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Wonderful Winter Skin Guide

Winter is as much a season of peace and rejuvenation as it is cozy get-togethers and celebrations. So how do you balance the two sides of the season, in order to keep your skin in balance as well? The Nutritional Aesthetics™ approach to winter skin is as multi-sided as the season; it looks at topical care and treatments, and incorporates the health of body and mind for your best complex-ion ever this winter.

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Supporting Winter Skin Health with Nutrition

Winter isn't easy on the skin. Temperature extremes, from frigid outdoors to desert-like indoor heat-

ing, contribute to dryness and irritation. Holiday celebrations packed with sweets, cocktails, and rich

foods spark redness and inflammation. And circulating germs mean that it’s likely you’ll end up with a

red nose at least once during the winter season. Fortunately, there are ways to help ward off each of

these winter skin woes with your diet.

Here are 5 ways to support your winter skin health from the inside out:

1. Nourish skin with good fats. Dry skin plagues almost everyone at one time or another

during the winter, thanks to temperature highs and lows. But adding additional servings

of healthy fats to your winter plate can nourish skin cells and strengthen cell mem-

branes to encourage them to retain moisture. Try fats like avocado, raw nuts, coconut,

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and fatty fish. Staying hydrated by drinking water and warming herbal teas, as well as

eating water-rich foods like oranges and apples, also supports well-hydrated skin.

2. Celebrate wisely. We all like to celebrate the holidays with special food splurges, but

this year keep skin health in mind when choosing how you indulge. Sugar-rich sweets

and alcohol promote inflammation, accelerate wrinkling, and set the stage for blemishes

to form, making them foods to eat in moderation at a holiday party. Instead of going into

sugar shock, be choosy about which treats you want, and fill the rest of your plate with

skin nourishing whole foods.

3. Stock up on healthy comfort foods. Winter is traditionally a restful season, and a little

extra beauty sleep does wonderful things for skin health. Include comforting, sleep-

promoting complex carbs like sweet potatoes, gluten-free grains, and warm, easily di-

gestible soups and stews on your winter menu to encourage optimal sleep. Other foods

that support sleep health include pumpkin seeds and tart cherries.

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Ingredients3 tbsp coconut oil1 onion, chopped3 cups chopped carrots1/2 cup chopped parsnips3 cups vegetable broth½-inch piece of ginger root, mincedsea saltground black pepper

InstructionsIn a large pot, melt coconut oil and sautéonions until golden. Add carrots and parsnips and cook untiltender. Add broth and ginger and simmer for 5minutes. Puree using an immersion blender, ortransfer to a high-powered blender andblend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Eat an immune boost. Keeping your body healthy with nourishing foods can help you to

ward off illness that also takes a toll on your skin. Traditional cold-fighting foods like garlic,

onions, and ginger add a flavor kick to winter meals while supporting immunity; include

them in your cooking regularly. And don't forget other anti-inflammatory, immune-building

foods like turmeric, mushrooms, greens, oysters, and citrus fruits for season-long wellness

and glowing skin.

5. Grab an antioxidant-rich pomegranate. The pomegranate, a true skin super fruit, is a

nutritional standout of the winter season. The anti-inflammatory ellagic acid and vitamin C

content of pomegranates helps block wrinkle formation and preserve collagen, for youthful-

looking skin. Its deeply pigmented seeds contain anthocyanins that support skin elasticity,

as well as a major quantity of antioxidants (more than even green tea or red wine) for over-

all skin health and beauty.

Ingredients to Soothe and Warm the Skin This Winter

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It’s just as important to change up your skincare routine seasonally as it is to change up your diet.

Cold, dry weather creates big shifts in our skin, sometimes making oily skin drier, and dry skin sensi-

tive and easily irritated. Cold, dry weather causes the pores to contract and secrete less sebum even as

it promotes trans-epidermal water loss, which can lead to skin dehydration and a compromised barri-

er function. The best way to prevent this and encourage more balance in your winter skin is to keep it

warm and hydrated. Using skincare products with warming, humectant, and emollient ingredients is

key.

