It’s hard to believe but winter is just around the corner. The cold, dry Minnesota air can deplete skin of natural moisture, leaving it red, itchy, and irritated. It’s time to start thinking about adjusting your skincare routine so you can feel your best all season long. Read our blog as we discuss helpful tips for healthy winter skin.

Add a humidifier to maximize moisture

A high-quality humidifier will add much needed moisture to the air to keep your skin hydrated during the colder months. With many of us working from home these days, it’s a good idea to run the humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time like the bedroom or in your home office.

Stay hydrated and eat right

This goes without saying. During the winter, the more time we spend indoors with the heat cranked up, the more dehydrated we become. Dry, indoor air can wreak havoc on our skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, into your diet.

Apply sunscreen (even on cloudy or gray days)

Yep, you read that right – sunscreen. 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. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or snowshoeing through a park, applying sunscreen in the winter is just as important as in the summer. And, during those dark, dreary days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body.

Limit the amount of time in the shower

A long, steamy shower may be tempting when it’s cold outside, but did you know excessively hot water can dry out your skin? The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking a lukewarm shower for five to ten minutes and avoid washing hands in hot water. Using cool water is just as effective on germs as warm water and much less irritating to the skin.

Change up your skincare regimen

It’s a fact – skin requires more moisture in the winter, so we recommend changing up your skincare regimen when the cold weather hits. Choose gentle, fragrance-free, cream-based cleansers and limit the use of toners and/or astringents. Products that contain alcohol and fragrances can further dry out the skin, so it’s important to use products that help retain natural oils. Don’t forget to apply a rich moisturizer on your face at night to help combat the dryness and keep your skin glowing all season long. Ask your skincare professional for product recommendations during the colder months.

Wear comfortable, breathable fabrics

Many cold-weather fabrics such as wool can exacerbate dry skin, causing redness, itchiness, and discomfort. When you bundle up this winter, opt for layers of light, breathable fabric like cotton or silk under your heavy wool sweater. And don’t forget to protect your hands with a pair of gloves or mittens that won’t irritate the skin.

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.

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.

Autumn is the perfect time to bring out the heavier matte makeup, bold lipstick, plush sweaters, and cozy scarves to complement your eye color and complexion. Your face may be the only portion of skin exposed to the environment, so make sure to take care of it. Here are some fall beauty tips to give your skin a little extra TLC.

Dermal Fillers

Humidity in the summer helps your skin retain moisture and protect its barrier. But during the fall, your skin can become dry, causing sensitivity, redness, and irritation. Hyaluronic acid is known to alleviate dryness, boosting your skin’s ability to retain moisture. The human body produces HA naturally to maintain moisture levels, but as we age, our skin loses HA.

When added to your skin care routine, this moisture-binding substance can give you a more youthful complexion. Dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® contain high levels of HA, which works to restore volume, too. 

AQUAGOLD

Wish you could glow as brightly as the autumn leaves gleaming in the sun? With AQUAGOLD®, you can! This new revolutionary micro-needling treatment uses 24-karat gold needles to deliver a customized blend of anti-aging, rejuvenating serums under the skin for a vibrant complexion.

Facials

Facials are a perfect way to relax and refresh your skin for the new season. You’ll be able to see and feel immediate results. If you have dry, rough, or flaky skin, a facial can trigger your skin’s self-cleansing, healing, and regenerating mechanisms. Facials remove moisture-blocking dead skin, dirt, toxins, and cellular debris. That way, your skin can absorb active ingredients, like our medical-grade cosmetics. 

Physician-Strength Products

Most people don’t think about anti-aging treatments until it’s too late. Proper regimens like daily cleansing and moisturizing can delay wrinkles and keep the skin looking vibrant. Not sure where to start? Check out these physician-strength products:

• The SkinMedica aesthetic line encourages self-healing and promotes the skin’s ability to repair and re-hydrate itself.
• iS Clinical® offers a variety of healing and moisturizing serums that provide antioxidant protection, essential vitamins, and gentle exfoliation.
• If you’re concerned about blemishes and struggle with oily skin, don’t skip moisturizing. The Epionce® product line includes dermatologist-approved cleansers, toners, and renewing lotions that gently treat acne and hydrate oily or problem skin. 
• Colorescience® offers powerful, easy-to-apply UV protectors that minimize photoaging and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Vitamin C

Take Vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that can brighten your complexion by evening skin pigmentation and boosting collagen production. According to WebMD, it can protect your overall health and even prevent skin wrinkling. You can add it to your diet by eating citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet and white potatoes, winter squash, spinach, and other vegetables. Stop by the produce section the next time you go grocery shopping and incorporate these foods into a few meals this week.

Belladerm MedSpa offers all of these services, products, and more. If you’re looking to refine your skin care routine, request an appointment with our beauty experts. Our trained staff can recommend the treatments and topicals that will work best with your skin.

Contact us to learn more.