Posted by Seminal Wellness Team on 12/3/2022 to
News
You need to wash it. You need to moisturize it. And, you need to nourish it. Skin is more than an accessory. It is actually the largest organ in your body, guarding against germs, helping to regulate body temperature, and enabling touch sensations. Of course, it holds everything in. We'll talk more about this vital organ's uses, and, how to best care for it, no matter the season.
Why is Skin So Important
Skin executes several vital functions in our bodies. Along with protecting against germs, regulating body temperature, and allowing touch sensations, as was mentioned, it also protects against rain, sun and other elements as the body's protective layer; it generates new skin, every 30 days, through the top layer, the epidermis; it bolsters your immunity through the Langerhans cells in the epidermis; and it grants skin color (the more melanin one has, the darker their skin and eyes, and the quicker they tan). The dermis, the middle layer, and the hypodermis, the bottom layers, also serve important purposes. The dermis contains collagen and elastic that promote skin strength and resiliency. This middle layer also grows hair, as the roots of hair follicles are embedded in the dermis, and it creates the oil that ensures your skin remains soft and smooth. The dermis alerts you brain to cool and hot sensations, and offers additional protection. And, very importantly, the dermis also provides nutrients to the skin, through the blood vessels stored in this layer. The hypodermis insulates your muscles and bones, provides the connective tissue that connects skin layers to bones and muscles, and regulates your body temperature, keeping your from becoming excessively cool or hot. Another critical role the hypodermis plays is aiding your nerves and blood vessels. The nerves and blood vessels in the dermis become larger in the hypodermis, and branch out, from this bottom layer, to the rest of the body's organs. A balanced diet, replete with essential vitamins and minerals, and staying hydrated are key to keeping the skin, including all the above layers, healthy.
In the Winter
Winter's brutal cold and wicked winds can wreak havoc on your skin. To guard against raw winter weather, consistent moisturizing is key, particularly with heavier oils like shea butter and kokum butter that can better withstand the elements. Castor oil, especially, is a heavier oil that endures and infuses instant vitality. Additionally, moisturizing at least three times daily, especially face and hands, will keep your skin strong and vibrant during this season. Wearing protective layers—such as gloves and light scarves, while outdoors—also provides your skin protection in the winter months.
Skin products with squalane are another asset. Squalane is derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced, by your own skin cells, and is the product of hydrogenation, converting squalene from an unsaturated to a saturated oil. This hydrogenation, which yields squalane, allows it to be more compatible with skin and yields a bumber of benefits including longer-lasting moisture, facilitated skin rejuvenation, and optimized repair of damage. The best part is squalane is lightweight and noncomedogenic, i.e., it doesn't clog your pores. Squalane is beneficial to both your skin and hair. This potent oil is an anti-inflammatory that can alleviate irritation and swelling. Moreover, squalane can also mitigate common skin issues including acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and rosacea. Squalane can also help relieve combination skin and even out the skin tone. Additional information about mitigating skin issues is provided below. Squalane has been added to Seminal's products including Imvision, Kinai, and Resplendé.
This applies throughout the year, not only the winter, but nourish all of your body's skin, especially your feet, elbows, and lips. These can take a beating during the winter in particular. The Seminal products below will meet your needs.
In the Spring
Though the spring is less demanding on your skin, you still need to actively nurture it. You want to use moisturizers that contain anti-inflammatories such as niacinamide, aloe, vitamin C, or cucumber. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid may also boost your skin's hydration during spring months. Lighter-weight oils, such as olive oil and sunflower seed oil, will also work well on their own. As the sun is peaking out now, resume wearing sunscreen, even on overcast days, to protect against harmful levels of UV rays. And, you want to get back into your facial mask and exfoliation routine. If you have dry skin, complete a weekly hydration, using a facial scrub or an overnight mask, to restore your glow. If your skin can get particularly dull, use an exfoliating cleanser to expedite that skin renewal, and revel your vibrance. If your skin is more oily, use an organic clay or nut-based powder to counter any excess and still retain your moisture.
Again, a healthy diet—of fruits and vegetables, and consistent hydration—is a surefire way to maintain your skin's health.