Here are 5 ingredients to boost your winter skincare regimen:

1. Aloe vera gel. Though aloe is known to have temporary cooling benefits, for many peo-

ple it also encourages healthy blood circulation in the deeper layers of the skin, which

has a warming effect. Aloe vera is unique in that it provides both humectant and emol-

lient benefits. Though not a lipid, it forms a protective seal on the surface of the skin,

which can help to seal in moisture. It’s a great substitution for water in creams intended

for use in winter, or for drier skin.

2. Chamomile. This herb, known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing proper-

ties is fantastic for the skin when brewed as a tea and used as a facial toner, oil, com-

press, or facial steam. Its replenishing properties gently calm and help restore balance to

dry, irritated skin.

3. Ginger. Ginger’s warming qualities are well known when used to spice up meals and

warm the digestive system. But ginger is also a wonderful ingredient to warm and bring

life back to lackluster winter skin since it’s packed with powerful antioxidants and pro-

motes circulation and detoxification. Use a ginger tea infusion as a toner, compress, or

facial steam, or make a macerated oil with it, and use that as an oil cleanser or moistur-

izer.

4. Marshmallow root. This mucilaginous herb is an excellent way to loosen up tight, con-

stricted skin, and lubricate and protect the tissue with its emollient properties. Marsh-

mallow root itself is known to soothe inflammation, and is a wonderful addition to facial

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5. Sesame oil. Though not an oil one might commonly associate with winter, sesame oil is

an ideal oil to use during this time of year due to its gently warming and soothing prop-

erties. Sesame oil delivers nourishment and benefits to all skin types, from oily to dry,

and is an excellent carrier for essential oils. Sesame oil also makes a beautiful base for

macerated oils (try one with ginger, marshmallow root, and chamomile) and is excellent

for both face and body. Apply it right after a steamy bath or shower to keep the skin

warm and seal in moisture. Sesame oil is prone to rancidity, to be sure to store it in a

dark bottle or jar, in a cool, dry space.

Try this nourishing seasonal skincare recipe at home or in the spa:

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1 part dried chamomile flowers

1 part powdered ginger

1 part dried marshmallow root

Unrefined sesame oil--enough to cover herbs

by 2 inches

Optional: Vitamin E (enough for a 3%

concentration)

Ingredients

InstructionsAdd herbs into a sterilized glass mason jar

Add enough sesame oil to cover herbs by 2"

Close mason jar tightly and give it a good

shake

Leave in a greenhouse, sunny windowsill (if

you live in a warm climate), or in a slow

cooker with an EXTRA LOW setting for 3-4

weeks, shaking daily.

Strain out herbs and pour infused oil into a

dark glass jar.

Add Vitamin E oil if using.

Store in a cool, dark place or in the

refrigerator.

Winter Skin Treatments in the Spa

It need not be a challenge to maintain soft, silky, smooth skin during the winter. The core of your win-

ter skin treatment regimen should be gentle treatments that soothe, protect, and nurture delicate skin,

both at home and in the spa. Avoid aggressive treatments with harsh ingredients that can cause irrita-

tion and increase sensitivity. Following this simple step helps stop dryness, chafing, and redness on

your cheeks, lips, and limbs, while welcoming the chilly season with healthy, luminous skin.

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Consider these 5 treatment ideas:

1. Moisture starts with cleansing. When temperatures drop, your skin feels tight and dry

from lack of moisture--but slathering on a thicker moisturizer alone won’t solve the is-

sue. Instead, start by addressing the product that touches your face first: your cleanser.

If you generally use a foaming facial cleanser, chances are it contains sodium lauryl sul-

fate--a chemical cleansing agent, detergent, and degreaser often found in products like

shampoo, toothpaste, and industrial cleaning products. Applying such a strong ingredi-

ent to the surface of the skin strips the sebum that naturally provides hydration, and

disrupts the acid mantle, leaving skin parched and vulnerable to bacteria. Conversely,

plant oils, which are molecularly compatible with the structure of your skin, contain

anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that deep clean while

restoring moisture that sudsy soaps and cleansers simply do not offer. Look for creamy

cleansers with healing essential oils that condition and hydrate, or cleansing oils like

hemp, jojoba, sunflower, or almond that gently lift impurities while soothing dryness.

