How to effectively layer + adapt your skincare regime with the changing seasons
Photo via Ellen Pitt
As the seasons begin to change, your diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine should adjust to reflect the new approaching Winter season. At Province Apothecary we LOVE using organic, plant based oil serums all year around, due to their flexibility and control. They are highly concentrated, pure, and full of antioxidants, omegas and phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients are fungicidal, germicidal, and immune boosting compounds found in plants + foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Layering is the key to adapting your skincare routine to the cold dry Canadian winter climate. Layering is a term we use to describe applying multiple hydrating products on the skin morning + night to provide + maintain ample moisture levels within the skin.
Our Invigorating + Balancing Toner is a fantastic base for your layered skincare regime. When using oil based serums, always apply them to damp skin as it's more permeable, thus allowing the ingredients to feed the skin on a deeper level. Our toner is an ideal way to dampen the skin as it contains PH balancing rose water. Spritz the skin to moisten, then follow with an oil serum.
We love blending Custom Face Serums for our clients as we can modify each recipe to reflect the shift in climate. Our Custom serums are hand blended just for you, so your serum will be unique to your specific skincare needs. We recommend applying 5-10 drops of your oil serum directly to the skin while it's damp with toner. Massage it in liberally for a few minutes to stimulate collagen + elastin fibres and release tension commonly held in the face.
When you notice the humidity levels dropping in the fall, start layering with a moisturizer on top of your oil serum. We recommend our Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer. This anti-aging, brightening and softening lotion adds radiance and nourishment with phytonutrient apricot, carrot, rose and grapefruit. You can apply the moisturizer directly to the skin after applying your toner and oil serum. Quick tip: Add 2-5 drops of serum directly into your moisturizer to help boost its potency. Most moisturizers contains some sort of water (flower, aloe, distilled) which will help the serum penetrate into the skin.
When the cold harsh winds appear, we suggest taking your skincare regime a step further and replacing your face cream for something a little more heavy-duty. After toning and applying your oil serum, layer our Protecting + Restoring Face Balm for sufficient protection from the extremely dry, irritating winds and harsher climate. Massage the face balm between your palms or fingertips before applying to your skin, as this will warm up the product and allow for easier application. Spray some more toner or add a few drops of water from your finger tips and continue massaging your skin. You are making a raw cream that will deeply nourish and hydrate you skin.
You can always layer an all natural SPF on top of the above recommended products. Read our previous post on protecting your skin from sun exposure naturally, featuring our favourite SPF brands.
As we head into winter months let's think about eating more local, seasonal produce such as squash, rutabaga, leeks, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, beets and pears. Try this whole roasted cauliflower skillet recipe by hotforfood featuring many seasonal and local nutritious vegetables!
image via hotforfood
The days are shorter and nights are longer, so we should indulge in longer night's rest as well. Sleeping for 8 hours is always ideal, but don't feel guilty if your body asks you to sleep for longer - it's hibernation season!
Stay hydrated as you sleep. An easy way to add moisture to your skin is by sleeping next to a humidifier or just put a few cans of water on your radiator and be amazed by how quickly you have to refill them. Keep up on your water consumption as well, dry lips = a dry digestive system, so add more herbal teas to your day and healthy fats to keep your insides lubricated.
Make sure to stretch out your feet + ankles when you do wake up, as they get crammed into tight boots and thick socks this time of year, and they'll appreciate the extra attention and care. Giving your feet a nice foot rub is an easy way to reduce stress and tension in your whole body (reflexology is powerful).
To keep your hands, feet and body warmer in the colder months use our Daily Glow Facial Dry Brush to increase circulation and keep your lymphatic system moving. Check our our post and favourite video here.
Photo via Ellen Pitt
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