As residents of the Great White North we need to treat our skin differently than our friends on the coast and in the south. We have a dryer harsher climate and our skin needs to be treated with care that is catered to our environment. In Calgary we experience long periods of dry harsh cold. This can create dryness, redness and breakouts.
Up until 4 years ago I was not really that interested in spending time and energy testing skincare products, I would just use what my friends said they used or whatever brand I was drawn to based on their marketing. What I have learned is that almost all mainstream or specialized brands we are exposed to in magazines and advertisements are designed for climates that are more temperate than ours. Designed to cater to the greater population. Many have wonderful qualities and can make your skin feel fantastic. I am sure each of you reading this has a brand or product they love and that is fantastic, please share!
I am writing this blog because I have finally started paying attention to my skin because I now have a skin guru that has designed a specific regime just for this climate. And thank goodness cause I probably would still be lazy around this subject. I am much more obsessed with shoes!
Below I am sharing my favourite products that help me (and my skin) through this YYC winter.
Step 1: Cleanse
This Cyberderm jojoba cleanser starts thick but adding a few drops of water brings forth a milky texture that is lightweight and gentle. $32
Step 2: Tone
I love this Thayers toner because it smells delicious, is not harsh and is very affordable at $20.
Step 3: Mist
XO Treatment Room has expanded their product line to include this Rocket Mist that pulls product deep into the hydrolipic skin layer. Basically it upgrades your skincare regime, giving you more bang for your buck. $62
Step 4: Hydrate
Moisture Mass is another fabulous new face care treatment that XO has launched. XO Moisture Mass is hydration tailor made for dry skin and dry environments. With a three dimensional glycol-matrix delivery system that releases moisturizing molecules sequentially into the stratum corneum, resulting in a highly significant improvement of both immediate and long term skin hydration. $115
Step 5: Day
Obviously the next step for daytime is sunscreen. I used to layer my sunscreen under my moisturizer because I felt I needed both for protection and moisture. Now I just use the Rocket Mist and layer on this Cyberderm Sunscreen because the sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer. Less steps means quicker mornings. $32
Step 6: Night
In my opinion what you do with your skin at night is the most important. Especially how you should never sleep in your makeup! I don't think I need to go into why right? I am sideying some of my friends right now.
Repeat steps 1-3 and proceed to 6. If you follow us on social media you will probably have noticed how obsessed I am with XO Treatment Room's XO PM. It's like a mini trip to the spa when you pat it into your face. The aromatherapy is so soothing and the lightweight texture is just heaven. Designed with a precious blend of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, vitamins and lipids from the highest quality sources this will bring you sweet dreams and fresh, hydrated skin when you wake. $190
If you you're as in need of guidance about your skin as I was than if I tell you one thing this year that you take away please let it be this...go see Annie at XO Treatment Room to get her to put together a specialized skin care regime just for you. Trust me you will love it and her!
Stay warm,
XO ~ Phae
