As the winter months approach, we all love cozy evenings filled with warm drinks and a little bubbly at festive gatherings. However, it’s important to consider how alcohol affects our skin, especially during this dry season.
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is detrimental in winter when the air is already dry. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose more fluids than usual. This can result in dull, dry skin, exacerbating winter’s effects and making fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Additionally, excessive alcohol can dilate blood vessels, leading to redness and a flushed complexion, particularly around the cheeks and nose.
Moreover, alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to tired, puffy eyes and a lackluster complexion. When combined with the winter’s harsh conditions, the result can be a perfect storm for skin issues.
To maintain that radiant glow, it’s wise to limit alcohol intake. Instead, consider hydrating alternatives like herbal teas or infused water, which can provide warmth and comfort without the negative side effects. If you do choose to indulge, balance it with plenty of water to help counteract dehydration.
A tailored skincare routine with moisturizers and hydrating serums can also help combat the dryness caused by alcohol. Talk to Leticia about hydration boosting facials to catalyze your glow! This winter, prioritize your skin’s health by enjoying alcohol in moderation, and you’ll be sure to shine, no matter the season!
Hello, Beautiful! New Mexico and much of the Rocky Mountain West has just had our first snow storm of the season and we want to take a moment for this snow-packed list of PSAs–drive slowly on icy roads; always keep a big coat, boots, and gloves in the car in case you have to get out and hike; kitty litter is easy to keep in your trunk for extra traction if you’re getting stuck; hydrate even if you don’t feel hot; and SPF is critical in the snow!
Because of our high altitude and sunshine, which reflects off the snow for double-exposure, New Mexicans must be particularly vigilant about sun protection year-round!
What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy is necessary to damage protected skin. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be. SPF can be applied through products or by donning the right kind of clothes. For example, merino wool clothing has a UPF of 50. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but is the rating system used for fabrics instead of products applied to the skin. Great for protecting your body, wearing clothes with UPF allows you to be exposed to the sun without worrying about reapplication. However, it’s not practical to keep your entire face concealed every time you go out, and summer weather brings summer styles, which often feature bared shoulders, backs, arms, and legs. Having a skin-applied product with SPF means you can safely enjoy the sun in a fashionable outfit!
Why is it important?
UV damage, like the damage you get every time you have even a mild sunburn, is a leading cause of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer. With a little thought and the right products, keeping your skin protected doesn’t have to take a lot of time or interrupt your normal beauty and style routine.
In addition to causing skin cancer, the sun’s harsh UV rays cause premature aging to the skin–reducing elastin, increasing wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called sunspots), and freckles.
Protect your skin. Preserve your youth.
The easiest way to protect the largest amount of skin at once is to wear protective clothing, especially when you’re planning to be outside during the most intense exposure times (typically 11 am to 2 pm) when the sun is highest and its rays are most intense. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes that cover the tops of your feet, and a wide brimmed hat. There are lots of companies making UPF clothing in a wide range of styles specifically designed to be comfortable and lightweight.
If covering up is impractical or impossible, rely on high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but ideally 50+. Finding sunscreen for the body can be relatively easy with tons of products to choose from at your favorite retailer. Various application methods make hard to reach places (like the center of your back), easy to reach!
But the face is different–more sensitive to products and requiring a higher degree of protection both for aesthetic (wrinkles!!!) and practical reasons (the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive). It’s important to invest in quality products that will provide maximum protection without making you look shiny and ruining your make up application.
Dermalogica has a full line of SPF products for all skin types and concerns. From super sensitive to matte application, Leticia can help you find the best SPF for your face (and neck, chest, and shoulders)–saving you money in the long run by preserving your natural elastin, and making your treatments go farther by preventing unnecessary damage.
Don’t forget!
Reapply every 2 hours while out. More often if it’s particularly hot (11 am to 2 pm), sunny, or you’re sweating. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to make your life easier all around.
Protect your skin from the sun and cold with merino wool, which is naturally wicking and has a protective factor of 35 to 50–blocking the rays better than cotton or synthetics.
Scars are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. If you want to minimize healing time and get the smoothest, most discreet healing possible, you should liberally and vigilantly apply sunscreen or keep it covered for the first year.
Mineral suncreens are great for sensitive skin, but are often chalky or difficult to apply.
Chemical sunscreens come in a variety of formulas but wear off more quickly than their mineral counterparts.
Fall is officially here, my friends. Hot air balloons are in the air and Pumpkin Spice is everywhere! As we embrace the (best) season in our beloved state, it’s essential to remember changing weather can take a toll on our skin. Dry air zaps moisture from our skin, leaving it dull and lifeless, while the dip in temperatures makes it easy to forget to refill that water bottle. Read on for help keeping your skin stay radiant and glowing.
Cooler seasons tends to be drier, making it a challenging time for our skin. When the humidity drops, our skin loses moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and making it vulnerable to irritation.
Hydration. The Secret to All-season Skin Bliss
The key to combatting autumn and winter skin blues is simple: hydration! By replenishing moisture levels internally and topically, you can keep your skin looking healthy, plump, and vibrant, even in the coldest, driest climates. Hydrated skin is not only more resilient against the harsh elements but it’s also less prone to premature aging.
Sip and Glow. Water is Your Skin’s Best Friend
The simplest and most effective way to keep your whole body hydrated is drinking plenty of water. It’s easy to forget to hydrate when the temperatures drop, but your skin craves H2O whether you’re sweltering or freezing! Find your favorite herbal or green tea, or stick to plain hot water (our content creator’s preferred beverage), add some lemon for a boost of vitamin C, and keep your mug at hand. It will warm you form the inside without upping your energy bill and your skin will thank you for it!
Seal the Deal: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
To lock in all that hydration, make moisturizing a part of your daily skincare routine. Opt for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that suits your skin type–it may need to be a heavier cream than your summer regime. Apply generously after cleansing–super dry skin should switch to a creamy cleanser–to keep your skin supple, soft, and protected. And don’t forget sunscreen! Your skin may not feel the sizzle, but the sun’s UV rays are still doing damage to unprotected skin. Snow is highly reflective, so be sure to reapply often when you hit the slopes!
Don’t let autumn steal your glow! Embrace a new hydration routine and give your skin the love it deserves. Sip that water–hot or cold–and pamper your skin with a rich moisturizing regimen. Stay hydrated, stay fabulous!
