Happy winter, everyone. Yes, it’s here…if you are like me, your skin may be showing some signs of dryness or you even have some painful hang nails on your fingers. It’s not fun, but would this even be a Beth Divine blog if I didn’t provide my Image Consultant insight on such topic?!
I have always had dry skin, and I am always talking to other experts about what to do about it. As a consultant, I want to have a wealth of knowledge that I can pass on to my clients no matter what the subject.
Believe it or not, central to controlling dry skin are two things: exfoliating and having routine manicures. This is something most women do, but men may not do it. Men—yes, I am talking to you—men can get manicures, too. Getting a manicure as a male won’t hurt your image. No, it doesn’t have to involve bright pink nail polish but would involve cutting back cuticles, moisturizing nails and basically grooming your hands.
I have to think of something this week: Last Sunday, watching the C-Span show, the host did a camera close-up on a document, and there for all to see were his ragged, rough nails and hands. I had to look away. Take my word for it: grooming for men is important for your personal brand and image.
Dear Image Consultant, What Products Do I Use?
Okay, enough with beating that dead horse. What do you look for in products for dryer skin? There are so many products out there. As your Image Consultant, I am here to the rescue. Look for products without or very little water in them. You can find this on the ingredients list on the back label. Instead look for products such as shea butter and oils. I do love oils and I am really using them on my hands, my hair, my skin and in my bath quite frequently this winter. I love Dr. Bonner’s liquid soaps, L’occitane en provence products that are heavily moisturizing. You don’t need as much of these products since they will immediately soak in.
Skin care becomes even more important in winter, even if you have combination skin as I do that gets a little oily in the T zone. Try a light scrub in the shower two times a week on your face to create a surface that products can soak into. I like Glow exfoliation products as well as Clinique’s 7-Day Scrub. Aveeno’s scrubs are good as well. Just be sure you don’t overdo it. You don’t want to exfoliate too much.
Don’t be afraid to visit a makeup counter in your favorite department store and ask for samples. Lancome Visionaire Nuit Night Cream is one of my favorites. What kind of consultant would I be if I didn’t share my favorites with you all?
I highly recommend getting facials from time to time. I love my esthetician at the French Pharmacie, Danielle, but I know there are several other amazing professionals in the city. Image Consultant savings tip: If you want to save some money, seek out a beauty college in the area and go to a professional in training for a facial. Most are really good and they can do the job you need to do.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Of course, just in general, all times of the year, but especially in winter, you need to moisturize. I like to apply oil or lotion the minute I get out of the shower. Products will soak in better when your skin is slightly damp.
I only recommend cleaning your skin at night and moisturizing it then. Don’t be afraid to use a rich cream at night so it can soak in. In the morning, just wash your face with water and apply day cream with at least 20 SPF in it (yes, even in winter).
Men, there are many more skin care products geared to your special needs in Kiel’s, Clinique and other lines. You should take care of your skin just as much as women do.
Stay young and glowing, Indy,
AICI Certified Image Consultant and Personal Stylist
