My Frigid Favorites: Cold Weather Essentials

Its that time of year again - the weather is shifting from warm to cold and I for one am very happy about it! I am sure a lot of you across the country have already seen much cooler temperatures. But here in Southern California we have still been seeing days in the high 70's-80's, so its nice to finally have it cool down. But of course with the colder temps, there are some serious drawbacks skin-wise, and I want to share some of my favorite products to help combat these pesky cold weather problems. Are you ready for it?

My Cold Weather Essentials

PRACTICE PEELS - I know, I know, you've heard some horror stories and are afraid to try it out. But I seriously urge those of you who want more beautiful, radiant, even skin to go ahead and give it a go! One of my favorites is Glymed's Plus Youth Firm Age Defying Peel. First, this peel is perfect for all skin types and ethnicity, and yes even those with sensitive skin can use it. It works very effectively to slough away dead skin, reduce dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles up to 50% with prescription efficiency for much younger looking skin. Every time I use this I am once again surprised by how much softer, smoother, and brighter my skin appears after use. Also, it gives a noticeable hydration boost as well, which is much needed in cold weather conditions.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE - The most common complain of cold weather is that it turns skin from usual condition to dry. So it is important to stay ultra-hydrated. This includes drinking lots of water, and of course applying a deeply moisturizing product. One of my ultimate go-tos is Rhonda Allison's Drops of Essence Hydrating Drops. I absolutely love that this product is good for ALL skin types; meaning you can use it even if you aren't suffering with dry skin. It's also one of those products that can be used year-round, I just happen to find it extra helpful during the cold fall/winter months. These hydrating drops help to soften, smooth, soothe and hydrate your skin while delivering natural antioxidant support. And the best part? At $14 it is basically a steal!

DON'T YOU DARE LICK THOSE LIPS - Colder temperatures almost always bring with it dry lips. It is important to remember NOT to lick them to moisten them up. The purpose of saliva is to help break down food, meaning it will only further dry out your lips. I highly recommend Epicuren's Anti-Aging Lip Balm SPF 15. This nourishing lip blam offers broad spectrum sunscrene protection while preventing the visible signs of aging. It also contains a blend of pomegranate, coconut extracts, and a potent desert plant extract and peptide complex that dramatically enhances collagen and moisture synthesis within the skin to maximize fullness and volume.

MASQUE YOUR IMPERFECTIONS - Masks are a great way to hydrate and exfoliate your skin year-round, but they are especially important in cold weather conditions. One of my absolute favorites is Image Skincare's Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque. This fabulous mask gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells all the while delivering your skin with the best nutrients, essential vitamins and antioxidants to improve your skin tone. My skin always looks brighter and feels softer after using this product, which smells absolutely amazing might I add!

SCRUB IT UP - Last but certainly not least, you must remember to give your body some love too! One of my favorite ways of sloughing away dead skin and reinvigorating my skin is by using scrubs. And for fall/wintertime I absolutely love Eminence Organics' Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub! First, this scrub smells absolutely delicious. It helps to melt away dryness and roughness while caressing your skin with vitamins and nutrients. I love sugar scrubs, and this one is definitely one of my absolute favorites.