- 

Spring Forward into Spring with Your Best Transitional Wardrobe 

Stop me if this sounds familiar: on Monday, it’s 62 with a 100% chance of thunderstorms. On Tuesday, it’s 67, and a tornado warning or two might pop up. When Wednesday rolls around, the temp drops to 46, but the rain chances linger. Yet Thursday drops even farther to 33, while rain becomes snow showers. On Friday, the sun peeks its head out to warm us back up to 68, Saturday carries with it a 100% chance of sunshine with no clouds in sight as the temp climbs to 72, and by Sunday, it’s a balmy 80 degrees. 

If you’re from Arkansas (or perhaps even if you’ve just visited), this is what spring looks like. A constant rollercoaster for those of us trying to settle on wardrobe choices for the day, and a nightmare of a headache for those poor, poor weather people on KNWA who get blamed for everything (seriously, guys- who could possibly predict this chaos reliably!?). 

So what do we do then to balance the ever-changing forecast with our need to put our best fashion foot forward? Mix it up of course:

Pair up a dress for less stress

Like this comfy purple dress + white blazer

This epitome of spring, a short pink flower + chunky cardigan

Just peachy + crop flares

Leopard print + a remedy tee

Possibly my fav on the list, this gorgeous embroidered number + crop jacket

This sweet blue choice + crop straight legs

A darker tie-dye + black ballet wrap

Or a long pink flower + bomber jacket 

A shirt under, a heavier piece over, or a pair of pants can solve your sartorial woes! 

Go for a one-piece

An adorable denim romper

Or a sexy black romper

Either of which will be cooler denim choices (but not too cool) because they combine short with long

Even a pink linen romper + heavier black jean jacket

Choose a matching set 

In a comfy, breathable pink

In a definitely before Labor Day white that's therefore light

Or a cooler purple (THE color of 2022)

Even a set of elongating stripes in a lighter material and cooler crop

Let the fabric breathe

Big sleeves + denim shorts will keep your arms air conditioned

Holes in the sweater fabric + a tennis skirt will keep you from overheating 

Plaid bottoms + a yellow crop are light enough in color and thinner materials to get you through the day 

And a lighter sweater via crop or embellished cutouts can be paired with flares to keep you cozy in the colder mornings but airy enough for noon heat 

Combine long tops with short bottoms or vice versa 

Like this very happy pullover + biker short

Matching faux leather set

Or if the matchy-matchy vibe isn’t your thing, this black crop + faux leather shorts

Or the flipside- gray short sleeves + heart leggings

Purple tank + long white ribs

Even a matching set in black 

Choose a spring print to channel spring

We have a classy and fun pink blazer that would go great with a pair of loose-fit white jeans

There’s a tie-dye dress + white crop underneath 

Or why not this white dress that screams the season + Morrison denim with plaid detail underneath 

Layer it up (you can always take some of it off later)

Go for this satin cami + black cardigan + a wide leg jean

My second fav on the list, blue stripe light pullover + pink legging + stone wash denim

Or a brown light thermal + cardigan + crop 

In the end, check the weather when planning outfits the night before, but keep in mind that spring is as prone to change her mind as we women are, and refrain from berating the poor meteorologists. They deserve a break. 

This is Bea, signing off permanently! 

Blog #29- 

Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change (the age-related seasons this time)- Part Four

Welcome back to our last skincare blog, ladies. Today, we’ll be looking at our…

Fantastic Forties

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), at this stage in life, we start dealing with perimenopause. That means deeper wrinkles set in around the mouth and eyes, lines deepen, hyperpigmentation darkens, skin thins, and texture becomes less even. There’s an overall loss of volume in the face as we start to lose subcutaneous fat. Plus, the balance tips, and you start breaking down more fat and collagen than you produce. 

So what do we do in response? Prescription tretinoin is the strongest retinol on the market to combat that loss of collagen.

Acne also often spikes here thanks to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. Especially the large cystic type and along the jawline which can scar worse than anything you dealt with as an awkward and angsty teen. Not to fear because it’s still okay to use salicylic acid if you’re struggling with that acne.

Since cell turnover is slower, an exfoliant can help as well- in your cleanser, in your toner, or as a separate serum. But pick carefully- like mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid such as gluconolactone, or lactic acid. Avoid exfoliating and using retinol on the same nights though.

In this decade, we also need to see a tighter focus on vitamin C, retinol, and SPF. However, it is perfectly fine to combine a face cream and retinol into one step (or a face cream and SPF). 

Perhaps most importantly, up the ante at night big time to fight aging. Solution? Antioxidants like resveratrol, growth factors, and peptides can help with collagen production. Alternate between alpha hydroxy acids and lighteners to treat hyperpigmentation.

The drop in estrogen can also lead to dryness. So never forget to moisturize. And pull it down to your neck - add your chest in as well at this stage. 

Eye cream with actives like vitamin A can help with dermal thickness and under-eye darkness by prompting drainage and microcirculation.

And if you’re struggling with sensitivity, choose a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory ingredients like polyphenol, grapeseed extract and those that improve skin elasticity and resilience like coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, DMAE, and alpha lipoic acid.

But a good diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will do much much more than any external product for radiance - including wild salmon, avocado, flaxseeds, and spinach which reduce the body producing inflammatory compounds.

A good suggested routine? Gentle face wash, serum, retinol, cream-based moisturizer.

Or face wash, treatment serum, retinol, eye cream, moisturizer.

(and you too can look as good as Sophia and Kate here courtesy of Hypebae and Champagne and Shade)

Moving along, we come to… 

Fabulous Fifties

Welcome to the land of menopause (if only that stood for the ability to put the men in your life on pause when need be).

At this point, we can start to see bone resorption leading to sagging and drooping in your face. Collagen and bone loss combined translates into looser skin and decreased volume, mainly in the mid and lower sections of the face. There are significant changes to the deeper facial structure, jowls and texture changes to the neck. Sun damage is becoming more visible, with deeper lines, and broken blood vessels can plague you as well. 

What should our response be? In this decade, definitely go for a prescription strength retinol if your skin can handle it.

Dryness will become your biggest issue, so your new mantra is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. As sebum production drops, less oil means you’re more sensitive to climate and season changes. 

Solution? Use mornings to hydrate and nourish from cleanser all the way over to eye cream, and if you haven’t added in hyaluronic acid yet, do so immediately - work the product that contains that in at least once per day if not more. 

If you have time, add a sheet mask in before makeup application, something with hyaluronic acid to plump up skin. And you don’t have to save that for once a week or special occasions. 

At night, slather everything on- now is not the time to be stingy!

Probably go for a separate neck cream if you haven’t already. 

Add in product on the top of your hands as well. Skin thins here too, so it needs special treatment. 

And you can use alpha hydroxy acid exfoliators 4-5 times per week if you can handle it.

Day creams should be combo packs- antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Upgrade everything to the moisturizing formulas - emollient and creamy.

Booking glycolic peels is a good idea as well if you can splurge a little.

And finally, reduce your stress. Use yoga, meditation, shopping therapy- anything really that takes you to your happy place. Ageing makes our bodies less effective at handling stress hormones, and that can age us because cortisol levels don’t return to normal as quickly as they did in our trendy twenties. 

A good routine? Face wash, serum, retinol, eye cream, neck cream, moisturizer.

Or gentle face wash, serum, exfoliator, retinol, cream-based moisturizer.

