As winter tightens its grip on us it is the perfect time to start thinking about ways to give your skin a boost, a facial makes perfect sense! Get your epidermis optimized for winter with these 5 tips from a top skin therapist at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Whitby. I was invited to visit the spa and experience the benefits of a customized facial.

hand and stone massage sign

Keeping our selves healthy during the winter months is an important part of self-care. Our skin is the first line of defense against viruses and bacteria that could make us sick so caring for it should be a priority. Add in the benefit of being able to totally zen out for an hour in a cozy room with soothing music and dim lights while being treated to professional care by a skin therapist. Lesley D is a wealth of knowledge, having been trained at The International Dermal Institute to thoroughly analyze skin. She provided a comprehensive snapshot of what was going on with my skin and offered these 5 pro tips for how to care for problem areas after the facial. 

Lipid Loving Ingredients

Lipids are what keeps moisture in.”The hydrolipidic barrier is a protective film that covers the entire surface of the skin. Its main function is to defend against bacteria, acting as an external protective barrier. It also helps the skin to maintain its suppleness and moisture.” This was new information for me, I had no idea that lipids were a good thing!We want to nourish our lipid layer with products that are rich in beneficial oils and will restore the barrier. An all-star product that Lesley recommends is Precleanse and Precleanse balm for dryer skin. It contains all the beneficial oils that restore our barrier but will also remove makeup and pollution which is good for skin. Keeping the barrier intact and healthy is the best way to protect from winter dryness and damage. If your barrier is comprised then dirt and bacteria can get in and cause a breakout.

exfoliation is keyExfoliating Skin Is Key

Healthy skin can renew itself in 15 days when we are young.  As we age it can take up to 50 days for cells to renew. Exfoliation is key to get rid of dead cells, increase circulation and help products penetrate deeper into the skin.Exfoliation is a big player in keeping skin looking young and fresh. Lesley often recommends this Daily Microfoliant as a gentle product that is effective for daily use, and Oprah really likes it too!Serums also work best in conjunction with exfoliation as they can penetrate deeper into the dermal layers so you can reap the maximum benefits of the product.

Help Your Products Help You!

 Home care; using the right products at home can really extend the benefits of a customized facial as well as have a positive impact on your skin health. Using a toner prepares skin to accept the products that you have chosen to use. Toner is also calming which allows products to be absorbed as well as helps your products go further. A  hydrating booster with hyaluronic acid that is applied directly to the skin that boosts your products by adding extra nourishment to your existing routine.  

after the facial with beautiful skinHave A Facial Every Season

I enjoyed the facial so much I wanted to know how often I could have this service. Lesley shared that once a month is industry standard but at the very least with the changing of the season. Monthly or seasonal visits are a  good opportunity to check in with your skin therapist and assess the effectiveness of products or change them up to be more effective. This level of care helps you stay ahead of fine lines and signs of aging. I can fully get behind that, my face looked rejuvenated, nourished and happy! Hand and Stone makes it easy by offering a membership program for a monthly facial or massage! This is an easy way to invest in your self-care.

choose the right spaChoose The Right Spa

Expect a high level of customer service that is professional and knowledgeable. Look for a spa that has a client consultation process or form that allows them to customize the treatment for you. You will also want to make sure that estheticians are certified and trained. Ask about continuing education and if they meet health department standards. At Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Whitby there are 6 skin therapists trained at expert level that are available to consult with you when you book your visit.

Special thanks to Lesley D, my skin therapist for providing a high level of service and expertise and Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Whitby for inviting me to experience their services.