We last spoke to Larissa Thomson, founder of Onda Beauty and our resident clean beauty expert, this past summer about her must-haves for keeping skin healthy during summer travel. Now that the temps have dropped and our carry-ons are full of sweaters rather than sandals, we wanted her advice on how to take care of our skin throughout the winter season.
For frequent travelers, how does moving between climates affect our skin?
When you’re constantly moving between hot and cold (or vice versa), you’re fighting the depletion of moisture and working to regulate hydration levels in your skin. This is especially so when you’re on a plane, where the recycled air can be very dry. The essence of skin moisturization is lipid replacement—the Barrier Lipid Complex by Marie Veronique mimics the epidermal lipids found in our skin to promote a well-functioning barrier system. It also provides antioxidant help to keep pollutants and stressors at bay, and to maintain a healthy pH balance.
What should we add or take out of our skincare routines now that the temps have dropped?
In colder temperatures there is often less humidity, which causes a lack of moisture in the skin. In addition, the heat we use to warm our indoor environments causes dryness. This is definitely the time to add in more hydrating products, like a hydrating cleanser (such as a cream or oil cleanser), heavier creams, oils or balms—look for humectants to draw in moisture or occlusives that help lock in moisture, especially at night while your skin is in a regenerative state. Also, adding a hydrating serum to your routine that contains hyaluronic acid or other ingredients that can improve hydration is a game changer. Remember to use products that include nutrients and are reparative to give your skin some extra love. Here are a couple of my favorite clean products in each category.
- Face oil – Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Dr Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil
- Face serum – Monastery Aloe Hyaluronic Moisture Boost, Tammy Fender Quintessential Serum
- Face cream – Epi.Logic Total Package, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
- Face balm – Monastery Attar Floral Repair Concentrate, de Mamiel Skin Recovery Balm
- Hydrating cleanser – Biography Full Circle Nourishing Cleanser, Wonder Valley Face Oil Cleanser
Are there any ingredients that are effective at protecting skin against both cold, dry winter air and airplane environments?
Both these environments can cause your skin to really take a beating for both body and face! Some ingredients to look out for are rich botanical oils, Shea butter, which is rich in fatty acids, and Jojoba oil, which can mimic natural sebum in our skin, as well as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.
- The Jao Goē Oil is a brilliant multipurpose semi-solid oil, with a high percentage of jojoba oil, which can be used from head to toe.
- The SAYA Rich Body Creme is formulated with Shea butter, macadamia oil, and cocoa butter for ultimate hydration.
- Saint Jane Star Flower Niacinamide Serum is infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for deep hydration.
- Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Oil contains a luxurious blend of skin-softening oils that work together to impart radiance and deeply hydrate, while fortifying the skin’s natural barrier.
Do you have any TSA-friendly skincare essentials you recommend to combat dryness on the go?
There are a few things that we love to recommend to customers who are traveling. Individually packed sheet masks are great to travel with and slip into your bag easily. We love the OMAD Bio Cellulose Restore & Repair Serum Mask for its calming botanical TCM ingredients. The Goop Lift + Depuff Eye Masks are also great for an in or post-flight pick-me-up. The Outset Barrier Rescue Balm is the perfect size for travel and is composed of rich botanical oils and their signature Hyaluroset complex to help protect against inflight dryness. I never go anywhere without the JAO Refresher, which is a great multipurpose hand sanitizer that comes in a travel-friendly size and is also hydrating and treats pesky breakouts. Lastly, the Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence is just one of those unique products, known as an 8-in-1 facial in a bottle. It is TSA friendly, super hydrating with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for brightening, and also pH balancing and micro-exfoliating. Don’t travel without it! This one is multi-beneficial magic.
For those prone to skin sensitivity, like eczema or rosacea, are there any products you recommend when traveling to avoid flare-ups?
We have a few real winners at ONDA that address these issues beautifully! Customers repeatedly return for these products as they’ve found true healing and recovery. Marie Veronique’s Barrier Restore Serum and Soothing B3 Serum both control inflammation and reduce redness and sensitivity in the skin—great in all climates. You definitely want to avoid stripping or harsh ingredients.
Tammy Fender’s Cleansing Milk is a gentle first step to your skin routine that won’t trigger any symptoms, perfect for all skin sensitivities! Additionally, Tammy Fender’s Plant Milk serum is truly a one-of-a-kind product! A milky emulsion that cocoons and soothes delicate and sensitive skin, calming all irritation and redness.
Finally, a hero product loved and adored by all our estheticians is The Activist Manuka Honey Mask, which you can use as a face mask, skin cleanser, or spot treatment. Manuka honey is a powerhouse ingredient that’s extremely healing, hydrating, anti-bacterial and regenerative.
Since we’re spending less time in the sun, is winter a good time to book more intensive treatments like lasers and peels?
Yes, absolutely, winter is a great time for treatments because there’s generally less concern about outdoor activity and there’s less sunlight in general. At ONDA, we offer a really effective BioRepeel facial that has no downtime and leaves your skin with the most beautiful rejuvenated glow. Spoiler alert! Check back with ONDA in a couple of weeks when we’ll be adding something very exciting to our treatment menu.
But definitely still make sure to always wear sunscreen! So, so important! We love the Saint Jane Pore Smoothing Sunscreen for every day. It’s also a great makeup primer. Additionally, Soleil Toujours and MDSolarSciences have such a great selection of products.
What’s the best way to stay on top of sun protection in the winter, especially for those of us spending all day on the slopes or in snowy destinations?
It’s so essential to have sun protection, every day, year-round. Make sure to reapply your SPF when possible, but definitely every 2 hours when on the beach or the slopes. Covering ourselves physically with UV-blocking hats and sunglasses is also important.
If you do happen to get too much sun on the slopes, a great cream to use (and travel with always) is the Tammy Fender Spontaneous Recovery Cream—they call it the “Aspen Cream” for its luxurious hydration and protection against harsh environments. THIS is a must-have.
Any great remedies for chapped lips?
I’m addicted to lip balm!! The Blue Lagoon BL + Lip Balm is great for any season and feels so smooth and nourishing, glossy without being sticky, and smells and tastes delicious! For a tint and SPF we love the Soleil Toujours Lip Masque. Lastly, our multipurpose hero is Olio e Osso Balm for lip-to-cheek nourishment (in clear or tinted options) in a chic (and compact) push up stick!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.