As the end of summer officially draws to a close, many of us will be putting away those warm weather sandals and tank tops and replacing them with cool weather gear that covers and protects our skin. But no mater what part of the country you live in – warm or cold, there are still plenty of reasons to keep using your moisturizers to help your skin stay hydrated and soft.

Vivoderm Natural Skincare prides itself on using the best natural ingredients it can source in all of it’s skincare products. One of those key moisturizing ingredients is Avocado oil. We use it in our Body Butter and Foot Cream as well as our Anti Wrinkle Treatment.

Avocado oil is an exclusive oil that has the capacity to enter the upper skin layers. It is valuable for its effects on wrinkled and dry skin and it is also a great oil for diaper rash. It contains high amounts of mono-saturated fatty acids and vitamins as wells as anti-oxidants and Omega 3’s. Avocado oil is extracted from the flesh of the fruit by the cold extraction method. Hence, the oil retains all the aroma and flavor, nutritional value, making it absolutely ideal for skin healing and hydration.

There are many skin care benefits that you can receive by including avocado oil in your daily regimen. If you have blemished or sun damaged skin, thanks to it’s high vitamin content avocado oil can help you to reduce and reverse blemishes. Vitamins A,E,D, B1, B2 and K are beneficial for all over skin and body health. Avocado oil contains high doses of Omega-3s, which are highly effective in protecting the skin from UV rays, therefore decreasing the chance of being sunburned, preventing the appearance of age spots and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Scientific studies have recently shown how important collagen is for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Collagen is the main structural protein in various connective tissues in our bodies and skin. As we age, the collagen tissues flatten and stretch – causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

Avocado oil has been shown to help increase collagen production naturally. It aids in hydrating and plumping up skin cells and forms a natural cushion to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging.  It can be used, as a very effective and natural skin moisturizer. Avocado oil penetrates to the deep layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production therefore, improving the softness and elasticity of the skin and reducing it’s dryness. Avocado oil can be also beneficial for people with such skin conditions as psoriasis and eczema, relieving the itchiness of the skin.

So, if you want your skin to have more firmness and a smooth appearance, you will get excellent results with products that contain Avocado oil. Using avocado oil separately can be beneficial but when it is combined in a lotion or cream then its effects can be enhanced greatly to help treat dry skin and signs of aging.

Vivoderm makes a highly effective foot cream and Chamomile body butter which is ideal for treating dry, cracked feet and scaly skin. The thick and rich texture leaves your feet and body smooth and soft. Our Anti Wrinkle treatment with natural avocado oil, will reduced wrinkles and your increase collagen production.

So, if you are looking for a great skin moisturizer to help transition your feet, body and face from summer to fall and into winter – give Vivoderm a try!

Moisturizing Summer Skin Care

One of the questions we hear the most in the skincare industry is, “Do I still need a facial moisturizer in the warm, summer months?”

The answer is undoubtedly “Yes!”

You want to pay attention to texture and formulations, but ALL skin types – even oily skin – still need to hydrate and moisturize in the summer.

And don’t forget, there IS a difference between body lotions and facial creams – never mix the two.  Heavier formulations of body creams could cause your delicate facial skin to break out or hyper-react.

Let’s break down some of the most common skin types and what  types of moisturizer or facial cream to use.

1. NORMAL SKIN

Most normal skin reflects the changing seasons, loosing hydration and becoming more dry in the winter months and slightly more oily or hydrated when the summer comes.

Excessive indoor heating, warm baths and less humidity during winter months will require heavier, richer facial creams usually blended with a base of oil.  So, alternatively, normal skin will require a lighter moisturizer.  Look for water-based versions or vitamin-rich serums or ceramides.  Ultra-light facial lotions will absorb well into the skin while limiting excess oil production.  Water-based lotions should included natural ingredients calm sun-damaged inflammation, such as chamomile, Calendula and Aloe vera.  Also look for Vitamins E and A for natural anti-aging properties.

2. COMBINATION / ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Similar to normal skin, but oily in the T-zone, combination skin may require using two different moisturizers if your skin type is very unbalanced.  Stick with the same water-based moisturizer on the whole facial area as for normal skin, but use combinations of herbal properties for the oiler-T-zones of the forehead, nose and chin.  For instance, on the normal-skin areas of the cheeks and neck, use the lighter formulations with natural anti-redness and sun-healing herbs mentioned above like Aloe vera and Calendula or Oatmeal.  Then for the T-zone, choose herbal ingredients that help keep excess oil and breakouts in check – like lavender, rosemary and green tea.

3. OILY SKIN

Despite the false myth that oily skin doesn’t need any additional moisture – the opposite is actually true.  Even oily skin responds with more balanced oil production when you ADD moisture.  Choose a lighter Vitamin infused serum or herbal formula that does double duty for oil production and anti-aging including Vitamin E, A, C and Rosemary.

4. DRY SKIN

To keep flakiness and wrinkles at bay, dry skin types still demand a heavier version of facial moisturizer for summer – a richer cream vs. a light lotion or serum. You might continue to use the same brand or formulation from your winter skincare routine, but spritz your face first with a refreshing toner or witch hazel to help dilute the cream and increase absorption.  Choose herbal formulas that help your skin fight free-radicals and sun damage with natural Zinc Oxide and Vitamin E and C.

And as always, NO skin care facial routine would be complete without SPF or sun protection.  The Vivoderm Zinc Repairing Facial Cream combines natural Zinc Oxide sun protection with an oil-based moisturizer and natural herbs to provide 15 SPF coverage for your daily routines.  For longer sun exposure, use a higher SFP, like 50-60 when possible.