Healthy Exfoliation Practices for Winter

This month I want to chat a bit about winter skin and exfoliation. Exfoliation is truly misunderstood, and clients often come to me using the wrong method for their skin. The right exfoliation really depends on your skin type (how much moisture you produce) and your condition (what symptoms your skin is showing currently). My audience tends to be on the more sensitive/sensitized end of the spectrum so if this isn’t you than you can take what you like and leave the rest.

Generally speaking, during winter months the environment has less available moisture to lend the skin, and the use of heaters, hot showers etc can take a toll on the skin’s moisture levels. The skin is unable to hold on to water, and begins to get irritated, flakey, depleted, and tight.

Photo from my new years day winter walk

There are moments when the right type of exfoliation can help soften up sluggish skin to allow for better penetration of humectants- ingredients that bind or hold water in the skin. However, we don’t want to go and aggresively tare down an already compromised, and stressed structure.

For this reason I am often reaching for less deeply penetrating AHA’s like glycolic acid, and scrubs ( I personally almost never reccommend these for the face). I am personally not a subscriber to “peel season” either. I do tend to mix up enzyme treatments that are buffered with lots of soothing, hydrating ingredients, like Colloidial oats, and hydrosols.

I explain to my clients in treatment, that sometimes you need to take a digestive enzyme to support your sluggish digestion, the same goes with sluggish skin, and adding enzymes to your topical routine will boost your skin’s digestion of old, sluggish cells.

Botnia’s essential enzymes is a genious product that combines floral waters, essential fatty acids and pomegranate enzymes and can be used as an exfoliating cleanser even on very sensitive skin. this is a lovely way to get sluggish skin up and running again.

Some other favorites ways to smooth, slough, and decongest, dry compromised skin this season: Botnia’s fade serum- a slow active with a low and sustainable dose of mandelic acid, paired with ultra hydrating humectants, great for smoothing fine lines, texture, and gradually fading pesky pigmentation (best combined with monthly professional treatments). Marie Veronique’s probiotic exfoliation mask, and retinols are a favorite for a bit deeper turnover while still maintaining a healthy barrier function.

For the most sensitive or comprimsed of skins, you can try a little plain goats milk yogurt as a mask, the naturally occurring lactic acid will help to gently soften the skin, you can also mix in a pinch of Botnia’s exfoliating mask, or Juniper hydrosol for a bit of Juniperic acid magic!

Cadence

For balanced skin in need of a little boost or smoothing, aim for exfoliation 1-2x a week with something enzymatic, a nightly retinol, and or 1x a weekly treatment mask.

For congested skin that needs help with turnover without further aggrivating the skin, aim for a nightly Mandelic acid serum. Always moisturize appropriately and don’t forget your SPF!

Having a facial with a professional is often the safest way to reset your skin, and they can help guide you on the appropriate home care for your skin. I am here to give you personalized guidance on your home care!