(and you can rock a red carpet as well as Viola Davis or Tamlyn Tomita courtesy of Backstage and IMDb)

Which brings us to our… 

Sexy Sixties and So On  

You might now notice these changes- drier, thinner, paper-like, itchy, age spotted, wrinkled, creased, blotchier, more irritated, more susceptible to infection, more easily bruised, sweating less, and/or healing more slowly skin. 

Solution? Eventually, go back to micellar water as your go-to cleanser because skin is thinner, so it loses moisture easier and more rapidly.

Brown spots and hyperpigmentation are big concerns now. So start concentrating on products and serums that work to lighten discoloration and reduce pigmentation.

Look for antioxidants, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and retinoids as ingredients in your products. 

Add in even heavier moisture.

But that also means add in more products that repair the skin barrier.

Definitely go for multiple products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin as humectants that draw in moisture.

And it’s not a bad idea to shoot for some firming peptides. 

You probably need to adjust exfoliation frequency too to keep skin from drying out.

Plus, keep in mind that medications can exacerbate lack of moisture and/or irritation and inflammation.

What else? Bathe to relieve dry skin with gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing soap - look for lanolin, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin on the label. 

Use warm, not hot water.

Use a soft cloth.

Keep it short.

Pat the water off gently and leave some moisture on the surface of your skin. 

Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer for dry skin within 3 minutes of exiting the tub (or huge Jacuzzi if you’re really lucky). 

And then throughout the day, reapply. 

Use a humidifier because both indoor heating and cooling can dry skin out.

Go for 45-60% humidity indoors. Simply use a hydrometer to gauge that accurately.  

And it’s not a bad idea to wear gloves while doing house and garden work.

Even though you can see sun damage, that doesn’t mean you should stop with the SPF- in fact, be even more careful. 

Stay in the shade, especially between 10:00 and 2:00.

Wear protective clothing- lightweight long sleeves and pants, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, clothing with UPF (check the label), and of course the SPF.

Go fragrance free on all products. 

Stop using perfume, cologne, etc. - even unscented which has something in it to kill the scent.

Past 50, start checking your skin for signs of skin cancer. If a spot is different from others, if it changes, itches, or bleeds, go see a dermatologist.

In fact, the older you get, the more beneficial it is to see a dermatologist regularly, even for cosmetic purposes, to come up with the best individualized routine for you since we all age gracefully but very differently. 

(and you will light up a room like Jamie Lee, Desperately Seeking Susan Sarandon, and Dame Judi Dench courtesy of Bio.com, The Hollywood Reporter, and IMDb)

Sources: Eden Skin Clinic, Women’s Health, Dr. Anita Sturnham, Caroline Hirons, In Style, Dr. DiAnne Davis, Dr. Ava Shamban, Best Health, Sarah Aubert, Dr. Julia Carroll, Oprah.com, David Bank MD, Nicholas Perricone MD, Marisa Garshick MD, Devan Jesmer MD, Huffington Post, Cristina Psomadakis MD, Shelley Sekula-Gibbs MD, Heidi Waldorf MD, American Academy of Dermatology Association

Blog #28-

Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change (the age-related seasons this time)- Part Three

As thirty is the new twenty, forty is the new thirty, and fifty is the new twenty-five (who knows what sixty and seventy are then, right?), do we really need to change up our skincare routines that much for these decades? The short answer is yes. While age is just a number, and you’re only as old as you feel (and I really do believe that), our bodies do change as we reach these decades, and so we must adjust accordingly. So what are our new best practices? 

Thriving Thirties

By this point, ladies, we’re dealing with increased job stress, marriage stress, child-rearing stress, and you-name-it stress, all things in life that can cause skin woes. We’re also seeing the very real accrued impact of genetic and environmental aging, plus slowing skin cell turnover. Fine lines, dull skin, and dry skin start making an appearance more regularly. Hormone levels decrease, as do collagen and elastin levels, and skin isn’t quite as firm as it used to be. We go from the porcelain finish we probably took for granted when we were fifteen to enlarged pores. And believe it or not, skin type can change now too- dry can become oily and vice versa. As many of us probably didn’t listen to the advice offered to us in our twenties (and definitely not in our teens), now is a good time to start anti-aging routines and products on targeted areas. Our overall focus then should be on supporting those diminishing collagen levels and repairing existing damage, protecting and preserving fullness and elasticity with products designed for prejuventation. So what exactly should we be doing? 

1. Definitely see a dermatologist- many women start seeing issues like adult acne, pigmentation, and rosacea to go with the biological changes at this age, so if you want to nail the right products and routines specific to you and only you, complete this crucial step first. 

(courtesy of Us Weekly)

Mornings 

2. Be gentle- per a survey by La Roche Posay, 62% of women say their skin becomes more reactive, irritable, and intolerant with age, so choosing the right products becomes even more important. Take it slow, try one new product at a time, do spot tests before using something all over your face, wait at least a few weeks to see results, and be patient- you’re not going to nail the right skincare the first time around. 

3. No more wipes- they’re too abrasive, especially as skin is no longer as resilient. So it doesn’t matter how busy you are now (probably even more so than in your twenties because now you’re balancing getting kids to school while getting yourself ready too- not a fun chore), take the time to treat your skin right. 

4. Micellar water is no longer an adequate cleanser- to remove your makeup yes, but not to actually cleanse skin of all impurities.

(courtesy of Tribune Content Agency)

5. Do a light morning cleanse- overnight, your skin has been undergoing a renewal process while you dreamt of rendezvous with Ian Somerhalder (or Harry Styles, Ruby Rose, or whoever), so you’re gently cleansing away that debris and those leftover toxins with a light choice. 

6. Use your toner- to tighten pores before applying makeup, eliminate any toxins your cleanser missed, and rebalance your skin. Clarifying toners and antioxidant-based toners which return your skin’s PH level to 5.5 are good choices here, and this step will prep your skin for those that come after, allowing serums and whatnot to penetrate more deeply and therefore work more effectively than all on their own. 

7. Spend money on the middle of your routine- on serums and active ingredients, not cleansers and moisturizers, of which there are countless great drugstore alternatives. Moisturizers do a great job of hydrating and protecting skin, but if you want to see real results, you need this step, but which of the many serums out there should you choose? It all depends on your particular skin woes of the moment. 

(courtesy of NME)

L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)- this one is an antioxidant that brightens skin and helps repair free radical damage. An antioxidant isn’t a bad idea to protect skin from the oxidative stress that comes from metabolism, pollution, and UV rays throughout the day. 

PHA/ BHA/ AHA- these are exfoliating acids that can help with skin texture and balance. 

Salicylic acid- it kills bacteria and dissolves the kind of debris that can lead to acne.

Ferulic acid (vitamin C and E)- this one is an antioxidant that boosts collagen and evens out skin tone. 

Hyaluronic acid- these plump skin and combat dehydration, strengthen epidermal barriers and boost collagen production. 

8. Moisturize and your skin will thank you for it- if you didn’t notice, we’re moving from lighter to heavier in terms of the creams, so serum, moisturizer, and then SPF. This way, the lightest liquid will penetrate the deepest, and the others will sit on top of those like protective sumo wrestlers, nourishing skin, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to combine moisturizer and SPF into one product. If dryness is a big concern for you, you might add a few drops of facial oil into your routine right before this step to give you a healthier glow. 

9. But your skin will not thank you for sun exposure so SPF galore- gauge what level you need based on the duration and intensity of your exposure and how fair your skin is/how easily it burns (so you fellow gingers out there like me, go SPF 1,000 if you can find it). Women with darker skin should avoid mineral-based SPF because it can make skin look dull and ashy. Try sheer chemical UV filters instead. And if you’re prone to darker spots as a result of the sun, vitamin C will be a good serum choice for you. 

