It’s a fact – Minnesota winters are not kind to our skin. The sub-zero temperatures, dry air, and lack of natural moisture can make skin feel dry, tight, cracked, or flaky. Luckily, many causes of “winter skin” are well within our control. With some added attention and effort, you can alleviate these symptoms and help your skin feel soft, smooth, and beautiful. Read on as we discuss our solutions for five common winter skin issues.

#1 Dryness

The cold, dry Minnesota air can deplete skin of natural moisture, leaving it red, itchy, and irritated. When the air is consistently cold and lacks humidity, the water in our skin evaporates quickly, giving you that dry, tight, leather-handbag feeling. Unfortunately, doubling up on moisturizer isn’t enough.

Our solution: Stay hydrated. It may sound like a no-brainer but moisturizing from the inside out is the best way to combat dry skin. Nourish your body with healthy foods and beverages, including our best friend, H2O. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, can replenish your body’s moisture and leave skin looking smooth and supple. Of course, don’t forget to follow a good skincare routine including cleansing, exfoliation at least twice per week, and an ultra-rich, winter-friendly moisturizer.

#2 Flaky Skin

Excessive dryness can often lead to flaky or even cracked skin. Ouch! Again, moisturizers are helpful but when used alone won’t completely alleviate the problem.

Our solution: Exfoliate. Using a good quality exfoliator can remove the damaged top layer of the skin and help facilitate new skin cell growth. Try to avoid using soaps as these contain a high PH, which can lead to more dryness and oftentimes inflammation. Also, if possible, avoid rubbing your skin with a towel as this can exacerbate the problem. Gently blot your skin to dry off.

#3 Irritation and Redness

As with extreme heat in the summer, the harsh winter conditions can cause skin changes resulting in irritation and redness. If you’re not careful, these can last throughout the entire winter. Ugh!

Our solution: Be faithful to your skincare routine. As we spend more time indoors during the colder months, it’s easy to become complacent or even lazy when it comes to taking care of your skin. Don’t be that person. Stay on top of your daily regimen. Use a gentle cleanser to help remove irritants followed by your favorite serum and a heavy moisturizer. If you’re unsure which routine is right for you, contact your Belladerm MedSpa skin care professional for guidance.

#4 Chapped Lips

Lips need just as much moisture as the rest of the body. During the colder months, we tend to lick our lips frequently. It may feel like a good temporary solution, but saliva evaporates and dries out lips. Also, wearing thick matte or long-lasting lipstick can leave your lips dry or cracked.

Our solution: Don’t pout. Apply a lip ointment or lip butter rich in vitamin A or E throughout the day and at night. Lip treatments can also be used under lipstick. However, we recommend switching to a moisturizing lip gloss to combat the drier air. Avoid plumping lip glosses, as they contain irritants that can further dry them out.

#5 UV Damage

Yep, you read that right. The sun’s rays can damage your skin even when it’s -20°. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, so regular sunscreen use is crucial to decrease your risk of exposure.

Our solution: You know what we’re going to say – Sunscreen!Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Afton or snowshoeing through Theodore Wirth, applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin in the winter, even when it’s cloudy. And, speaking of those dark, dreary I-just-want-to-binge-Netflix days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body. Psst… don’t forget your lips!

Spring will be here before you know it but why not take care of your skin now? The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online at www.belladermmedspa.com.

With another Minnesota winter in full swing, it’s hard to imagine sporting a bikini, shorts, or your favorite sun dress while digging out from under two feet of snow. Believe it or not, the colder months are optimal to remove unwanted hair so your skin is smooth, glowing, and beach-ready for summer. Read on as we discuss why winter is the best time for laser hair removal.  

Exposure to the sun is limited in the winter

Winter is ideal for treatment because there is less chance your skin will be exposed to the sun. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and pale skin.  Before the laser treatment, we prefer you keep the areas being treated from sun exposure.  Also, because the treatment itself can lead to a temporary increase in skin sensitivity, it’s crucial to keep the targeted areas of the body out of direct sunlight following treatment for 2 – 4 weeks. That’s much easier in the winter, as we wear more clothing.

Prepping for treatment is easier

Because laser hair removal targets active-growth hair follicles, it works best when there’s some amount of hair in the follicle itself. Generally, the treatment won’t work on skin that has been waxed, plucked, or removed by other methods like hair removal cream, as these approaches pull hair out at the root, leaving nothing for the laser to target. The best way to prepare is to shave the treatment area as close to the appointment as possible. The remaining hair growth should be close enough to the skin’s surface so the laser will reach the follicle easily.

Scheduling treatments

Since the laser is only effective at certain stages of active hair growth, laser hair removal usually requires 6 separate treatments spaced 4 – 8 weeks apart depending on the body area, skin tone, and hair type. The best areas for laser hair removal are lower legs, underarms, and bikini lines. Areas of the face, including the chin and upper lip, can be more challenging because the hair is finer and not as easy to remove. It’s important to remember that laser hair removal isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. A consultation with a licensed laser technician at Belladerm MedSpa can determine if laser hair removal is right for you. We’ll customize a treatment plan based on your needs and desired results. 

How long will it last?

Results will vary from patient to patient, but typically laser hair removal results in the thinning of the hair and an 80% reduction in growth. For some patients, the results are permanent. However, most patients will require yearly maintenance.  At Belladerm we understand this need and provide up to two maintenance treatments per year, for half price.  

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified laser technicians and ask about our BOGO laser hair removal packages – buy any hair removal package and get the second package free!

In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, we face a barrage of advertisements, blogs, celebrity endorsements, and messages about what we should or should not do to achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. A professional consultation by a skincare specialist can not only help make sense of all the information out there but also customize a regimen and treatment plan that’s right for your skin. Read our blog as we discuss what to expect at your skincare consultation.

I’ve booked my consultation – now what?

Take some time to think about what problems or concerns you have regarding your skin and develop a list of questions to ask at your appointment. Your skincare professional will begin by reviewing any aesthetic issues affecting your face, décolletage, neck, and hands. This will help determine your goals and assist your provider with developing a plan according to your needs and expectations.

How does my skincare history factor in?

The consultation is also a good time to discuss your history and how prior issues like sunbathing, smoking, acne, eczema, or psoriasis affect how your skin looks as it ages. A thorough understanding of any previous lifestyle choices or skin problems is instrumental in determining the best cosmetic treatment moving forward.

When will we discuss my options?

Once you discuss your history and your provider assesses your skin, it’s a good time to discuss options. Whether your goal is to eliminate age spots, minimize fine lines, increase skin’s elasticity, or simply revitalize your skin after a harsh winter, there are countless state-of-the-art treatment options and products to help repair and restore your skin for a beautiful, youthful glow.

Am I eligible for any promotions?

Once you decide on a treatment plan, your provider will discuss costs as well as any current promotions for the specific service you’re interested in.

From injectables and chemical peels to facials and Coolsculpting, Belladerm MedSpa offers leading-edge skin rejuvenation procedures to clients throughout the Twin Cities. Call us to schedule your free consultation or visit us online.