2. Nourish winter skin with the right oils. After years of being bombarded with ‘oil-free’

marketing, it may seem counter-intuitive to use oil on your face at all, but adding a qual-

ity cold-pressed, organic carrier oil to your beauty routine could turn out to be a game

changer--making you wonder how you ever lived without it. The secret to getting the

best results from the use of oil, is choosing the the right one for your unique skin. Oil

selection should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach or an oil popularity contest. Take

coconut oil, for example, it has been hailed as the panacea for healthy skin, but it is not

appropriate for everyone--a mismatched skin type could lead to flaky dry patches or

clogged pores and breakouts. Starting with jojoba oil is a good choice because of the

compatibility with the skin’s natural sebum--but be willing to explore, investigate and

play to find the right blend and take your nourishing skincare routine to a new level.

3. Exfoliate gently. One of the most popular and coveted winter treatments is ‘microder-

mabrasion’ which promises to smooth texture, decrease fine lines, and fade brown spots.

In some cases, such as with severe pockmarked skin, this type of treatment can offer

outstanding results--but it is not the ideal option for all skin types. A diamond tip mi-

crodermabrasion instrument looks like a thick pen or wand with rough metal heads of

various diameters that attach to its tip. Applying short, gentle brush strokes to the en-© 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 N u t r i t i o n a l A e s t h e t i c s ™ A l l i a n c e . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d W o n d e r f u l W i n t e r S k i n G u i d e

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tire face, neck, and decollete, the friction of the metal head scrapes the dead surface

skin, creating a smooth complexion. But the results can be irritating and compromising

to some skin. In general, dead skin cell build up can be eliminated using a gentle or ac-

tive enzyme mask, which often leaves a smooth skin surface without irritation. Closely

weigh your options and choose gentle over aggressive this season to avoid upsetting the

skin’s acid mantle, which is already compromised by the harsh elements.

4. Try double-masking. A popular technique that’s getting a lot of buzz is ‘double mask-

ing,’ which addresses multiple skin conditions at once. Essentially, different areas of the

face are targeted based on what is needed to achieve the result you are seeking. This

winter, you may find that your T-zone needs a clay mask to absorb toxins, but your dry

cheeks require a more hydrating and soothing mask. If you try this trend, be careful not

to layer masks with contradicting properties as this will defeat the purpose. In general,

masking can be a great way to target your skin’s needs, and double-masking makes the

treatment more results-oriented and customizable.

5. Explore the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Long winter months invite cozy nights

curled up by the fire, but lack of movement can create a stagnant lymph flow. One exotic

lymph-stimulating treatment is an ancient ‘Abhyanga’ oil massage for healing and

detoxifying body, mind, and spirit. Different from a typical Western massage, Abhyanga

involves you or your practitioner incorporating an aromatic combination of oils and

herbs based on your constitution, then warming them before they are applied on your

skin. Gentle massage with this oil invites the deepest relaxation, while lymphatic stimu-

lation helps move toxic accumulation stored in your body. Shirodhara, the most popular

of Ayurvedic treatments, involves warm herbal oils poured in a slow, steady stream onto

your forehead. Where the oil meets the point on the forehead is known to stimulate the

pituitary gland, or “third-eye,” awakening your body’s intuitive knowledge, improving

mental clarity and leaving you in a state of bliss. If you’ve never had an Ayurvedic body

treatment before, be sure to put one of these ancient healing treatments on your bucket

list for an experience you’ll always remember.

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Inspiration and Implementation for Wonderful Winter Skin

For many of us winter time is a mixed bag, months filled with a jumbled mixture of solemn introspec-

tion and exuberant celebration, as well as reflection on the past and resolutions for the future. What-

ever the season brings, we want it to be filled with your desired mix of wonderment and nourishment.

You are as unique as each falling snowflake, and we believe your self-care routine ought to truly sup-

port you as such!