(courtesy of Variety)

Nights

10. Alternate heftier cleansing alone with cleansing and exfoliating- NEVER exfoliate daily, but once, maybe twice, maaayyybe thrice per week is plenty. And it’s okay to use a more heavyweight cleanser at night because you’re cleaning off a lot more gunk at this time of day. However, if you’re using a lot of serums and active ingredients elsewhere in your routine, you might stick with a gentle cleanser here- try not to overload your skin, especially as you get older. A few times a week, you should also use a product containing alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid to boost cell turnover, perhaps in mask form to give them plenty of time to work. Although if you have darker skin, start out with just once per week and increase slowly, being wary of over-brightening. 

11. Revisit your serums- Retinol (vitamin A) is an anti-aging product, and this one can also help reduce the appearance of larger pores and pigmentation. It should only ever be used at night. 

But you’re welcome to also incorporate any of the other serums from your morning routine here depending on their individual application guidelines. 

For your retinol, try starting slow and light with something around the .3% mark, building up slowly and reducing the chances for skin irritation. The 1% option is the other end of the spectrum which you should reach very gradually as you age. 

If you’re pregnant, try bakuchiol as a safer alternative, and as it’s gentler, if you suffer from sensitive skin woes, you might choose this plant-based product instead of retinol. 

Especially when you first start off on retinol, many dermatologists recommend using a peptide cream on your nights off as you’re building up. This product can help smooth expression lines and minimize wrinkles. 

And as most of your active ingredients will come into play during your night routine, a calming face mist isn’t a bad idea either, something anti-inflammatory to soothe and repair skin. 

(courtesy of She Knows)

12. Get out the big guns night cream- not only to moisturize but also to help support skin as it regenerates, to make it do so more efficiently while you snore, drool, steal the covers, kick your partner, and sleep ramble about your dreams (if you sleep anything like I do). Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamides are key ingredients here. 

13. Give your eyes some love too- check the ingredients in your preferred night cream against what you’re hoping to purchase as an eye cream. A lot of the time, the ingredients are actually exactly the same, so you can use one for both, and save up your money for that serum splurging instead. Or if you’re particularly concerned about issues like crow’s feet and dark circles, then you might stick with two separate here. Caffeine especially works well for this part of your body. But make sure that you gently and thoroughly cover the sensitive skin around your eyes with something because age shows there first. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to carefully massage your creams into the skin on your face slowly, spending more time on this step than any other. This practice strengthens the muscles in your face and encourages collagen production, fighting the signs of aging. 

14. And your neck- again, you have a decision to make: either use your night cream on your neck as well, or choose a separate product. Read the ingredients and go from there. Just make sure that you apply cream to your neck as a separate step, as opposed to swiping leftover face cream downwards and inadvertently leaving blank spots or not saturating skin thoroughly enough to help.

(courtesy of Money Inc)

Until next time… 

Sources: Eden Skin Clinic, Women’s Health, Dr. Anita Sturnham, Caroline Hirons, In Style, Dr. DiAnne Davis, Dr. Ava Shamban, Best Health, Sarah Aubert, Dr. Julia Carroll, Oprah.com, David Bank MD, Nicholas Perricone MD, Marisa Garshick MD, Devan Jesmer MD, Huffington Post, Cristina Psomadakis MD

(P.S.- all of the actresses whose images appear in this blog are gorgeous and thirty, so you can be too) 

Blog #27-

Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change (the age-related seasons this time)- Part Two

Transcendent Twenties

Most women, at least all the ones I’ve known over the years, when asked what age they would like to return their skin to, would answer with a resounding, “My twenties!” But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of those years are perfect, or that any of them are. There are different types of skin woes for every decade of our lives. Around 25, natural collagen and elastin production dips, which can seem really unfair if you’re still struggling with acne. Your 30’s will bring mild brown spots, crow’s feet, and dull skin because of what you did or didn’t do in your twenties as skin’s reparative ability weakens. So how should we change up our skincare routines when we hit this particular age to look good now and in the future ? 

1. Never skip sunscreen- 90% of premature aging concerns come directly from UVA/UVB damage (which is why you see this listed front and center here), so don’t go crying to your best friend when you’re 30 and look 50 if you ignore what all the dermatologists agree on- SPF every day, all day (because the chocolate ice cream your bestie brings over to cheer you up after the fact will not help with this problem). The sun can also darken acne scars, cause hyperpigmentation, lessen your ability to fight off breakouts, and of course cause the big one, skin cancer. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide smooth out into a nice finish that’s all but invisible. Proper sun protection can even prevent breakouts. If you’re going to be outside, reapply every 1-2 hours, but if you’re indoors all day, just once in the morning will suffice. You have to watch out for indirect exposure too because sunlight can reflect off concrete, sand, water, and snow, and reflected UV rays are just as damaging. Wear a light cover-up while driving. Try a loose-fit ballcap when walking from store to store while shopping. Even pop open a sun umbrella for outdoor events like a summer concert. 

2. Never go to bed with your makeup on (no matter what kind of mischief you’re up to)- this can stretch out pores, something you’re going to regret A LOT, later on in life. Witch hazel is a good product actually to combat this. It’s natural, an antioxidant, and an anti-irritant. Or you can go with willow herb extract which is an antibacterial. 

(courtesy of Good Housekeeping)

3. Start cleansing PROPERLY and gently- properly means a double cleanse- an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser, one and then the other (kind of like the Zombieland double-tap), to clean off oil, sweat, makeup, leftover SPF, and pollution, out of pores, even if you’re not prone to breakouts. That’s at night before bed. In the mornings, go gentle because all you’re cleaning off this time are the natural oils and leftover night products. Choices labeled for sensitive skin are always a good bet. We can’t use the same harsh products of our teen years when we were trying to dry skin out enough to avoid or treat breakouts because our oil glands are already shrinking. 

4. But STOP scrubbing- especially with products designed to treat acne because those are already harsher to begin with, even the popular stuff recommended by anyone and everyone, especially the stuff that contains physical exfoliants. Those jagged particles scratch and tear the skin’s natural barrier and most of the time don’t even clean off all of what you’re trying to rinse away. Try exfoliating acids and targeted serums if you need them. Acids dissolve the bonds between dead and dry skin cells, and some are humectants too which combat oiliness and protect moisture. If you’re still struggling with acne, add in a salicylic acid cleanser every few days- don’t overdo it. And it’s not a bad idea to add in a niacinamide serum to your night routine. On the other hand, if you’re typically dry, add a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate. 

(courtesy of Healthline)

5. Vitamin C is your friend- it contains antioxidants and adds a layer of sun protection. No SPF is foolproof, a total block, so it’s good to have something under that to neutralize those damaging free radicals. 

6. As is A- retinol is one half of the goodies contained in vitamin A, and this is the only treatment 100% proven to build collagen and reverse photoaging, so A is for ABSOLUTELY necessary to your regimen! Do stick with a mild OTC version that won’t be too irritating or exfoliating, and stick to application every other night to give your skin a rest in between doses.You might even mix in a bit of your moisturizer when you apply to make it more tolerable. If you get a jump start on this golden goose in your twenties, then you can up the ante to prescription strength in your 30’s or 40’s. 

