Avoid Dull Winter Skin

How to Combat & Avoid Dull Winter Skin

with SkinCare by Alana

I absolutely LOVE winter! The cool weather is a totally refreshing contrast to the seemingly endless summer here in Southern California, the holiday spirit is in full swing, and I can rock my favorite boots, scarves, and sweaters. But one thing I don’t love? Is the dull skin I have to take measure to avoid, and sometimes combat! If you find that your skin starts to take on a dull appearance in the winter, know that you are definitely NOT alone. And I am so excited to share some of my favorite products, tips, and tricks that will help you to avoid dull winter skin!

First and Foremost: STAY HYDRATED

I talked about this in my last guest post here on Style Report Magazine, and I am reinforcing it today. You must, must, must drink your 8 glasses a day or more if you want to keep your skin looking beautiful and plump.

Many of the superficial fine lines and wrinkles you are starting to notice on your face are the result of not drinking enough water. So, hydrate on up and enjoy a healthier, brighter, more plumped up appearance. Seriously, your skin and your body will thank you for this one.

Start Your Resolutions Early.

Every year the two most common New Year’s resolutions I hear are (1) “I am going to eat healthier” and (2) “I am going to exercise more regularly.” The New Year is here and it’s time to kick it into high gear. There are many healthy and yummy foods that can help your complexion look and feel years younger. And a good exercise routine gets blood pumping throughout your body (and yes, to your skin).

Bonus: eating healthy and exercising also have positive benefits on your mental health and waistline. So it’s a win-win-win all around!

Get 8 Hours of Sleep WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

As a business owner and mother of two, I totally hear you on the “it’s tough to get 8 hours” front. But as a skin care professional, I can also tell you just how critical a healthy amount of sleep is for keeping your skin healthy, and bright! Nothing makes my skin look dull faster than not getting an adequate amount of sleep.

So, here are my tips: set a bed time for your little ones and yourself. If you know you must wake up at 6:00AM, try to hit the pillows by 9:30PM the night before. And power off all electronics an hour before heading to sleep. The blue light on the screen can stimulate your brain and keep you awake. Not to mention the temptation of reading that text message when your text tone goes off.

If turning your phone off is not an option, don’t be afraid to let friends know you are hitting the hay at a certain hour, and not to reach out unless there is an emergency after that time.

The bottom line: get your 8 hours. Your skin does most of its healing and regenerating while you sleep. Hence the term “beauty rest”.How to Avoid dull winter skin from beauty expert skincare by alana

Exfoliate!

I know way too many people who are afraid to exfoliate for fear of the dreaded “red and post-peel” appearance. If you are afraid to go the chemical exfoliant route (using a product that has an ingredient that will exfoliate your skin, such as Glycolic or Retinol) reach for a product that will physically slough away dead skin cells.

How these work is super simple: they are grainy in consistency and will actually go in and physically remove dead skin cells. Bonus points if it is packed with skin nourishing ingredients! Many physical exfoliants, like one of my personal favorites, Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, combine physical exfoliants with a gentle chemical exfoliant component for optimum results.

While I always urge that you speak with a skincare professional (be it your dermatologist or esthetician) before jumping into ingredients like Glycolic Acid or Retinol, I do urge that you keep an open mind about them! When used in the proper amounts, and on the appropriate skin types, these ingredients do a beautiful job of keeping skin youthful, gorgeous, and bright!

How to Avoid dull winter skin from beauty expert skincare by alana

Keep Your Skin Hydrated.

Dry skin often translates to dull skin, so keeping your skin adequately hydrated is the perfect way to stay a step ahead of the game. Of course, I may be a little biased here, but I LOVE my Alana Mitchell Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum for nourishing and plumping the skin. Followed by my Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer to lock in hydration and gently brighten the complexion. I formulated both products to be great options for all skin types, and I couldn’t be more in love!

Try an Illuminator!

I am not a huge “highlighting” person myself, but I do find that a good illuminator used the right way can help my skin to look brighter, and thus, less dull. On days when I want to give my skin a little extra oomph, I like to mix Glo Minerals Sheer Tint Illuminator with my sunscreen (you can also use it alone, or mix it with a tinted SPF). It gives the perfect amount of subtle glow without being sparkly, and feels nice and light on the skin!

Finally, Make an Appointment with Your Esthetician!

I know that with the holiday season coming to and end, a trip to the esthetician may not be in your schedule or budget. But if you can find the time or funds to do so, I highly recommend it! An esthetician will be able to safely and effectively address winter dullness, and have you walking out with healthier, more beautiful skin! If nothing else, think of it as a gift to yourself for the holiday season. When you look good, you feel good. And bonus points for facials because not only do they make you look good, but they are fantastic for your skin!How to Avoid dull winter skin from beauty expert skincare by alana

What are some of your favorite ways to combat winter dullness? Let me know in the comments below!

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