Wellness & Beauty SPECIAL SECTION
SKIN SOOTHERS
A nourishing facial or body wrap pampers you inside and out — and gets you glowing for the holiday party season .
BY ASHLEY BREEDING
A Laurel Skin mask , filled with natural ingredients , is used in the Organic Apothecary Facial at The Spa at Pelican Hill .
With winter in full force — or as strong as it gets in Orange County — your first defense against dry , irritated skin is a nutritious diet ( think healthy fats and leafy greens ) and exercise that makes you sweat .
“ Lack of moisture and humidity outside and forced-air heat indoors are the biggest culprits for winter itch ,” says Dr . Jeffrey Lauber , a boardcertified dermatologist at Advanced Skin Treatment of Orange County , based in Newport Beach . “ These pull moisture right out of [ the ] skin ’ s upper layer . … We also sweat less in the winter , so we don ’ t have natural oils from sweat that help moisturize [ these outer layers ].” Luckily , there are a few easy ways to combat the issue . “ Many of my surfer patients use balneotherapy ( bathing in Epsom or mineralrich salts ),” he explains . “ Salt molecules attract water molecules , so it ’ s a great — and cheap — way to hydrate skin .” Another trick : Applying a moisturizer while skin is still damp will keep water from evaporating . A native of the South , Lauber says Crisco butter is good in a pinch , unless you ’ re prone to acne . And regularly using a humidifier , which releases water vapor to increase humidity in your home
LEFT : COURTESY OF LAUREL SKIN ; RIGHT : JODY HOU
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