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Business & Tech

Beat the Winter Blahs With the Glow From an Organic Facial

Local esthetician Megan Wilson offers tips on surviving winter skin problems.

It's the middle of January and we're all feeling a little blah.

Fortunately Rochester has licensed esthetician Megan Wilson at Advanced Body Care.

With more than 12 years of experience as a licensed esthetician, Wilson knows all the secrets to great skin, even in the harsh winter months.

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Start with Vitamin D

By this point of the winter, it's been months since we've seen the sun. Not only have all traces of tan skin long since vanished, but our skin is suffering from a lack of Vitamin D.

"Get outside!" is the first tip Wilson offered. "In Michigan fair-skinned people should get five to eight minutes of sun exposure without SPF. People with darker complexions can get 10 to 15 minutes of exposure."

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Recommended exposure is two or three times a week.

"Intake of Vitamin D helps with everything in the body, along with the skin," Wilson said.

Dehydration is another culprit leading to dull winter skin, according to Wilson. She recommends products that contain hyaluronic acid (Restylane is a common trade name for the product).

"Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin. It hydrates and plumps the skin," Wilson said. "It's an easy step to add to your winter regiment and every type of skin, even oily, can use it."

Adding water from the inside also helps. "Toxins in your body are purged through the skin," Wilson said. "By drinking a lot of water you flush the toxins out."

Wilson's other winter weather tips include:

  • Warm water only: "Do not take excessively hot showers or wash your face with very hot water," Wilson said. "It's tempting when you're cold, but it's hard on your skin."
  • Exfoliate: "No product can really help if you're applying it over a bunch of dead skin cells," Wilson said. But don't overdo it, either. She recommends exfoliating no more than three times a week and following with a hydrating treatment.
  • Gentle products: "Avoid harsh products that strip away your natural moisture," Wilson said.
  • Bundle up: Protect your skin against the elements with a scarf, hat and mittens.
  • Get your Z's: "Sleep always helps," Wilson added.

Organic facials

Organic is such a huge buzz word, but did you know it could be applied to facials?

"Organic facials are like a raw food diet for the skin," Wilson said. "It's all cold-pressed fruits and vegetables."

Because they're cold-pressed, much like in cooking, they don't lose their nutrients. "Its a very active product," Wilson said.

As part of her treatment, Wilson incorporates facial massage. "The massage plumps the skin and helps with lymph drainage," Wilson said.

The organic products also are without chemicals and preservatives that can cause other problems, like inflammation.

And for those with a sensitive system of smell, there are no synthetic odors. The products have all natural smells. My favorite was made of radish seeds. Who knew radish seeds could smell so nice?

A one-hour organic facial at Advanced Body Care is $75.

Advanced Body Care is located at 1150 E. Walton, in the strip mall, behind . It can be reached at 248-650-5372.

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