WINTER DOLDRUM PERKS ~ PART ONE

“One of the earliest images showing a frozen Niagara Falls, in sepia tones, is thought to be from 1911 or 1912, though skeptics have questioned its authenticity because its photographer is unknown.”

 

With much of the nation in winter’s unrelenting grip, skin is being constantly assaulted with frigid temps and dry air.  Spring may be less than two month’s away, but a much-needed break from these climatological attacks is in order.  I’ve rounded up a number of products that tackle issues related to skincare and body care during this difficult time.  Hopefully you’ll find some new products to consider looking into, or even trying. 

For the Face

The delicate and fragile tissue on the face, under the eyes and neck are especially vulnerable to the often-nasty attacks of winter’s frigid winds and chilling temps.  Since the tissue is more easily dried out, it needs extra TLC to combat the attacks and keep the tissue always on the ready, no matter what the time of day.  The following products offer added protection and relief during these challenging times.  And, don’t forget to use your sunscreen or products that include one in their formulation.  The sun’s harmful rays don’t take a vacation, just because it’s winter.

Apothederm Moisturizing Cream ~ This very dense cream was extremely soothing to winter-weary skin.  The dense formula needs to be warmed up between palms before applying for ease of application, otherwise, its drags on the skin.  Key ingredients include palmitoyl hexapeptide-14, shea butter, soybean oil, vitamins C and E, rosemary extract, panthenol, sunflower seed oil, and green tea.  If too much of the product is used, it doesn’t absorb well and leaves a tacky residue; using a small amount, my thirsty skin quickly absorbed the Cream without any residue; was also non-irritating.  http://apothederm.com/

 
Adventuress Vividly Restorative Skin Purifier ~ This is an ideal all year moisturizer.  The consistency is serum-like and went on easily, making my skin feel silky and like a protective barrier had just been applied to it.  Product was quickly absorbed and left no residue; was also non-irritating.  Key ingredients include quince seed, willow bark extract, witch hazel, bilberry extract, sugar cam extract, sugar maple extract, orange and lemon fruit extracts, and olive leaf extract.  http://www.goadventuress.com

From the Lab Beauty Elixir No. 602 and Eye Serum No. 603 ~ A “members only” program where each month, a member can expect to receive one to three products (skin, body, or hair); quantities are sufficient for a one month period with an option for the member to purchase additional products.  Products received are pre-market and in the luxury brand range; these “no name” products are designated with a “number”.  The products I tried were very favorable; non-irritating, visible improvement to skin texture and fine lines and wrinkles, non-greasy and quickly absorbed.  These anti-aging products are formulated with key ingredients that include stem cell peptide, hematite extract, squalane, zinc, magnesium, copper, larch extract, vitamins A and E, Argan oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and orange and lemon peel oil.   

https://fromthelab.com/

Sublime Beauty Collagen Serum ~ The key to this product is the synthetic peptide, Matrixyl, which has been found to be an effective alternative to retinol.  Other ingredients include collagen, aloe, Panax ginseng root extract, and shitake mushrooms.  This cooling serum glides on and is quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or tacky residue; works well alone, or with any moisturizer; non-irritating as well.  http://sublime-beauty.net/

For the Body

Drying skin, whether it’s on the body, hands, feet, and especially cracked heels, needs more TLC during this challenging time; exfoliation and moisturization are your best defenses against winter’s assaults.  The following products are great for your winter-weather arsenal.

Pevonia Botanica Mango-Passion Fruit De-Aging Mist ~ Hydrate, replenish, rejuvenate, prevent and repair visible signs of aging with this lightweight, aromatic mist. Its delicious aroma is reminiscent of warmer and balmier temps.  This product left my skin feeling silky and hydrated without any tackiness, and was also absorbed quickly.  The De-Aging Mist will definitely transport you to a tropical clime and banish the winter blahs; key ingredients include aloe leaf, chamomile, pomegranate extract, mango fruit extract, passion fruit extract, panthenol, and calendula.  Other effective formulated anti-aging products within this range are available in both the Mango-Passion Fruit and Papaya-Pineapple aroma profiles; they include De-Aging Body Balm and De-Aging Saltmousse.  http://www.pevonia.com/

BioELIXIA Body Shaper Exfoliating Body Polish, Body Shaper Radiance Body Cleanser, and Body Shaper Firming Toning Body Lotion ~ These Australian products have a proprietary formulation (TPM^® Dermal Delivery Technology) that targets and delivers ingredients to areas where they’re needed the most.  Body Shaper Exfoliating Body Polish key ingredients include Hyadisine, Vitamin E, and sweet almond oil.  Body Shaper Radiance Body Cleanser key ingredients include Trehalose, mineral copper PCA, glycolic fruit acid, and lactic acid.  Body Shaper Firming Toning Body Lotion key ingredients include caffeine, salicylic acid, and Pullulan.  All products were gentle, non-irritating, and left skin silky and firm; hydration levels remained throughout the day; products also had fresh and uplifting aromas.  https://www.bioelixia.com/us/

Neutrogena Rainbath Renewing Shower and Bath Gel, Pear & Green Tea ~ A favorite for years, this Shower and Bath Gel gently cleanses without drying skin; the fresh and uplifting scent of Pear & Green Tea makes you forget that it’s winter.  http://www.neutrogena.com/

For the Hair

Squished hair from either a scarf or hat covering is an all too-common complaint during winter.  It’s either keep the coif beautiful or squish the hairstyle and keep warm.  Then there’s keeping the hair conditioned and shampooed to lock in moisture and not add to brittle or dry hair, which leads to breakage and split ends.  The following products keep hair at their maximum-best during winter’s assaults.

 

Angelo David VOL Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ~ This is a must-have duo for is ideal for adding volume, while locking in moisture and protecting hair from breakage and split ends. Key ingredients include honey, avocado, silk amino acids, Evening Primrose, hops, and vitamin E.  The uplifting aroma is another departure from thoughts of winter. http://www.angelodavid.com/

~ In Closing ~

Using products formulated to one’s skin type is important, but just as important is finding products with formulations that are best suited for the individual seasons.  The more intense and harsher the season, such as winter, the more “fortified” and “heartier” the formulas need to be to protect, hydrate and reinforce the delicate tissue from frigid temps and super dry humidity levels.  Be good to your skin and it will serve you well for years to come.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and online in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She currently serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit, www.dailymail.co.uk; all othercredits, as represented by the specific brand.)

N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.