Salon Content

The Big Chill

December 1, 2008 By: Marianne Dougherty American Salon

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Winter can wreak havoc on the skin, and your clients need solutions. Fortunately, we've got plenty of them, from certified-organic masks to a body scrub infused with honey.

From Sweden comes Själ Skincare, a visionary new hybrid that is totally original. The line integrates elements of Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, homeopathic and vibrational medicine with the latest innovations in biotechnology and bio-osmotic power. The Kura Intuitif Cellular Repair Cream not only hydrates and evens skin tone, but also smooths and protects skin.

For clients who prefer products that go the botanical route, there's Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, a light but intensive facial cream infused with 100-percent pure macadamia nut and avocado oils, manuka honey, vitamin E and shea butter to leave the skin feeling refreshed, healthy and energized. Another product to try is John Amico Faces Phytosome Nutrient Creme, an antioxidant cocktail fortified with natural herbs and essential oils that restore elasticity and skin moisture. The pure, potent cosmeceutical line EmerginC harnesses the anti-aging power of minerals to improve skin's texture. The company's Active Hydrating Complex is a superb lightweight gel which contains a unique apple and water complex for phenomenal hydration, as well as an active B-vitamin complex and aloe vera gel. Karin Herzog Calming Camomille Face Cream is the first of its kind in the oxygen collection, pairing 1-percent revitalizing and toning oxygen with soothing chamomile and botanicals. The organic line Hollybeth's includes Rose & Geranium Face Moisturizer, which hydrates and softens even the most sensitive skin. The nourishing, balancing effects of rose and geranium leave skin silky smooth, while vitamin E wards off environmental toxins.

Masks are another option for clients whose skin needs extra moisture. Amala—the word means "most pure" in Sanskrit—is certified organic by Ecovert. The company, which is based in Germany, uses whole-plant ingredients grown in their ideal habitats to ensure their peak potential. Try the Hydrating Yogurt Mask with jasmine, macadamia nut and wild rose. Inspired by the herbal traditions of the Indonesian archipelago, Juara draws from the time-honored focus of Indonesian herbal medicine for well-being, prevention and natural balance, as well as from innovation in modern science. The brand's Turmeric Antioxidant Facial Mask provides powerful antioxidant protection from free radicals that can damage skin. Turmeric, traditionally used in Indonesian royal beauty rituals, renders the skin glowing and radiant. O ^- m Aroma packs a powerful punch in a multitasking three-step face system. Free of parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and dyes, the Miel de Fleurs Manuka Honey Masque is infused with organic apricot and papaya extracts.

While the delicate skin around the eyes always requires extra attention, it's even more important in the cold weather. Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Creme is formulated with lady's thistle, organic argan oil and cactus. Peptides and plant-derived buckwheat wax also help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Another product to try is Gerda Spillmann Eye Region Cream with chamomile.

Repêchage founder Lydia Sarfati points out that during the winter months, our skin becomes drier because the humidity level goes down, and it's not just our faces we need to worry about. "Even if we don't change our cleansing routine, our skin will feel dehydrated and flaky," says Sarfati, who recommends her Honey Body Polish All Over Body Scrub with crushed almonds to exfoliate dry skin. "Honey is the world's sweetest humectant," she says. "It actually attracts moisture to the skin."

Of course, once skin is exfoliated, all it requires is a product like Gabriel Couzian Highly Nourishing Body Cream, which contains olive and sweet almond oils, beeswax, shea butter, bisabolol, aloe vera and glycerin. The rich, cortisone-free cream relieves dehydrated, flaky or chapped skin, redness and irritation, providing long-term results by encouraging the skin to rebuild itself with renewed resilience and strength. —MARIANNE DOUGHERTY

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