A Rundown On ‘Cold Skincare’
We all know the invigorating effects of cold water on the skin (ice baths, cryotherapy), as a way to detoxify and strengthen the body, but devotees of the practice also report a boost in energy, better sleeping habits, and lower blood pressure. Sign me up.
Cold environments teach us to calm down, our breath and our mind, and stimulate our vagus nerves (those responsible for all the super important bodily functions like regulating digestion, heart rate, and the immune system). Yep, we’re talking about Wim Hof.
If immersing your body in extremely cold water/air isn’t top of your to-do list, 1) we don’t blame you, and 2) there are simpler ways to reap the internal and external benefits from the comfort of your own home. A cold shower could do it, but there are a few skincare specific hacks we’re more interested in getting behind.
Cool facial tools
Cooling down your facial tools can help you achieve that ‘ice lift’ effect. Instantly rejuvenating and elevating the skin back to its natural plump state, especially after a deep slumber. Using a chilled gua sha or facial roller is going to reduce inflammation and swelling, increase blood flow, and shrink the appearance of pores, all while helping product to properly absorb and sink deep into the skin.
A note that prolonged contact with cold can very much act like heat, and burn the skin. Be cautious about how long you are allowing these tools to sit flush with the skin on your face.
Cold face creams
Placing skincare products in the fridge has the same anti-inflammatory and extra absorby results as using chilled application or massaging tools. (Just bear in mind that your skincare may absorb food odours from the fridge, so sticking your moisturiser next to the leftover cacio é pepe is probably not the best idea. It’s also a great argument for investing in a dedicated beauty fridge.)
In general, keeping skincare on ‘ice’ is most beneficial when you’re looking to constrict blood vessels for a firmer, tighter appearance, or when cooler temps will help mitigate pain or discomfort (think applying aloe to a sunburn). In the summer months especially, we can’t help but migrate our AM and PM routines to the fridge for added make-me-look-like-I-slept-eight-hours-in-the-air-conditioning effect. That, and the low temp helps to preserve active ingredients for a longer period of time.
With the exception of oils and oil-based formulas, most creams, gels, serums, masks, can withstand a cold snap.
Definitely not a necessity, very much a personal choice as to what your pores prefer, but there is some (lots of!) merit to stashing your skincare in the fridge.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
