

As fall readily sets in, nature is taking its course on our complexions. Although we aren’t ready to give up our paradise scented sun block, this season raises much uncertainty in terms of which beauty and skincare products to keep and which to replace. Before you feel enticed to rush off to department stores for your free gift with purchase, try switching to the following three essential beauty products that will allow you to blissfully stroll through what would otherwise be winter skin blues.
Skip: Petroleum based lip balms
Contrary to popular belief, conventional lip balms will only provide temporary relief. Unlike other parts of your body, the lips do not produce sebum - an oily substance that keeps your hair and skin from drying out. As a result, harsh weather can cause severe dehydration and sometimes uncomfortable peeling. Most lip products use petroleum as a moisturizing base (petroleum is an ingredient derived from the same crude oil used to make gasoline and grease), which can cause lips to become addicted to this element.
Solution: Plant and nut oil based lip balms
Natural and certified organic lip balms are made with pure plant and nut oils and natural waxes. Less application is necessary and you can feel good knowing that ill-causing toxins are not being absorbed into your body.
Skip: Weekly salon hair conditioning treatments
Unless you are paying for the experience, desirable results can be attained at home by using products straight from the pantry. Salon-based conditioners are often loaded with synthetic moisturizers and silicones added to the product to create an artificial feeling of softness when touched.
Solution: Cold pressed extra virgin organic coconut oil
This powerhouse oil can do for your hair what it does for your skin. It softens the hair and conditions the scalp naturally. Scoop out some oil, warm it in the palm of your hands and massage from roots to end. Leave it on for as long as you like and follow with a shampoo and conditioner free of heavy detergents and sulphates.
Skip: Toners
Toner, in general, is an unnecessary product all together. After the cleansing process, they further strip the skin of its natural oils. Generally, toners are advertised as products that help stabilize the pH level back to a balanced 5.5 and kill surface bacteria. However, our bodies are clever enough to regulate the balance as quickly as one hour post cleansing.
Solution: Essential oil based serum
Serums rich in essential and plant oils, such as jojoba and rosehip, will not only rehydrate the complexion after cleansing, but are clever enough to deliver moisture to the appropriate areas of the face without clogging pores or causing irregular production of oils. This will result in beautifully balanced skin. Your best way to tackle dehydrated and dry complexions during Ontario’s harsh weather is to adapt with the changes in your skin. Beauty queens (and kings), rejoice!
Raman Sekhon
~ is a facial beauty expert and the owner of Vida Skin Studio. She uses a non-invasive, healthy approach to help her clients obtain their desired results.
rs@vidaskinstudio.com
For Mom and Baby
by Julie Watson