3 steps to pamper your skin this winter

Adopt these good practices to help your skin survive the cold weather!

Did you know your skin’s needs change from one season to the next? Adapt your routine to the cold weather with the right techniques for a cozy and comfortable winter!

There’s nothing easier! Keywords are: nutrition, hydration and exfoliation
 
But wait... Why does skin need special winter treatment? Because winter is not the same as summer! During the summer, we recommend applying a moisturizer and a sun protection to protect your skin from UV rays during the day, and a classic moisturizer at night.
 
In winter, skin needs change based on external factors such as wind and cold, which weaken it.
 
Without the help of adapted skin care, your skin is likely to become dry and feel tight. So, it's important to moisturize your skin with suitable products and decrease the number of times you exfoliate.
 
Here are 3 steps to protect your skin and make it radiant this winter!
1/ Delicate and less frequent exfoliation
 
Since skin is already under attack by the harsh weather conditions of winter, exfoliating must be done gently, with a lightly abrasive scrub.
 
Our Pure Algue Ultra-fresh Radiance Scrub gently exfoliates and refreshes skin perfectly. The frequency of the scrub should also decrease: if you can exfoliate up to twice a week during the summer, during the winter once every 2 weeks should be enough.
 
This gives you more time to watch your favorite TV shows!
2/ Moisturize: OK, but how?
 
During the winter it’s important to take a close look at the formula of your moisturizer. Here's why you should choose nutritious formulas, enriched with plant oils:
 
- These formulas act as a barrier against the environmental aggressions, such as cold and dry air;
 
- They help retain moisture in your skin. For example, if you use a Gel cream formula to moisturize your skin in the summer, the Riche Crème line formula would be better suited during winter.
 
Here's another tip! Deeply nourish and moisturize your skin with masks! Essential to instantly restore radiance to your complexion, they will pamper your skin all winter long like the The Oxygenating Hydrating Mask - Pure Algue.
 
For your body, we recommend the Bain de Nature range of body milks and shower gels in a variety of scents.
3/ Opt for lukewarm water
 
During the winter, all we really want when we get home is to make ourselves a hot cup of tea and hop into a steamy hot shower or bath to warm up! While you might find it relaxing, your skin will make sure to let you know that it doesn't appreciate it.
 
The truth is, very hot water dries out skin and removes sebum, leading to irritation and even wrinkles. As a precaution, take lukewarm showers and don't rub your skin excessively with your towel.
 
In other words: be gentle with yourself!

Hygge, the essence of coziness and wellness

The essence of coziness and wellness straight from Denmark!

As the stress of holiday preparations begins to rise... Get yourself into a Hygge state of mind for a peaceful holiday season!

What is Hygge? (Pronounced "hoo-gah") 

So what’s the secret of the Danes, who’ve been named the world's happiest people? It's the "hoo-gah", a Danish concept and way of living that is all about comfort, well-being, warmth and coziness.

With the holiday season fast approaching, here are some tips to get your Hygge on to make sure you'll enjoy this holiday season peacefully.

 

1/ Make yourself comfortable

Gather together everything that contributes to your comfort and wellbeing (yup, including that ugly but super soft and warm sweater your aunt knitted for you...). Get comfy with a big blanket, grab yourself a warm cup of tea or coffee. Turn down the lights, light a few candles and take your first steps toward the Hygge spirit.

2/ Create an area dedicated to Hygge 

Create your own relaxation area at home: make it super comfortable by decorating it with lots of cushions and throws. Don’t forget one or two stacks of your favorite books, a jar filled with yummy cookies and a photo album to flip through... 

 

3/ Cut off of any negativity and sources of stress

Put your smartphone on airplane mode and log out of your mail accounts, for an entire evening, an afternoon or even a weekend...  Avoid discussing any sensitive subjects, you can postpone these topics for another time. This is a happy and relaxing moment.

4/ Eat what you want 

No food restrictions (though beware of indigestion!)... eat what makes you happy: sweets, cheese, cakes, everything is allowed! It's also the perfect time to finish that book you've been wanting to read for so long or watch your favorite series!

5/ Spend time with friends and family

Hygge is also the perfect opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, to invite friends over and be with your family. Why not plan a warm and homey evening, and cook a hearty stew?

Now you’ve got the basics of Hygge down! All is left for you to do is to get cozy on your couch and watch snow fall outside of your window.

 

How will you get the Hygge vibe into your holiday season? Tell us in the comment section below!

Our DIY Christmas Ideas

Make your home warm and cheerful with our DIY decorating ideas!

Making your own Christmas decorations is a great way to add a personal touch to the holiday season. Here are some DIYs to inspire you and help you create homemade decorations!

 Christmas Wreath

1/

Material

  • Pine and eucalyptus branches, seasonal foliage
  • Vanilla pods
  • Eyelets
  • Holly sprigs
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Flexible branches
  • Linen thread or wire
  • Ribbon
2/

Form a circle

Twist all the branches together to form a circle. Tighten them together with wire or thread.

3/

Join the pieces together

Using these same threads, tie together small bunches of foliage and mixed branches. Don’t forget to arrange vanilla pods around your circle for a more fragrant wreath.

4/

Assemble the wreath

Place your first bouquet on the wreath in the desired position and make sure to place each bouquets one after the other, always going in the same direction

Your handmade wreath is all set! Don't forget to tie a pretty ribbon to it so you can hang it in your home!

 

Terrarium Christmas Ornament 

1/

Material

  • Open glass baubles
  • Eucalyptus and dried pine branches
  • Thin thread
2/

Prepare the branches

Cut small twigs of eucalyptus and pine, and make sure they don't extend beyond the opening of the ball

3/

Decorate the glass baubles

Place the twigs and plants in the baubles. You can place one twig in each ball, but don't overfill it.

4/

Place your Christmas Terrarium Ornaments

Once the balls are embellished with holiday branches, you can hang them individually on the tree or group them together: make small knots with the thread to create a garland of  christmassy terrarium ornaments, and place them wherever you like!

 

Botanical Candles

1/

Material

  • Empty glass bottles
  • Natural wax candles
  • Sprigs of foliage (eucalyptus, pine, olive or rosemary)
2/

Create the base of your candle

Start by setting aside pretty glass bottles of different sizes:they’ll serve as elegant stands for your candles. Then buy natural wax candles. 

For the green touch, get some sprigs of resistant foliage like eucalyptus, pine, olive or rosemary.

 

3/

Assemble your candle holder

Fill the bottles with water right up to the base of the bottle neck, and insert a piece of foliage (about four inches long) into the bottle. Slide the candle into the neck of the bottle by pressing lightly until it's safely tight. 

Voilà! You now have your very own and unique Botanical Candles ready for Christmas!

Show us your Christmas DIYs creation by tagging us in your Instagram photos!