With an endless gamut of skin care products on the market and an equally long list of beauty influencers sharing their must-haves on social media, it can be overwhelming to decide which regimen is right for your personal skin type and lifestyle. Even if you put hours into researching the best products for what you think your needs are, a variety of factors such as ingredients, daily life (think, the germs on your phone or touching you face), and general misinformation about your own skin type can produce less-than-desired results. You don’t need to splurge on luxury or prescription products to take control of your skin care routine, but consulting a professional (such as a dermatologist, aesthetician, or other beauty expert) can help educate you on which products might work best. Click for Video of Skin Consultation
During my recent trip to Toronto, I was invited to learn more about Shoppers Drug Mart’s complimentary skin care consultations, where you can meet with a Shoppers Beauty Pro for a deep dive into learning more about your skin in order to match you with the best products. My appointment took place at Toronto’s St. Regis Hotel in the Caroline Astor Suite on the 30th floor. I spent an hour with Sarah, a Shoppers Beauty Pro, who used a moisture checker to gauge my skin’s hydration level, as well as a video microscope to take a closer look at my skin.
I knew it was likely that the cold winter months had taken a toll on my skin, but it wasn’t until I was able to look at my skin close up on a screen that I realized just how dry it had become. I also suffer from eczema, so keeping skin soft and moisturized is a major concern for me. Sarah worked with me to hand-select some amazing products that will help me combat cold weather as well as some of my year-round skin concerns. Here are some of my favourite products that I’m excited to add to my arsenal:
La Roche Posay Soothing Body Cleansing Cream
The fastest way to dry out skin during winter months is through a rigorous cleansing routine that doesn’t take into consideration your skin’s elevated levels of dryness. The dermatological skin care line La Roche Posay has formulated a daily facial cleanser for normal to dry skin that gently removes face and eye makeup, dirt, and impurities while restoring skin’s moisture and promoting comfort. This product pairs perfectly with the La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer for Dry Skin, a powerful product for those with dry or extra dry skin that is clinically shown to reduce dryness and roughness. It’s so gentle yet effective that it has been accepted by the National Eczema Association and is safe for babies as young as two weeks old.
When skin gets unbearably dry in the winter, it’s time to break out the big guns. Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Lotion is a fast-absorbing formula that enhances skin’s natural moisture, replenishing smoothness and helping to prevent future dryness from occurring. Ingredients like vitamin E and B5 provide a lightweight feeling (as opposed to other heavy-duty lotions that can sometimes go on greasy) and 24 hours of ultimate hydration. Nothing beats the feeling of stepping out of the shower and applying this lotion right away to lock in moisture. Unlike many other formulas, this lotion is safe for both your body and face, and has proven effective for all skin types.
When the weather turns cold and the air gets dry, oftentimes our hands are the first area to show signs of uncomfortably dry skin after we wash our hands. This is something I get particularly self conscious of when attending meetings or meeting friends—I pay such close attention to my facial cleansing and moisturizing routine that sometimes my hands get neglected. This hand cream has been a godsend due to its soothing chamomile and hydrating glycerine. It comes in a variety of sizes, but I love keeping the 10mL or 50mL tubes in my bag for when I spot a dry spot on-the-go.
Toner is often overlooked as part of a complete skin care regimen, but the right formula can help further cleanse your skin, purify your pores, and leave skin looking radiant. This particular toner uses aloe vera, ginseng and botanical extracts to help enhance hydration and protect skin from the elements.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Whether or not you’re applying foundation to your skin, this primer offers the perfect place to start. The clear gel primer miraculously smooths the look of skin, blurs flaws, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. Antioxidants and vitamins A and E also offer protection from environmental elements.
It was exciting to learn that Shoppers Drug Mart offers their customers free personalized skin care consultations to help them make more informed beauty purchases. You no longer have to shop blindly and hope a product is right for you – the Pros at Shoppers Drug Mart can help you pick products that are best suited for your skin’s personal needs. I also loved that all of the products recommended were at affordable price points, unlike many of the expensive high-end or prescription products that an aesthetician or dermatologist might recommend.