We put our faces through quite the gauntlet on a daily basis with irritants, pathogens, bacteria, oil, harsh products, chemicals, and more, no matter the weather. This holiday season whether you’re getting your cheeks pinched by relatives, kissed by pets, or facing the elements outdoors, face care will be a must.

We’ve put together a few healthy reminders, and, perhaps things you never knew about best practices to treat your face with gentleness without lining your cabinets with products.

Common face care mistakes

• Strips skin of oils leading to dryness, itching, irritation, and inflammation

• One word. Bacteria. 

• Hot water dries skin
• Cold water prevents cleansing of pores

• Roughly drying or washing skin can dry it out and cause irritation. It also removes essential protection from lipids, proteins and fatty acids which guard against pathogens

-Skipping the moisturizer after cleansing

-Using makeup wipes

• These tend to spread residue more than clean it, so best to either avoid using them or follow them with a face wash

• Blocked pores lock in chemicals and oils which can cause breakouts, irritation, inflammation, and pause regeneration of healthy skin cells

Best practice face care routine

1. Wash hands
2. Wet face with lukewarm water and apply a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol. You can use a small amount of Ellovi Body Butter if you have dry/sensitive skin. ✨If using Ellovi, steam face with a hot water soaked towel prior to cleansing and then repeat the process a second time for optimal cleansing and moisturizing.
3. Pat dry face with clean, soft towel
4. Apply moisturizer on damp face within a minute of washing to lock in hydration

Everyone loves a DIY mask/cleanser

Our unbiased favorite is Ellovi body butter

• Any flavor that doesn’t contain marula oil can be used on the entire face. If using marula oil, avoid the eye area
• Ingredients in our products act as natural and gentle cleansers and are especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin

Got some extra ingredients lying around? Zero waste is the way to go

• Blend yogurt that contains probiotics with cucumber or strawberries, depending on the flavor you’re in the mood for, and add lemon juice
• Apply mixture to your face for 15 minutes and then rinse
• Lemon helps fight bacteria and removes dead skin cells and oils that can clog pores, preventing breakouts
• Probiotics in yogurt help to restore the natural balance of bacteria on skin and prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Yogurt is also soothing and cooling.
• Cucumbers and strawberries hydrate and promote skin brightness among other benefits.

Routines of self care have been known to contribute to groundedness, and overall wellness, no matter how seemingly small. Refocusing on you during a busy season often crowded with hectic schedules and pressures is the gift you give yourself.  Even if it’s just a few minutes, TLC is time well spent. Light a candle and spring open your Ellovi tool kit for informed, responsible skin care. 

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺

Chilly weather pitfalls are upon us so it’s time to suit up to have a healthier season, armed with knowledge and healthy routines. Though many of us have dodged chronic skin conditions, much of the US population struggles with flare ups of Eczema, Psoriasis, and more, with cases on the rise. We know that environmental effects are the main culprits of these trends and believe a return to simplified, natural skin and internal care may serve to ease many of these troubling ailments. 

What happens to our skin during cooler weather?

Filaggrin, a crucial protein in our skin for maintaining barrier function and natural moisture decreases in winter as well as with age and hormonal changes. Dry, cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating, dehydrates skin further and worsens skin conditions for many. Environmental factors such as allergens and temperature extremes can affect filaggrin function, contributing to barrier loss, leaving skin more vulnerable to pathogens and irritants. 

Tis the season to be jolly so yes, cold weather equals celebratory events, and social occasions driving us to drink less water and draw us toward more dehydrating substances such as alcohol and caffeine. 

What skin conditions are triggered by cooler weather?

Rosacea - small, red, pus-filled bumps on face

• Affects approximately 16 million Americans
• People between 30-60 years of age
• Women, especially during menopause
• Those with family history
• People with fair skinned and features 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) - itchy inflammation of the skin

• Affects approximately 31.6 million Americans
• Adolescents 

Psoriasis - skin cells build up to form scales and itchy, dry patches

• Affects approximately 7.5 million Americans
• Occurs in all age groups but highest in those between 45-64 years of age

Keratosis Pilaris - KP or chicken skin - rough patches with small acne-like bump

• Most common in teenagers (50-80%) and 40% of adults

Tips to for a feel good cold season

• Moisturize skin frequently and as a routine to maintain benefits
• Avoid harsh facial cleansers
• Avoid harsh scrubs and artificially scented products to prevent irritation, dryness and flare ups of skin conditions
• Contrary to our desire for the coziness, limit hot showers to 15 min and preferably use lukewarm water
• Limit alcohol and hydrate with water well
• Consider humidifiers, especially at night to combat dryness for skin as well as breathing
• Use healthy lip balm

Limit or avoid foods that cause inflammation (certain individuals are more sensitive to these than others)

• Fried food
• Processed food and sodas
• Artificial chemical additives, food coloring
• Trans fats
• Gluten
• Refined flour

Investment in total body care is a lifelong journey, one we are all-in with. We’re here to add to the tool kit, spreading empowerment and love this season. 

__________________

At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