The onset of winter brings not only the usual suspects – cold, snow, heavy clothing – but also dry, often itchy skin. Homes and workplaces are heated with dry heat, either through forced air or radiated heat; even outside, the air is very dry, lacking moisturizing humidity, as arctic winds and chill suck out all moisture.
Winter sports and activities also take their toll on skin. Whether you ski downhill with the wind in your face, soak in a hot tub, or swim indoors at your local Y, your skin is subject to the harsh elements, powerful chemical agents present in your environment.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to combat the toll on your skin. Daily use of moisturizers is essential as the first line of defense. If you are experiencing itchy, scaling or flaking skin, then your skin is too dry. If it is accompanied with redness, then it is drying out before it can be replaced naturally with new layers underneath. There are any number of lotions to apply to dry skin. Beware of any lotions with alcohol. Alcohol is a drying agent, as it evaporates quickly, is used to concentrate fragrance as in perfumes and colognes, but can exacerbate dry skin conditions. Compared to oil-based lotions, water-based lotions are better for skin absorption. They actually hydrate the outer layers of the skin and penetrate to the lower layers.
Salon products go a step further than most lotions sold over the counter. Salon products range from gels to lotions to mists and offer specific skin nourishment and repair ingredients. Some of these ingredients bolster the body’s natural biology to assist in skin repair and replacement; some ingredients stimulate the underlying collagen infrastructure of the skin to improve skin tone. Besides hydrating the skin, most have ingredients to help the skin retain moisture.
When the skin absorbs water, it benefits in a number of ways. There is a lightening in skin color, accompanied by a slight sheen, or “radiance” as light is reflected off the surface. Skin tone is improved as the upper layers are enlarged from the absorption, growing fuller and tauter. In turn, fine wrinkles are smoothed or even disappear.
Finally, the ultimate treatment for dry skin is a facial. This treatment not only rehydrates the skin, but also cleanses it of the daily dirt, dust and oil buildup that comes naturally from the skin. A facial can refresh the surface of the skin through the removal of dead skin cells that are sloughing off continuously, cleanse pores of dirt buildup (“blackheads”, “whiteheads”), and smooth imperfections. The final stage of a facial involves repair and rehydration of the skin, through application of moisturizers, and specific treatments for skin tone enhancement, smoothing wrinkles and facial collagen stimulation to counter any tendencies to sagging.
Blue Fountain Day Spa specializes in facial treatments to identify the unique needs of the skin and apply the latest products and techniques to preserve skin health and youthfulness.