Part 1: The Skin You’re In

Usually here at BSB we obsess about what’s up from the “neck down” —jackets, jewelry, bags, dresses, pants, shoes. Yet ultimately, it’s what goes down from the “neck up” that provides the big sparkly bow to the whole package.

In the spirit of the New Year and self-improvement, today and Wednesday I’m posting a two-part series about faces.

Thanks to two dear friends in the “field of faces”, they’ve generously agreed to share their expertise on skincare and make-up.

First, meet Nichola of Pacific Touch NYC. She’s the most vibrant, gorgeous New Zealander who happens to give insane facials—they’re heavenly and so is she. If you live in New York, I can’t say enough good things about Nichola, you must meet her. I promise you’ll fall in love and your face will thank you for the introduction. And if you don’t live in New York, follow her advice below. She’s never wrong.

TOP FIVE TIPS FROM PACIFIC TOUCH NYC FOR WINTERIZING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

(1) OVERTREAT YOUR SKIN

Hands down the biggest concern we face during winter is dehydration. As the temperatures plummet amp up your skincare with the focus being protection. There are plenty of facial oils on the market today that are nourishing and provide strong barriers against the harsh environment. Pacific Touch NYC recommends Janesce Lavender Facial Oil, Josie Maran Argan Oil and Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil. Vitamin E is something you can take internally to help combat dry skin and you can also break a capsule open and add it to your moisturizer for extra oomph.

(2) EXFOLIATE REGULARLY

In addition to hydrating the skin we also need to make sure that we are exfoliating the dry skin cell buildup that leaves us looking dry, flaky and feeling tight. Seek advice from a skincare professional about what products are right for your skin type because as with most things in life there can be too much of a good thing and you don’t want to strip the skin too much either.

(3) GET YOUR VITAMIN D

Guard yourself against the winter blues by making sure you get enough of this “sunshine vitamin” and do wonders for your skin at the same time. Eat plenty of Vitamin D rich foods like sock-eye salmon, other cold water fish, shiitake mushrooms and eggs. And on the subject of sunshine don’t forget that you still need to protect yourself from the winter sun when you are out and about.  A day on the ski slops is the same as a day on the beach – both sand and snow reflect the sun and you need to protect yourself accordingly.

(4) USE A HUMIDIFIER

For many of us winter time means extreme cold temperatures outside and dry over heated air inside which ends up playing havoc on our skin. Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep moisture in the air and more importantly in your skin.

(5) SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

A professional facial will provide many of the answers to your wintertime woes. During the course of a facial you will receive a deep cleanse and exfoliation with professional products to alleviate dry skin buildup. When its cold we lose blood flow to the skin which results in a dry and dull tone so the facial massage done in many facials works wonders on increasing circulation and rejuvenating the complexion. A good hydrating facial will finish with a treatment mask that infuses the skin with high performance ingredients and actives that will rejuvenate the dullest tone.

BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Smoothies are a great way to provide your body with the nutrients necessary to protect yourself from the effects of winter. Here’s a recipe from Kimberly Snyder (nutritionist and author of “The Beauty Detox”)

Skin Plumping Smoothie

½ frozen Acai smoothie packet: I like the Sambazon brand. Found frozen in the freezer section of health stores like Wholefoods. Loaded with antioxidants and Omega fatty acids that plump and nourish the skin, as well as fiber.

1 ½ cups of coconut water: Our skin can’t be plumped up if it is not hydrated! Coconut water is one of the best hydrators because it has the same electrolyte balance as human blood. Some countries even use it for plasma transfusions. It is also full of potassium, which facilitates cellular cleansing.

½ cup of unsweetened almond milk: Adds a nice creamy texture to the smoothie.


½ avocado: Raw beauty fat that digests easily, and is full of beauty minerals and fiber.

1 tsp. coconut oil/butter: Medium chain fatty acids that are easily metabolized by the liver and also nourish our skin. Contains a high content of Lauric Acid, which can help us burn stored body fat.

3 Responses

  1. mariakgomes@aol.com'
    Maria Gomes

    Brilliant facials I agree 100%….simply magical healing hands that take you far far away across the pacific…love your work Pacific Touch x

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