(courtesy of Vogue)

7. And acid too- a water-based hyaluronic acid product including things like rose water and chlorhexidine won’t overstrip your skin and can help prevent breakouts. And both retinol and glycolic acid are good for anti-aging. Those plus peels cross over- fighting age and acne simultaneously. Busy little bees, right? 

8. Moisture, moisture, moisture- go with something containing humectants to absorb and retain moisture but not oil. And hyaluronic acid is good for this step too. It’s found in the body already, so it’s compatible with your skin, helping you avoid breakouts. 

(courtesy of Today)

9. Focus on prevention- you know that saying about how asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission? That’s not at all true for skin care. It’s much easier to prevent beforehand than it is to recover and repair after the fact. 

10. Get your beauty sleep- this one should be a no-brainer, but it’s a lot easier in theory than in practice. Your twenties is definitely a time to live it up. Just keep in mind that “damage” accumulates, and you will eventually be 40 and regretting it (see previous steps if you don’t believe me). The recommendation is 6-8 hours per night on a silk pillowcase on your back (at least in terms of skin care). 

11. Focus on diet as well- another no-brainer, but just to review (pretending that you already know this because you’re already a beauty guru), Do’s include healthy fats, nuts, fish, avocado, olive oil, leafy greens, fiber, vitamin D3, and plenty of water- shoot for 2-3 liters with lemon squeezed in. It’s not a bad idea in this decade to start scheduling yearly physicals too, including a blood panel to identify any issues that might be affecting skin health, paying special attention to vitamin deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. 

12. Don’t neglect your neck- since I was a little girl, I’ve been listening to my mother and grandmother both extol the virtues of moisturizing for good skin (and they’ve always looked about 20 years younger than they actually are, so I believe it), so I’ve always been re-li-gious about this step- body and face. And yet somehow, I’ve been missing my neck all along. At least until I noticed the first signs of slightly crepe-y skin. No thanks, Mother Nature. So everything that you do for your face routine, carry that on down to your neck- show it some love as well. And it doesn’t hurt to treat your upper chest with the same respect. 

(courtesy of Harper's Bazaar)

13. Or your eyes- this is the thinnest skin on your body, so it needs the most and the gentlest TLC because it’s also the first place your age will start to show. A good eye cream will hydrate the skin, plumping it so that wrinkles show less when you’re older. And don’t be afraid to switch things up. For example, for the span of one container, you might choose an active ingredient like retinol to build collagen, and when that runs out, try hyaluronic acid to hydrate instead. After all, they say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and they’re the first thing many people look at when they meet you, so put your best foot forward here. 

(courtesy of Wikipedia)

14. Proper exfoliation starts now- especially if you’re already seeing damage from sun and/or smoking. Once per week or per two weeks will suffice with an acid based product. Make sure that you cleanse gently and moisturize well afterwards. 

15. And body polish isn’t a bad idea either- when we exfoliate, we’re removing the skin’s natural moisture, so use a gentle exfoliating body polish that moisturizes as it goes. 

16. But don’t overdo anything- unlike teen acne, adult acne needs to be treated gently. Many dermatologists recommend Aczone 7.5%. It’s good but calm, without drying out skin. And too much of any of the above products or steps can cause irritation and damage, so moderation is the keyword for skincare. If you encounter problems, change only ONE product or ONE step, and give things a try for 4 weeks at a time before making alterations. Your patience will eventually be rewarded with beautiful, natural, glowing skin!

Sources: Alicia Barba MD, Elizabeth Hale MD, Rebecca Kazin MD, Craig Austin MD, Dennis Gross MD, Jeannette Graf MD, Annie Chiu MD, The Everygirl.com, Vogue magazine, Byrdie.com,  

Blog #26-

A-Z Skin Care Continued: Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change (the age-related seasons this time)

Hormones, pimples, and zits galore. Pizza face, crater face, or poxy. Late nights out partying, even later nights up studying in the library, and therefore a terrible lack of beauty sleep. A grimy smoky eye look that’s really just yesterday’s leftover makeup, stress-related breakouts, or an immediate concern about wrinkles past 22. Troubling thoughts like is it really the new 20, am I too young for plastic surgery or is it already too late, and insisting that you’re just 25 again each time your birthday rolls around. Retraining yourself to not sit with your legs crossed for fear of causing varicose veins, slathering your face with Vaseline to cure wrinkles, stressing out over gray hairs which you just know will multiply if you pluck one out, or desperately trying a variety of face exercises to prevent sagging. 

No matter what age we are, ladies, there are aging and skin-related issues galore to constantly obsess over. Teens wish they were in their 20’s and past acne, those in their 40’s wish that “40 is the new 20” were true, not just the new 30 as though that will magically erase crow’s feet, and those 50 and older fear that no one will ever compliment their beauty again. But the bottom line is this: every decade of our lives comes with skin struggles. All hope is not lost though. Once you understand how to make your skin healthy at any age, then natural beauty, the best kind, will inevitably follow. 

So today and the next time few times around, we’ll be looking at how our skin care routines should be changing as we age, for optimum skin health and natural beauty from sixteen all the way up to eighty-five. 

Troubled Teen Years

School stress, lack of sleep, grab and go meals, crazy schedules- these are the woes of your teen years, the things that directly affect how healthy and clear your skin stays (or doesn’t). Hormonal surges equal enlarged oil glands, and the most common problems at this age are 1. Acne, 2. Blackheads, and 3. Oily skin. While there’s only so much we can do about things like teachers who assign too much homework (or any at all- isn’t schoolwork supposed to be done at school- am I right?), we can talk about some simple do’s and don’ts that will keep you looking clean, fresh, and gorg. Starting with always following this basic mantra: Cleanse, tone, exfoliate, moisturize, and SPF- always, every day, and in that order. But we can also break that down into a lot of other advice: 

1. Do NOT try old wive’s tales solutions- toothpaste will NOT get rid of your pimples, girls. In fact, if you can’t verify a skin care suggestion with a doctor, even one that’s just reviewing articles online, then do NOT try this at home (I don’t care how many TikTok posts you saw about it). 

(courtesy of Medical News Today)

2. Talk to your doctor- but it never hurts to consult your family practitioner or even a dermatologist when you hit puberty and the skincare issues that result from it to get some good, reliable advice that’s tailored just for you, especially if the acne you’re experiencing is red, pus-filled, painful lumps under the skin, or leaving behind scarring.

3. Understand YOUR acne and choose the right acne products- take what the doc says into consideration, but there are still countless issues that many dermatologists disagree on. For example, most consider plain, gentle, and “for sensitive skin” products to be a gold standard. But they vary on whether acne products such as benzoyl peroxide should be spread all over or just on targeted areas, whether or not to use salicylic acid in cleansers and whatnot, whether or not to use sonic cleaning brushes to help exfoliate. So through careful trial and error, choose what works for you. A basic best practice is wash + toner + medicated acne gel. You can’t really go wrong there.  

(courtesy of Style Craze)

4. Be smart with your acne products- these are designed to be uber strong, so it’s easy to end up leaving skin more red and irritated than just plain acne is. Plus, it’s a vicious circle: you use it, your skin gets irritated, you no longer want to use it, but then suddenly you need it, and you’re back at square one. So let’s break this down:

- If you use prescription strength topicals- put your moisturizer on first to keep skin from getting irritated. Use products for skin barrier repair. And start out slow to let skin get accustomed to the harsher products. Try ⅛ teaspoon, wait 3 days, if you’re still okay then follow that practice for 2 weeks, and then increase to every night.

