A serum is a multivitamin for your skin, reaching down into all three layers of the skin, unlike moisturizers which sit atop the skin and shield it from toxins. Serums work more correctively and aggressively to produce a healthy, youthful glow. All skin types benefit from hydrating, nourishing serums. Apply serums to freshly cleansed skin, before moisturizer.

If your skin looks dull or has discolored spots, using a chemical exfoliant in place of a physical scrub can be a quick (and relatively gentle) way to dissolve dead skin cells, which otherwise prevent your healthy, bright cells from surfacing.

​Follow product instructions closely, only applying to freshly cleansed skin, one to two times per week, before applying any other products. Look for alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), as they are highly effective chemical defoliants.

The oils in our skin are essential for keeping our complexion clear, firm, youthful and nourished. But, too much oil leaves skin looking shiny, or clogs the pores and leads to a breakout. Too much cleansing dries everything out, causing the body to produce more oil as a result. Then, the increased oil production  causes more breakouts.

​Employ a gentle cleanser (creamy, sulfate-free) that will rid the skin of excess oil and dirt without stripping it of moisture. It’s a more soothing type of rinse and one you can do morning and night without over-drying.

Your skincare regimen can be highly effective without needing dozens of products.. You want fewer steps using well-formulated products with fewer total ingredients. Use only what your skin needs. Too many products is often counterproductive, causing irritation and allergy leading to premature aging of the skin.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar possesses amazing natural healing and soothing properties.

Mix raw apple cider vinegar and filtered, distilled or bottled water in these proportions:
For sensitive skin: 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water
For normal/dry skin: 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water
For oily skin: 1 part vinegar with 1 part water

Mix the ingredients together, and store in a glass or plastic bottle with sprayer. There is no need to refrigerate the toner, as the vinegar makes it shelf-stable. Mist onto cleansed skin before applying moisturizer, or spray on skin to freshen throughout the day.

Do use lotion, even when your skin doesn't feel dry. Apply moisturizer onto damp skin to help lock in water before it evaporates.

Don't use too much. Quality moisturizers are highly concentrated and designed to be effective without a thick layer. If you use too much, it's more likely to sit on the surface of your skin, occlude the surface and potentially trigger breakouts.

​Do look for products that match your skin type. While there are common allergens that are present in many lotions, look for those free of parabens, fragrances and aloe that can irritate sensitive skin or allergies.

Use a humidifier. The indoor climate becomes considerably drier in the winter months when the heater runs regularly. Using a humidifier can help restore a level of humidity that's better for your skin. Aim for humidity levels in the range of 35-50%.

​Use body lotion. Your skin naturally loses moisture throughout the day through evaporation, but you can help trap the hydration you add from bathing by adding a layer of quality lotion.

Shea butter, one of the most bioactive emollients found in skincare, is derived from shea nuts and comprised primarily of triglycerides, fats that also occur naturally in human sebum. When applied to the skin, these triglycerides sink into the gaps between dead skin cells, where they combat dryness by acting as softening emollients and keeping moisture in the skin.

One of the most unique things about shea butter is its ability to visibly soothe facial redness and neutralize the oxidation caused by external irritants, a leading cause of visible skin aging.

​Look for shea butter in moisturizers to keep your skin soft & soothed this winter.