In the Summer
We love summer sun, but those high temperatures can wear away your moisture and vibrance in minutes. How can we revel in the summer fun while keeping our skin at its peak? You must keep hydrated. Always have a bottle or two of water within reach, and take a few sips consistently, even when you're not particularly thirsty. But even with the high temperatures, summer does have a veiled offering—the humidity. Yes, things can get sticky; but, the humidity gives our skin the moisture it needs for that glow, bounce, and, most importantly, strength. Because of this, we can transition to lighter oils, with one application often doing the trick. Coconut oil and sunflower oil are particularly helpful in high heat. Fruit juices along with vitamin-infused and naturally flavored waters—with only organics ingredients—are essential to remaining refreshed and ensuring hydration.
Consistent hydration and moisturization is especially crucial during the summer months, as we are all more active. Reapply oils and lotions at least every two hours. As always, a healthy diet is key to your skin's health and vibrance.
In the Fall
Though fall is another easier season on the skin, the weather is getting cooler, and you still need to take steps to maintain its strength and resiliency. Fall air is drier, and can cause your skin to lose vital moisture. To ensure your skin gets the moisture it needs, use hydrating cleansers, especially those containing vitamin E. With your skin's increasing dryness during the fall months, considering using a gentle exfoliating cleanser two to three times a week, such as Resplendé (whose link is below). As the fall wears on, consider using oil blends--such as castor, sunflower, and apricot-kernel oils--or layer oils on top of one another for additional protection. Heavier oils, such as a fingertip worth or dime-sze, of shea butter or kokum oil will also add protection.
Yes, a healthy diet—abundant with fruits, vegetables, and pure water— is essential as the weather gets colder and you get ready for the holidays.
Essentials for Your Skin
We know from above that moisturizing is a sine qua non, an essential, for healthy skin. But, we also want to include these in our routine. First, eat healthy fats, namely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3. Lean meats, low-fat or non-fat dairy, and nuts—once you're not allergic— are excellent sources. You can even use healthy fats as a topping, like coconut oil on your salad or a little extra olive oil on your pasta. And, you can apply these healthy fats--sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, etc.--directly on your face for vibrance or as a foundation, before applying makeup. Direct application of these healthy fats, and making them a dietary staple, have proven to mitigate eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. Second, stay hydrated. The latter goes hand-in-hand with staying moisturized, which we mentioned before. Stay away from sugary drinks, and always drink water after strenuous activity—after a workout or even during a taxing day at work. Third, exfoliate regularly. You need to clean off the dead skin cells, and make room for new, healthy skin; but, harsh chemicals are not needed. Steer clear of products with sulfates and synthetics that will keep your skin weathered and make you even more reliant on moisturizers, and render makeup ineffective. Seminal's Imvision overnight mask and Resplendé facial scrub, with links below, are two organic products that will cleanse and condition your skin, simultaneously, and enable that perfect glow. Now, we know how to put our best faces forward. And, always love the skin you're in. Keep glowing.
References
Balic, A., Vlašic, D., Žužul, K., Marinovic, B., & Bukvic Mokos, Z. (2020). Omega-3 versus omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(3), 741-765. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31979308/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Skin. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin
Higuera, V. (2020). What is squalane and what ae its benefits for skin and hair? https://www.healthline.com/health/squalene
Ipsy. (2022), 10 fall skincare tips for glowing skin all season long. https://www.ipsy.com/blog/fall-skin-care-tips
Migala, J. (2020). How to tweak your skin-care routine for spring, depending on your skin type. https://www,everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/how-to-tweak-your-skin-care-routine-for-spring-depending-on-your-skin-type/
Tagged Products
1 Comments
Mei Tsou
Date
1/2/2023
Thanks for the post. Do you have specific tips for sensitive skin?
Seminal Wellness Team
Date
1/2/2023 11:28:26 AM
Thanks for the question Mei. Being careful about the kind of products you use on your skin is imperative. Consider oils like almond oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and coconut oil. Aloe vera gel can also help with improving vibrance and elasticity. You just want to make sure you're using wholly organic products. Be careful with citrus oils and tea tree oil. These definitely help with exfoliation, but they can irritate your skin, if not combined with a carrier oil (see the ones listed above). Vitamin E oil is always beneficial, and even oat scrubs--made from oatmeal with filtered water or high-quality oils--can help with keeping your skin clean and building resilience, without irritation. We often overlook laundry products too. You want to opt for organic detergents and softeners. Seminal offers a lot of options across both skin care and cleaning categories. We can follow up with you for more suggestions. Happy New Year!