- If you use OTC retinols- start slowly, but this time, put your moisturizer on top of the acne product. These are good because they’re milder, anti-inflammatory, and they reduce zit redness and oil production, refining pores and banishing black/whiteheads.

- And if you use benzoyl peroxide- though this one kills the bacteria that causes zits, it can lead to really dry skin and even bleach your clothes. So get dressed and then apply. And moisturize first, then apply product. 

5. Control oil + decrease shine but without being overly harsh (because no one looks good when they look like they’ve worked all night in a greasy pizza joint, even if you do part-time)-  try using a salicylic acid cleanser, an oil-free primer, and blot oil throughout the day with specialized tissues or cloths. 

6. Do not sleep on acne bacteria- washing your face once per day is not enough because existing bacteria spawns new baby bacteria every 12 hours (like bunnies), so use your big guns at night, and then the next day around mid-morning, try a milder OTC treatment such as a salicylic acid with colloidal silver spray which lowers the PH of your skin, making it less hospitable to bacteria. 

7. Wash off makeup before bed- every night- at the very least, use a pre-moistened cleansing wipe to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Even if you don’t wear makeup, there’s still plenty of bacteria on your face that needs off BEFORE bed. 

(courtesy of NBC News)

8. Cleanse carefully and thoroughly- if you have oily skin, make sure you use a foaming cleanser or gel, whereas if you suffer from dry skin, try a milky product instead. Twice per day is your best practice regardless of skin type. Take your makeup off and THEN cleanse (those are two SEPARATE chores). Use your fingertips to gently rub in and then rinse off the product. And make sure that you cleanse both before AND after PE and sports (or at the very least, use facial tissues to blot away sweat and oil). 

Pair cleansing up with a good toner. Use a hydrating choice for dry skin or a purifying one for acne-prone skin. 

9. Exfoliate- this might be the step that dermatologists argue over the most. Should you exfoliate once per week? Twice? Always? Never? More because you have acne? Here’s my answer after perusing many, many, many sources: try once per week. If that solves your skin woes, then stop, and if it doesn’t, then try increasing to twice per week, and so on up the line, keeping your eyes peeled for red, irritated, dry, flaky, peeling skin. They do all agree that you should NOT scrub- don’t overdo it. And use milder products that exfoliate with gentle chemicals as opposed to small, hard particles. 

(courtesy of Allure)

10. Keep your hands to yourself- touching acne, or even worse, “popping” something does NOT help- in fact, it hurts… A LOT. Instead, try pimple patches (they even have cute ones now, like those below from Target). It’s a lot harder to minimize a scar after the fact than it is to treat a zit right now. 

11. Keep your hands clean- though none of us should be touching our faces throughout the day, you know we all do. So keep your hands clean to prevent spreading even more oil, dirt, bacteria and germs, and clean other things that touch your face regularly, such as your sparkly new pink iPhone. 

(courtesy of NBC News)

12. Use spray hair products- these are less likely to break you out (especially if you’re prone to this on your hairline and forehead), and it’s a good practice to wash conditioner out of your hair and THEN cleanse your face in the shower.

13. Never share makeup- girls, I don’t care how best your bestie is, you use your eyeshadow palette and let her use her lip gloss- no switching. 

(courtesy of Beautylish)

14. Moisturize no matter your skin type- skipping this step will not magically eliminate your acne. In fact, that could make it even worse. The more moisturizer you give skin, the less it will make all on its own, meaning it can balance your oily skin. So choose a light, comfortable, oil-free moisturizer, something with ceramides and niacinamides, and use it daily, no matter how greasy you feel.  

15. Wear sunscreen- everyone. All the time. Even if you naturally have darker skin. Even black (and that’s coming straight from a Black dermatologist). Go for SPF 30 or higher, choose a mineral base like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, go for an oil-free version, and make it part of your regular morning routine. It also keeps acne from turning darker and therefore more noticeable. It couldn’t hurt to choose makeup that contains an SPF as well. And girls, NO TANNING BEDS… EVER! It doesn’t matter what you want to look like for prom or an important date. Be you, be your natural skin tone, not someone else’s. But if you must, use a self-tanner instead. 

(courtesy of Cruelty-Free Kitty)

Remember- healthy habits start now. After all, you want to be the woman whose friends all hate her someday because she looks 20 years younger than them, not the other way around.

Sources: Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, Dr. Satish Bhatia, Jessica Wu MD, Peterson Pierre MD, Deanne Mraz Robinson MD, Debra Jaliman MD, Leslie Baumann MD, Seventeen magazine, Everyday Health.com, and Vogue magazine

Blog #25-

Spotlight on RINSE Brand

The International Year of Ecotourism and the International Year of Mountains. The Salt Lake City, Utah Winter Olympics, NASA’s Odyssey mapping the surface of Mars, and a large annular solar eclipse. The formation of the Department of Homeland Security in addition to Switzerland and East Timor joining the United Nations. And a woman just like you and me beginning a little soap-making empire. What do all these things have in common? The year was 2002.

As per their website, in 2002, Heather, the founder of Rinse Bath & Body Co, was working on the Supercross (dirtbike) circuit and wanted a hobby for her downtime. Despite having a mom who can craft just about anything and teaching herself to knit, all she could master were scarves, so she took a soapmaking class with her mom, and her first try turned out perfect (though her mom’s didn’t). Kind of seems like fate, right?

As soap has to be made in larger batches, she was giving it away to friends and family at first. But pretty soon, people started making specific requests and insisting on paying her for it. She and her husband founded Rinse Bath & Body Co. officially in 2003, and the main brick-and-mortar store is now located in Monroe, Georgia. 

Their stock crops up all across the country in stores and spas, and they even put in appearances at Disney World’s Food & Wine and Flower & Garden festivals. Everything is made in smaller batches to ensure freshness and quality, and they accomplish this with the help of moms unsurprisingly. So their focus is on local, handmade, family-owned, all natural, fresh, and quality products. 

From A to Z, they offer: Accessories- such as loofahs and soap bags or makeup erasers 

The Aller-Ease line- which includes things like shower bombs and essential oil roll-ons that help provide allergy relief 

Aromatherapy products- like lavender refreshing spray 

Bamboo products- such as bamboo body oil

The Bargain Basin- which is maybe my favorite link on their site, where they feature new inventions that result from adding or subtracting an ingredient here and there from an existing product for the sake of fun and creativity 

Bath Bombs with Surprises- which are just lovely to look at (and more so to use)

Beard Care- featuring products like balm and tea tree mint beard oil

Beer Soaps- such as pumpkin ale

Body Bliss body oils- like almond and honey 

Body Spread (lotion)- such as sweet vanilla 

Build-a-Bundle- where you can customize your own gift set 

The Clean Kids line- brightly colored and fun-scented soaps that will aid you in your nightly battle to get the kids to want to take a bath like the pirate ship selection 

Dead Sea Mud products- such as the face masks 

deBug Spray- excellent for the Arkansas mosquitos of July and August 

deOdor Sticks- all natural deodorant in scents like flannel (it smells heavenly- I swear)

Diffusers & Pure Essential Oils- such as peppermint or lemongrass 

Facial Care- including products like squalane oil and sunscreen

The Floral Collection- featuring scents like tulip 

Foot Care- including things such as peppermint foot polish 

Gift Sets- such as the pedi to-go set, a 4-pack of assorted bath bombs, the beverage scented lip balm set, or a box of assorted wine soaps 

