Winter Skin Advice with Yadira Alexander

Yadira Alexander has been a Licensed Esthetician, Makeup Artitst and Eyebrow Guru since 2001.  Her fabulous salon is located in Bristol, RI.  Not only is she one of the top estheticians and makeup artists in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts area, she is also dedicated to teaching others how important it is to take care of their skin.  Yadira has been a featured makeup artist on the Style Network television show “Ambush Makeover”.  She was voted best skincare in New England by Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. Check her out at www.skincarebyyadira.com

We were lucky enough to have Yadira answer a few questions from our readers on maintaining Winter skin.

SSS-How do I keep my skin from getting so dry in the winter?

Y.A.- Our skin tends to get alot drier in the winter months because we expose our skin to dry air; outdoor air as well as indoor heating.  The cold air when we go outside and the indoor heating are a huge factor in causing our skin to dehydrate. The most effective ways to prevent  your skin from getting dry in the winter are to use a humidifier in your bedroom at night while you sleep, use a topical moisturizer  (daily), cleanse morning and at night, use a hydrating Serum daily and drink plenty of water. Using a humidifier has been proven to work better than drinking water alone.  The reason for this is because the moist air in the room hydrates your skin while your sleep.  This is a very simple, effortless way to add value to your daily skin care routine.  Cleanse your skin morning and night using a cream based cleanser, it is much more gentle on dry skin.  By cleansing your skin at the beginning of the day, you protect it from the damage that can occur in your daily environment; UV rays, air pollution, make up and natural epidermal oil production.  By cleansing you skin at the end of your day, you facilitate the renewal process that your skin naturally undergoes each and every night.  Use of a toner on your skin will aid in hydrating and preparing it for the next step, daily serum.  These two steps are extremely important and should not be minimized.  They will supply vitamins, minerals, antioxidants as well as enable your skin to remain hydrated longer.  A good choice for a serum is Pevonia’s Vitamini C Concentrate. Pevonia (a botanical with organic ingredients skin care line) makes excellent product for hydrating dry skin.  Moisturizing is obviously the most elemental and crucial part of your skin care regimen.  I have found that Pevonia’s Marine Collagen creme is an excellent choice for a moisturizer.  Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream is wonderful for night time use and has 10% Glycolic Acid in it which is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and exfoliates.

SSS-What should i do to keep from getting fine lines near my eyes?

Y.A.- The best way to prevent fine lines around our eyes is to use an eye cream. Eye creams are an excellent way to repalce the lack of moisture around the eye area with moisture! Always use a rich eye cream one that is not greasy and will work great with your foundation. Dermalogica makes an excellent day time and night time eye cream. ‘Total Eye Care’ with an Spf of 15 is excellent for daytime use and the ‘Intensive Eye Repair’ is excellent for night time since its a little heavier. Always remember that it is very important to use your ring finger when applying an eye cream as we tend to apply less pressure with that finger. Using a light pressure when applying an eye cream is a great way of preventing future wrinkles because the skin around our eyes is quite delicate and should be treated as such.

SSS-What is a good nighttime regimen I should use for my face?

Y.A.-As I mentioned above always cleanse, tone, apply a serum, eye cream and use the correct moisturizer for your skin type. This might sound time consuming but after repeating this regimen on your skin nightly, it becomes second nature and will only take a few minutes of your time. Having a night time regimen is most important in achieving luminous skin because your skin renews and repairs it self while you sleep.

SSS-Should I use the same regimen in the morning that I use at night?

Y.A.-Your regimen should be the same morning and at night except for your moisturizer. The moisturizer used at night should be a little heavier on your skin only if your skin is dry and mature otherwise it can remain the same morning and at night.

Investing in the right products and following the correct processes are an investment in the long term benefits of how you and the people around you will see your skin. However, each persons individual needs may be slightly different and to get the most out of your efforts, you should consult a professional.  I would love to help you make the most out of your skin care choices and I look forward to hearing from you. -Yadira

Come back next month and check out our Q & A session with Yadira on her passion, Brows!!  She’ll answer all your questions from how to create the perfect brow to how to maintain unruly brows.  As always check her out at www.skincarebyyadira.com