WINTER LUXURY SKINCARE ~ PART THREE

Nothing tests a person’s resolve to toughen it out, than a frigid winter that wreacks havoc on fragile skin.  Cold biting winds that sting, excessively dry outdoor and indoor temps, raw, chafed, and cracked skin can all spell disaster for skin’s balance and skincare regimen.  Having the right products, not only for your skin type, but also for the season, are key to effective and gentle cleansing, maintaining hydration levels, minimizing the effects of aging, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.

Today’s article features recent product lines I tested that included Decleor, ESPA, Korres Modern Greek Apothecary, and L’Occitane en Provence.  All of these products ranked very high with me for being effective, while delivering results.  Each product was an indulgent luxury and aromatherapeutic, and would be ideal additions to anyone’s “age diminishing” skincare and body care regimen. 

~ My Experiences: Products That Soothe & Restore Winter Ravaged Skin ~

Decleor Micellar Oil ~ French skincare brand Decleor has been one of my favorite brands ever since it first launched in the U.S. at the International SPA Association’s Conference (1997).  Since that time, Decleor has become a preferred brand in many luxury spas, as well as upscale retail outlets.  Micellar Oil debunks the prevailing myth that oil and water don’t mix; Decleor has perfected the technology with its formula that gently deep cleans without irritating or stripping the skin’s acid and pH levels.  Key ingredients include Cold Pressed Almond Oil and Olive Squalane.  Micellar Oil becomes transformed from an oil consistency to a creamy cleanser once water is added; this product left no residue and imparted levels of hydration without leaving any tacky or greasy residue; it was gentle and non-irritating.  For more information on this exceptional brand, visit http://www.decleorusa.com

ESPA Super Active Calm & Soothe Moisturiser, Optimal Skin ProSerum, and Super Active Calm & Soothe Mask ~ When I reviewed the Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Spa Suites (December 22, 2014), my article also included my review of the ESPA Personalised Facial.  In addition to a variety of ESPA products my esthetician used throughout the facial treatment experience, the products listed were also used.  Each of these three products performed beautifully and the aromatherapeutic properties further added to the delight of using each product.  Overall, my skin appeared refreshed, calmed and revitalized, with a noticeable improvement in brightness; the texture felt refined, pores appeared diminished, as did fine lines and wrinkles; hydration levels were well maintained throughout the day.  Key ingredients include: Moisturiser ~ Squalane, Glycerin, Broccoli Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Candellila/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Algae Extract, Gotu Kola, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Honey and Arnica Extract; ProSerum ~ Turmeric, Rose Hip and Echium Oil, White Lupin, Kalpariane Seaweed Extract, Sunflower Seed, Vitamin E and Evening Primrose Oil, Rose and Patchouli Essential Oils; and, Mask ~ Aloe Leaf, Algae, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Arnica and Honey Extract, Vitamin E, Rooibos, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, and Glycerin.  For more information on this exceptional brand, visit http://us.espaskincare.com

Korres Modern Greek Apothecary Basil Lemon Body Butter ~ I fell in love with this product the first time I used it.  It’s rich dense formulation felt luxurious and extravagant.  As soon as I began apply the Body Butter, my parched skin immediately felt soothed and comforted, while its aromatherapeutic properties also made using this product delightful.  The Body Butter was quickly absorbed, gentle, and non-irritating, even to winter-raw patches of skin; hydration levels were exceptional and the product acted like a barrier to dehydration; I also loved using it as a hand cream; my brittle dry cuticles were made soothe and supple; dry patches on some of the finger joints also disappeared.  Key ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Squalane, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, Fig Fruit Extract, and Grape Seed Extract.  For more information on this exceptional brand, visit http://www.korresusa.com

L’Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream ~ Here’s another of my favorite product lines, especially its Shea Butter product range.  Shea butter is prized for its anti-aging qualities and its ability to hydrate and revitalize parched skin after only one use; with consistent use, the efficacy is cumulative, yielding skin that is diminishes most signs of aging.  Years ago, I used to use a product by L’Occitane that’s no longer available; the Ultra Moisturizing Cream was formulated with an eight percent concentration of Shea Butter.  Recently, L’Occitane introduced their Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream, which offered a five percent concentration of Shea Butter.  For those plagued with exceptionally dry skin, L’Occitane offers Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting Cream, which has an impressive twenty-five percent concentration of Shea Butter.  Even in the extremely harsh winter conditions hitting the nation, the latest iteration of these wonderful performing skincare products performs beautifully.  The rich, dense formulation glides on the skin and is absorbed immediately without leaving any tacky or greasy residue; it’s gentle and non-irritating and leaves a barrier of hydration that is like wearing a warm comforter to protect against the harsh elements.  Key ingredients include Shea Butter, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Vitamin E.  For more information on this exceptional brand, visit http://usa.loccitane.com

~ In Closing ~

Whatever the season, following are my basic guidelines for optimal skincare; each will help stave off any noticeable signs of aging…1) having an established at-home skincare regimen is key to maintaining healthy skin…2) having the right mix of treatment products is also vital, including those formulated for one’s specific skin type…3) equally as important is using products that are formulated to conform to one’s specific locale that takes into consideration the environment, climate, and geography.

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, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital 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 also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was 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.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo of Greta Garbo from wedo.co.uk.  All other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)