K9 (dog products)- such as the wash with essential oils

The Lavender Collection- including the LaVanillaMint lip balm

Loofah Soaps- like the bamboo variety

Face Masks- like the cafe mocha scent 

Moisturizers- for your face, lips, and body

Nourishing Oils- such as the argan variety

The Peppermint Collection- which helps A LOT with headaches 

The Pink Collection- including a tub truffle and body spread

Pucker Sticks (lip balms)- in what seems like a million varieties, from birthday cake to sangria

Refreshing Sprays- like sweet orange

Roll-On Essential Oils- such as frankincense 

Scrubs (sugar or salt)- like blue Hawaiian or cabernet

Shower Bombs- singles or packs

Skin Sticks- solid lotions in scents like blue citrus 

Soap, Soap Sets, and Soap Sticks- like bags of soap tapas (a variety of soap slivers that look almost like peanut brittle) 

The Tea Tree Collection- including soaking salts 

Tinted Lip Balm- in three different shades

Tub Truffles- I loved the Christmas Cookie version we had around the holidays

Unicorn Everything- because little girls need some awesome self-care products too 

Wellness products- like the Amish black salve which draws out splinters, impurities, cysts, and spider bites 

And Wine Soaps- like pinot grigio 

Whew! 

And that’s really only scratching the surface of just how much this little company has grown over the past two decades. 

In-house here at Remedy Road, we carry soaps such as the flannel scent, peppermint salt soaks, tub truffles like eucalyptus mint, kid-friendly soaps such as birthday cake or unicorn magic, essential oil roll-ons, hand sanitizer, and gift packs like the spiced cranberry soap, lip balm, and solid lotion.

So the next time you need to make a change to your skin care regimen or just want to try a new flavor of something, consider Rinse-ing. 

Blog #24-

Spotlight on Sweet Earth Brand

CBD: it has become one of those acronyms that pops up more and more in media and everyday life, but despite that, we’re still studying it, still discovering its uses. I can tell you, however, that it’s not something Snoop Dog would enjoy. 

CBD doesn’t utilize the part of the plant that can make you feel “high” (THC), instead focusing on the cannabidiol portion (CBD). Benefits can include treatment of anxiety, improvement of heart health, easing of symptoms of neurological disorders, and relief of pain including chronic pain. 

There is still much research to be done, and the FDA still isn’t 100% on board, but that’s true for much of holistic medicine, so I always suggest that people rely on those around them, those they trust who have tried CBD products (for example, I myself use CBD in my vape, as a body lotion, and in a muscle rub to help treat chronic pain in my back, shoulders, and neck which becomes a tension headache and later a migraine, so I swear by it to all my friends). 

And do have a conversation with your doctor about whether or not it could interact poorly with prescription meds you take regularly if you’re ingesting it. 

Unsurprisingly, there are countless companies cropping up to capitalize on this growing trend, and one of the best out there, one we feature here at Remedy Road is Sweet Earth, located in Applegate Valley, Oregon. Per their website, sweetearthcbdcorp.com, the geology of the bedrock there combined with sub-coastal weather make growing hemp ideal. The Applegate River irrigates the gently sloping hills, and afternoon breezes keep it cool enough. In fact, the area is gorgeous, surrounded by oak savannas, conifers, madrone trees, and manzanita bushes.

(courtesy of Wikipedia)

This company combines geolocation, climate, natural elements, minerals, and a diverse number of plant strains into an excellent quality CBD crop. They even produce their own seeds to help ensure a consistent supply of products.

The greenhouses facilitate energy-efficient propagation and growth year-round. And the research and development crew is constantly striving to improve their proprietary strains, strengthen the plants, ensure high quality, and develop new products. They’re also non-GMO, and they use no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. 

But most importantly, products are tested by 3rd party labs, proving that everything is both safe and legal, giving customers peace of mind. This company is just what you want because of that 3rd party testing, which is integral to CBD companies.

Their mission is to provide people with purely organic and sustainably grown CBD. They control the entire process (as opposed to other CBD companies which rely on CBD from the open market, importers, and suppliers)- from the team on the farm planting seeds to the one handling retail packaging. 

Plus, everything is 100% all natural, they’re certified cruelty-free, and they’re a member of the National Hemp Association.

(courtesy of Sweet Earth)

Under sweetearthskincare.com, you can purchase USDA certified organic skin care products. Anti-inflammatory CBD actually balances all skin types. Choices there include a facial cleanser, hydration cream, lip balm, a face care kit, hot cold muscle gel and cooling muscle gel, muscle recovery rub, bug deterrent, hand sanitizer, body oil, body scrub, soaks, a spa kit, beard cleanser, shaving cream, aftershave, beard oil, styling balm, and a face/hair kit for men. 

(courtesy of Sweet Earth)

Under the flip side, sweetearthpets.com, they offer a line of dog treats such as beef and cheddar potato, apple carrot oat, antioxidant blueberry flax, pumpkin flax, sweet potato cranberry, peanut butter crunch, and turkey and sweet potato CBD treats, in addition to  a line of similar cat treats too. So CBD isn’t just for you- you can purchase its benefits for your fur babies too. 

CBD can help pets with seizures, anxiety, and chronic pain, among other health issues, and it does not make your pet “high” either, though it is important to work with your vet, especially if the animal in question is on other medications. 

(courtesy of Treehugger)

In-store here at Remedy Road, we carry the beard and mustache oil, hand sanitizer, hydrating lavender oat & honey facial cleanser, lip balm, muscle recovery rub, shaving cream, hydration cream, organic salve, and rejuvenating eucalyptus mineral salt soak. 

Come give it a shot- you never know when you’re going to find your next best health and beauty product.

Blog #23-

A-Z Skin Care Continued: Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change- Part 2

Depending on where you live, it starts in National Celery Month, right after we all don our Kelly green and participate in local pub crawls. It continues through the Spring Equinox, National Puppy Day, National Autism Awareness Month, Ramadan, the pranks of April Fool’s Day, Easter Sunday, National Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Mental Health Awareness Month, Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo parties. Things heat up even more in LGBT Pride Month around National Onion Ring Day, continuing on through National Picnic Month and Black Business Month for celebrations like National Bikini Day, National Free Slurpee Day, and Harry Potter’s Birthday, Purple Heart Day, Middle Child Day, and International Strange Music Day. If you live in Arkansas, it can drag on and on… and on. I’m talking about spring and summer, just a hop, skip, and a jump away now. And just like we needed to change up our skin care routine when the leaves started to fall, we need to do so again once the weather warms back up. So today, we’ll work on the rest of the basics of seasonal skin care, starting with letter V… 

(courtesy of Medicine Net)

But you also need to watch what you eat. No processed foods.

No sugars.

But yes to the whole foods.

And anything that contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

So yellow and orange fruits and vegetables like apricots or carrots, leafy green vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, berries, beans, peas, lentils, fatty fish like salmon, and nuts will work for a good starter list. 

All of those contribute to optimum skin health (although the girls and I here at Remedy Road would argue that a little chocolate every now and then never hurt anyone). 

(courtesy of Harvard Health)

As far as tools are concerned such as makeup brushes or items that typically hold/organize your products, if it can be laundered, then wash it thoroughly, and if it can’t be, then out with the old and in with the new (go for something like ELF products which are cruelty free, very affordable, and made from recycled materials to combat the waste). 

(courtesy of Select Health)

In fact, a chemical peel at your dermatologist is a good idea to start spring off on the right foot, which peels off the yucky outer damaged layer to reveal the under layer which is smoother. Those often also contain brightening ingredients which is good for age spots.

