As a licensed esthetician, classically trained homeopath, and one of the founders of Glow Beauty Fuel, I know that cold, dry weather impacts skin. To keep skin glowing through the cold winter months, I have some winter tips and tricks. Remember, It’s not just about managing your healthy skin routine, it’s about the mind, body and soul connection too!
LAURA’S PERSONAL LIST OF WINTER SKIN MUST HAVES
Micellar water
Once you try it, you won’t want to use anything else to remove your makeup. Micellar water is appropriate for all skin types and very gentle on the eyes. It removes all makeup residue without stripping the delicate acid mantle or causing dryness. I find it refreshing as a spritzer for my face on the days I don’t wear makeup too. There are lots of good choices available online or in stores.
Squalane oil (not Squalene with an “e.”)Like collagen, the squalane our oil glands produce slows way down as we age. So we need to replenish it with squalane to keep our skin soft, moist and protected from cold, dry weather (and free radicals- one of the key factors in aging). Most squalane comes from plants or olives so we can feel good about using it. I highly recommend vegan squalane oil. Use after a warm shower to seal in moisture on face, neck and chest area. Please don’t use water that’s too hot- it strips skin’s delicate acid-mantle. Squalane oil is great for sensitive, mature, skin, eczema, acne and psoriasis. Bonus: Makeup glides on beautifully after use.
Frankincense oilAwesome for fine lines plus the scent is divine. Buy it at any health food store or online from your favorite aromatherapy brand.
Milk and honey creamy cleanser
Gentle physical scrub
Papaya Enzyme mask
Antioxidant mask
Edible Hyaluronic acid
Glow Beauty Fuel Bars
Our carefully crafted protein packed beauty bars are one of the most pleasurable ways to ready skin for the harsh effects of a cold winter. They contain 100% of necessary beauty supplements, collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Hibiscus flower extract, in one mouth watering treat. Plus 13g of protein and only 180 calories!
LAURA SHOEMAKER’S PERSONAL LIST OF FAVORITE TOPICAL SKINCARE BRANDS:
As a licensed esthetician, I understand the structure and physiology of skin. And what works and doesn’t. Here is what I use:
Sanitas Skincare, started by a nutritionist is an organic line that smells like fresh, tropical fruit. Their enzyme scrubs, masks and brightening pads are incredibly effective at keeping thespian glowing. They also have amazing products for treating acne gently and effectively. Try their Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and Sanitas Skincare Detox Scrub/Mask. Sanitas Papaya Enzyme Mask always makes my winter list.
Naturopathica is an herbal skincare line that’s based in holistic practices of treating the cause. For a real skin treat, try their super soothing Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel, perfect for winter skin after hikes or snowboarding!
MyChelle Dermaceuticals makes a Vitamin C cleanser called Perfect C Cleansing Oil that restores and hydrates. I keep mine in the shower and cannot live without it! Don’t forget to treat your lips too! They also developed Lip Tint Conditioning Balm, which adds a bit of color with long lasting moisture.
Honest is all about about gentle, natural cleansing products for literally everything. I fell in love with their baby wash after I tried most of their house cleaning products. Their product Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum is full of Alpha Hydroxy Acids- an incredibly gentle exfoliant! For those with super sensitive skin, they have you covered with their Calming Kit and Calm On Foaming Cleanser.
ADDED WINTER SKIN BONUS- LAURA’S RECIPE FOR WARMING CHAGA-CHAI TEAWhen there’s a real chill in the air and the dry heat is on in our homes, I’m in the mood for making a pot of hot Chaga-Chai, wood burning in the fireplace and my favorite papaya enzyme mask!
Chaga-Chai tea recipe: 1 quart
If you haven’t heard yet, Chaga is a highly medicinal mushroom that has a mild taste, (and no it doesn’t make you high or taste like a culinary mushroom) and is perfect to blend with spicy cinnamon, allspice and ginger. It has numerous health benefits and even promotes hair growth. This super antioxidant mushroom tea is a delicious way to boost your immune system, fuel your beauty and cozy up during the cool winter months to come.
Ingredients:
1 quart of spring water
4 Chaga chunks (you can order bulk online- I like to forage myself, but may not be convenient 😉
1 cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 inch of fresh ginger root, grated or ¼ tsp ground ginger
5 whole cloves or ¼ tsp ground cloves
5 cardamon pods or ¼ tsp.ground cardamon
1 star of anise or ¼ tsp ground anise
½ Tbsp black peppercorns or ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
3 tsp loose black tea or 3 bags of black tea (optional)
1. First make sun tea with your chaga. Place 4 pieces of chaga in a quart jar, then fill with fresh spring water, put the top on and place on a window sill or anywhere for full sun exposure. Its best if your chaga and water are left in the sun for a full 24 hrs.
2. Add your chaga sun tea and chaga chunks to a medium pot, add all spices, and black tea (optional) turn the stove top to a low heat for 20-30 min, taking care that it does not boil.PLEASE, DO NOT BRING TO A BOIL. Boiling chaga will destroy many of the beneficial nutrients!
3. Strain and serve with sweetener and cream. I like local maple syrup and half and half in mine but experiment with the creamer or sweetener you like.
PLEASE DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CHAGA CHUNKS! CHAGA IS PRECIOUS AND CAN BE REUSED UNTIL IT STOPS LEACHING MINERALS, LOSING ITS COLOR.
Enjoy this delicious and healing tea. Glow on lovelies! And stay warm.
By Laura Shoemaker, Founder Glow Beauty Fuel