Here are 5 suggestions, from soul to skin, to warm up your self-care habits on even the coldest of days:

1. Look for everyday wonders to lift your spirit. Do you have the winter ‘blahs?’ Is the

shortage of daylight hours leaving you time-crunched and stressed? You might not be

able to conjure more daylight or shift any real work off your plate, but making a con-

scious effort to appreciate ‘right now’ through the eyes of a child might brighten your

mood. Feed your senses and soak in the details. Slip on some fuzzy socks and wiggle your © 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 N u t r i t i o n a l A e s t h e t i c s ™ A l l i a n c e . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d W o n d e r f u l W i n t e r S k i n G u i d e

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toes while you enjoy hot ginger tea and listen to the fireplace crackle. Crack open some

skin-friendly raw nuts or a juicy pomegranate for a snack and marvel at their intricate

design. Place a few drops each of cinnamon, sweet orange and clove essential oils in your

diffuser and enjoy the baked cookie smell throughout your home.

2. Savor and simplify to feel true abundance. Are you overwhelmed with options? We

grant you permission to be a bit of a diva about what is on your plate and your vanity!

Adopt an ‘If you don’t love it, leave it’ policy in both places. Scan the holiday buffet for

foods you truly treasure and skip the everyday dishes that are available all year long. It

is not your responsibility to sample everything on the table. Cherry pick a pretty plate

and then slowly and mindfully savor every mouthful. Likewise, resist the urge to retain

the half-dozen bottles of lotions that clutter your cabinet and leave your space feeling

less than pretty. Try slimming down your product line-up to the ones that truly demon-

strate your desired results. Slow down your mirror time and steal some moments for a

facial massage that makes you feel pampered. Need a reminder? Post a message or self-

care mantra on your mirror for easy reference.

3. Set intentions for a New Year that serve you. Has your New Year’s resolution list left

you feeling inspired and focused—or frustrated and disappointed? The time-honored

idea behind creating resolutions is that of hope. If you are settling for less, perhaps it is

time for a fresh and personalized approach. Do you:

• Love the resolutions ritual of writing your list each year? Great, experts agree

that those who commit to a formal list strategy are more likely to attain their goals

than those who do not. Incorporate these tactics to increase your goal setting effec-

tiveness:

• Keep it focused. Choose 1-3 items that are realistic yet expansive.

• Connect each item to your ‘why’—your deeper core values and driving passions.

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Mirror Mantra" Hope is my constant companion. Beauty surrounds me and awaits my attention. I choose to focus on

my stated intentions and care for myself with the loving attention I would bestow a treasured friend."

© Tisha Jill Palmer / Mojomoxie

• Write it down and be specific.

• Prefer to skip the traditional list? No problem, you can create a ritual that is

unique to you. Brainstorm different approaches like these to get you started:

• Make a list of ‘Don’ts’—behaviors and thoughts that no longer serve you. Write

each one on a slip of paper and roast them like marshmallow in the fireplace to

symbolically release them.

• Make a list of ‘Done’—a long and glorious list of all the things you have accom-

plished this year.

• Letting it all go with dance or even charades is always a fun approach with a

cleansing, emotion-releasing feel.

4. Practice the gentle art of saying ‘no’ to increase your focus. Is your mental dialogue

drowning in ‘shoulds,’ ‘coulds’ and ‘have-tos?’ Has people-pleasing seriously dampened

your creative drive? It can be hard to say no to people because you don’t want to disap-

point. But you owe to yourself to create limits. Avoid taking on too many commitments

or spreading yourself too thin so you can focus on your resolutions for the year without

undue distraction. Value your time, be clear on your priorities, and say no politely,

without apology or sense of obligatory explanation. Judicious use of ‘no’ can you make

space for more ‘YES!’ in your life.

5. Take care of your hard working hands and feet. When was the last time you gave

some of your hardest working skin some love? Cold toes and frigid fingers bring out the

winter clothing, but as your hands and feet go under wraps, they often grow increasing-

ly in need of some TLC. This is the perfect season to build in some simple yet meaningful

skin pampering time into your routine. Invest in a divine hand cream and place the bot-

tle next to the sink, the computer, or by your bedside so you can remember to use it of-

ten. A trip to the spa for a reflexology foot massage relaxes tense soles. Or schedule a

Friday night in, and treat yourself to a foot scrub and soak with a scent that helps any

old day feel like a holiday.

With a little thought and purposeful action, quiet winter nights can become pampering celebrations,

and crowded celebrations can be nourishing moments. Celebrating and self-care can be one in the

same this season, helping you to shine your light all the way through to spring.

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