In terms of cleansers, go for an oil-removing product to control the extra sebum produced in the warmer months, an oil-free cleanser. Look for products with salicylic acid as an active ingredient too. It’s even okay to use an exfoliating cleanser. Gels and foams are good too because we no longer need the extra moisture of the cream cleansers we were using in winter. Perhaps the lightest of all choices is micellar water, which emulsifies sweat mixed in with makeup after a hard day’s work or play. An acidic cleanser will help control shine- an astringent in other words. A good one should work all day long. And overall, sensitive skin products are best for warmer weather.

Do exfoliate in spring and especially summer, but do be careful - it thins skin which can lead to easier sunburns. About 2 times per week is a good practice because those dead cells if left on the surface of your skin combine with all that earlier yucky stuff to clog pores. Look for ones with no shells, no nuts, no microbeads. Go for salts, sugars, and enzymatic choices with fruit like papaya, pumpkin, or pineapple instead; those are much gentler.

But don’t overdo the retinol which can make skin more sun-sensitive because it boosts cell turnover, eliminating dead cells and replacing those with new ones, and that new skin is more sensitive to burning.

CC cream is good in terms of makeup, as is a mineral powder foundation- those balance out excess oil. 

And it’s a great idea to freshen up with facial mists throughout the day. You collect bacteria during the day, and it spreads around as you sweat- yuck… again (see why I like summer so much less?). Hypochlorous acid fights that bacteria and cleanses, because it’s an antimicrobial and antiviral. It stimulates healing by signaling oxygenation and epithelial knitting, decreasing scarring for that reason too.

Sunflower seed oil is good for eczema in the summer. Just take a shower, spread a thin layer over the affected areas, and let it work overnight. It’s an anti-inflammatory and light-stimulates ceramides to beef up your skin barrier.

(courtesy of Beautiful Makeup Search)

However, those of us in the 30+ category need to keep in mind that time is not kind to those who skip moisturizing too often, so you need to find a balance there (and my grandmother and mother have always looked about 10-20 years younger than they actually are, and they contribute that 100% to moisturizing- something to keep in mind). 

Regardless, use a lightweight oil-free moisturizer when you do embrace this step in your routine, preferably something with hyaluronic acid, although ceramides are also beneficial. 

(courtesy of Harpers Bazaar)

An antioxidant can help with that, but always, Always, ALWAYS apply the sunscreen too before leaving the house in the spring and summer months- there is no replacement for that. 

There is no such thing as a healthy tan!!! (regardless of what tanning booths in the 80’s and 90’s tried to convince us otherwise)

The most important thing to keep in mind is know your skin type- how you burn, how quickly, how bad, but the typical ideal is SPF 50 or higher to prevent UVA/UVB damage, avoiding accelerated photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.

Apply about 1 shot glass full of sunscreen to protect your entire body- about 3 times per day, and it certainly never hurts to apply more or to go higher. 

Lip cancer is also a concern, especially in men, so don’t forget a lip balm or stick with an SPF as well.

(courtesy of Ethical Elephant)

Go for broad-brimmed hats; a 12 inch brim is ideal, something composed of a tightly woven material (we have some adorable choices below in-store).  

Unbleached cotton is good for clothing choices, tightly woven material for tees and shorts, because fabrics can also help protect you.

Colorless compounds in clothing like fluorescent brighteners or specially treated resins that absorb UV rays is also helpful- information that should be available in the tiny print on the interior manufacturer’s tag. 

And voila! From thunder-snow to 105 degrees in the shade, from cold dry air that feels like 5 below to 90 degrees with 100% humidity, we all now know exactly what to do and what not to do, no matter what the weather is doing. At least as far as our skin is concerned. 

Next up, we’ll be taking a look at how to change up our routines with regards to the seasons of life. 

Blog #22-

A-Z Skin Care Continued: Changing Skin Care as the Seasons Change

Welcome back winters, springs, summers, and falls (I’m a winter myself- extra skin care issues and all)! Today, we’re going to take a look at how our budding skin care routines should be altered to take into account weather-related hassles. 

To put it simply, skin craves consistency, so when our environment changes, it has a tendency to freak out on us, but it’s not just the weather around us shifting that factors in. We have to consider the changes that we make as a result. For example, we alter our wardrobe and therefore materials coming into regular contact with our skin, and seasons like summer offer more variety in terms of fresh fruits and vegetables, so even our diet changes. One of the most important things you should keep in mind though is to alter your routine based on where you live- not some random date on a calendar (like here in Arkansas where we now regularly have snows as late as April, long after the “official” spring start date has passed). 

So since we’re still technically and physically in the thick of winter here (if we ignore the odd sixty degree day here and there), especially since the groundhog neither saw nor didn’t see his shadow (as he tragically passed away right before Groundhog’s Day, so who knows when winter will end without a random rodent to give us some special guidance), we’ll start there-

J is for Fall and Winter Skin Care

(courtesy of Bella Vista Property Owners Association) 

Winter especially can leave skin red and raw as a result of extreme lows, high wind chill factors, and chapping as a result of physical winds. To combat the below zero temps, we crank up the indoor heating, but that sucks moisture from the air and therefore our skin. Even a gorgeous roaring fire in the fireplace can dry out skin, no matter how romantic it might be. The cold, the dry, and the stale air can make skin dry, itchy, flaky, cracking, and peeling or even give you a good shove over into the land of eczema. The colder months also serve us up contradictions. For instance, showers, no matter the water temp, should rehydrate skin, right? Wrong! Hot water as a motivation to get out of bed on chilly mornings or as a reward after a long day of shoveling snow strips skin of its natural oils, exacerbating your skin woes. 

So what do we do? 

For healthy fall and winter skin- 

• K is for staying hydrated- though we typically associate drinking plenty of water with the soaring temperatures of late July (although if you’re in Arkansas, you might be drinking the humid air on a daily basis), due to the total lack of moisture that winter winds and indoor heating can cause, it’s vital to keep this in mind in the midst of January as well. Healthy skin is created from the inside out. Most sources suggest about 12 cups per day for women and 16 for men, so you might even consider going over that to balance out the lack of skin hydration through other means (I promise it will only make you feel sloshy for the first few weeks after you start this daily routine). 

• L is for keeping temps cool and comfy- while we obviously can’t do anything about Mother Nature’s thermostat, we can balance that by keeping our indoor temps between 68 and 75 for optimum skin health, as we spend far more time indoors than out.

(courtesy of Superior Sauna & Steam)

• M is for using humidifiers- throughout the day, or at the very least while you peacefully slumber the night away (or not so peacefully if your partner snores), use a humidifier to give the air in your home maximum moisture. As cooler months mean less moisture in the air naturally, one of these neat devices can help restore balance. Most dermatologists suggest adding one to the rooms you spend the most time in at home, and setting the humidity level between 30 and 50% (if your humidifier doesn’t come with a meter, you can buy one online to check the levels). Allure magazine recommends the Dyson brand model or Hey Dewy’s Portable Humidifier, but I personally love the ones that add a little something to the decor too, like the adorable ones below from Etsy.

• N is for lowering showering water temp- perhaps the weirdest suggestion on our list of “do’s” is for how you bathe (hot steamy rooms=moisturized skin, right?). Experts recommend skipping baths and sticking with showers in addition to lowering the water temp to warm, NOT hot, and limiting your time soaking to 5-10 minutes (besides, your water bill will thank you). If it makes your skin turn red, it’s too hot. And don’t forget to pamper your hands with regards to this as well- cooler water kills germs just as effectively as long as you’re using a good soap and scrubbing thoroughly enough and long enough. 

(courtesy of Etsy)

• O is for patting dry- once you step out of that shower, don’t rub your skin dry- pat gently instead (so no scrubbing like you did in kindergarten when a boy or girl gave you cooties). Patting helps your skin retain moisture (and as we’ll discuss below, you need to moisturize within minutes of exiting said shower).

• P is for watching what you wear- when you’re ready to scour your closet and pile up discarded outfits on the bed, trying to decide what to wear (and hopefully not deciding that you have nothing to wear), be careful what you choose. Materials like wool irritate skin, and rough spun fabrics can make you dry, itchy, and flaky. Instead, go for soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk as your bottom layer, and reserve the rougher, more irritating fabrics for outwear as layering is a better option anyway to retain heat in the cold temps. Plus, don’t forget your hands which bear the brunt of the chill winds and subzero temps. Leather as opposed to wool is always a better choice for your mittens and gloves (and actually wear your gloves, unlike my daughter who doesn’t and then complains all day that her hands are cold as though it’s a mystery why). 

• Q is for going heavier- so what should we be using directly on skin? The quick answer is heavy, heavier, and heaviest.

You can start out by using a moisturizing creamy cleanser as opposed to the thinner products of the warmer months, and no cleansers containing exfoliants allowed. 

Plus, make sure you never skip the moisturizing step we discussed back in skin care basics during winter; use an even richer moisturizer at night. 

Because they’re heavier, occlusives are good (like petroleum) and so are squalene and shea butter because they seal in moisture, creating a manufactured seal; humectants are good too, including hyaluronic acid and glycerin, especially for your face because they allow skin to breathe, thus avoiding problematic acne; and a heavy cream will work well too, something with ceramides which are essential and healthy fatty acids naturally produced by your skin. All of these give us more moisture in the winter and enforce our skin’s natural barrier, healing or preventing damage up front because believe it or not, a really good moisturizer can actually pull moisture from the air into skin. 

We can even layer the moisturizer- using something heavy and basic under a hyaluronic acid serum or sheet mask, and it seems like lately, most dermatologists (not to mention everyone on Tik Tok) are touting the virtues of the CeraVe (enough that I have to order mine online as opposed to in-store because those shelves are always bare). Other top picks include “best in beauties” like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, H2O+ Beauty Milk Body Butter, and La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Body Cream.

On your body, go for a thicker cream from a jar or tube as opposed to a pump which typically contains something thinner and waterier, something that might just evaporate too quickly to actually protect your skin. And choose body washes as opposed to soaps, like Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash.

You can also add in a hydrating serum if you already know you tend towards dry, such as Clarins Double Serum with turmeric, squalene, and avocado oil (see- avocados are not just for toast). An antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum and/or vitamin A serum or cream isn’t a bad idea either. Using C some mornings can brighten pigmentation from the summer, whereas A works better some nights on your face, neck, and chest. Both are anti-aging agents that can help reverse sun damage, even out tone, and promote brighter skin overall, just remember not to overdo it with those. 

If you’re really struggling, add a basic ointment directly to your eyes and lips before bed, perhaps mixing a dollop of that in with your face moisturizer too for all over. 

A point of contention, however, is the use of heavier concealers and foundations during the colder weather. Play it safe- if you’re blessed enough to avoid the acne that many of us have to suffer through, knock yourself out, but if like me, you still need at least some acne protection, stick to your spring/summer base (although I would complain that it’s decidedly unfair of Mother Nature to make some of us deal with acne and burgeoning wrinkles at the same time).

• R is for going gentler- with all that in mind, we also need to go gentler in the winter months to preserve the skin’s natural barrier. That means “fragrance free,” “dye free,” and “sensitive skin” cleansers and other products, all of which typically contain fewer drying ingredients and more moisturizing ones. On the other hand, if it says “unscented,” avoid those products as well because it might contain an ingredient to neutralize scent, something that’s too rough. 

In the cooler months, we need to avoid alcohol as an ingredient which dries out already dry skin, in addition to dialing back on the alpha-hydroxy acids and retinols (you’re safe using those on a limited basis as long as your skin isn’t actively healing from winter damage).

Winter also means less exfoliating as that’s one of the toughest-on-skin practices we engage in, and that means no glycolic acid or retinoids. Too much of this can create cracks in the skin barrier which equals more hydration loss and inflammation. Instead, try glycolic treatment pads such as Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel or a mask like Biossance’s Squalane and Glycolic Renewal but only once per week on either, primarily to help with leftover discoloration from the summer sun. In fact, it’s best to exfoliate gently and moisturize immediately and well in fall as opposed to winter to help heal summer damage before you get to the harsher weather. 

Bar soap is another big no-no as it tends to strip skin’s natural oils, throwing your microbiome off balance, so stick to the more moisturizing body washes. 

But hyaluronic acids, ceramides, oils, shea butter, and oats are all gentle enough to use all over, year-round. 

• S is for remembering the sunscreen- I don’t know about you guys, but my mom had tons of little pearls of wisdom growing up (like waiting 30 minutes after you eat to swim or hair growing back darker, thicker, and coarser when you shave it) things medical science has completely disproven now, and one of those was not needing sunscreen in fall and winter or on overcast days. Mom, I love you, but you were way wrong about that one as well. Use sunscreen ALL year long, no matter what the weather outside is doing. In fact, snow reflects sunlight, multiplying your UV exposure which is even worse, leading to premature wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots, and 80% of UV rays can still get through a totally cloudy day, so 30 SPF or higher, preferably one labeled “water resistant” (and if it also contains a moisturizer, all the better, something like lanolin or glycerin). 

(courtesy of Ethical Elephant) 

• T is for remembering your lips- we use our mouths for some of the most important things in life (eating, talking, kissing), so don’t forget to show your lips a little love too. To combat the harsh weather, use balms that contain petroleum jelly which can heal dry, cracked lips or prevent them from ever being damaged in the first place if you get a jump on that in autumn as opposed to waiting for the winter winds. 

(courtesy of Times of India)

• U is for pampering hands too- and our opposable thumbs make us the top of the food chain on this planet, so show your hands some tender loving care as well. Always always always moisturize after washing your hands, no matter how many times you have to do that on a daily basis, use a hand cream instead of just any old lotion, waterproof gloves are a must when outside to prevent damage, and it’s not a bad idea to have a pair of cotton gloves at home, a pair you can wear between one commercial break in your favorite episode of Only Murders in the Building and the next, after you moisturize for the last time at night to help the skin absorb even more efficiently. Steps like these can also help again nails becoming brittle and cuticles cracking and splitting. Plus, dermatologists suggest starting this regular practice during the fall months to get ahead of damage. 

(courtesy of Allure)

And that’s it. Just follow these basic rules that are honestly not that time consuming or that expensive, especially when you factor in that you can stay looking as young, beautiful, and healthy as Lucy Liu (the one-time Watson is in her 50’s now) or Jamie Lee Curtis (the former Laurie Strode is now in her 60’s if you can believe it)- both of whom are winters like me. Next up- spring and summer care! 

Sources:

American Society of Dermatologic Surgery

American Academy of Dermatology

University of Tennessee Medical Center

Cleveland Clinic

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

National Eczema Association 

CDC

Skin Care Foundation

American Cancer Society

Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology

Dermstore

Northwestern Medicine

Everydayhealth.com

The Healthy.com

In Style

Allure