The Vixens joined forces with Suzanne Igoe, proprietor of Pure Face Care a couple of years ago when she moved her business to Chattanooga. That was the first time we ever partnered with a clinical esthetician and so glad we have. It has been a partnership that has made perfect sense. As athletes, we tend to focus primarily on our muscular system and sometimes forget that our skin is bombarded with stress due to that. Thankfully, we have Pure Face Care on our team for extra support when we need healing or pampering. Suzanne’s expertise for reading and treating the skin is fueled by her constant quest for education. You will get a truly customized service each and every appointment. Whether it be a facial and peel, derma plane, or a simple eyebrow shape, Suzzane will share her expertise and provide you with the proper education to keep your skin it’s best ever.

We gave our members an opportunity to ask some Winter specific skin care questions and here is what we have to share.

VV: Let’s start with the basics, what is a simple and effective skin care regimen for this time of year?

SI: A gentle cleanser with no acid (such as Glycolic, Salicylic or Lactic) For Example CeraVe or Cetaphil, if you have a higher budget, then Rhonda Allison Citrus Gel Cleanser or RA Milky Cleanser. A daily lotion with SPF. At least a SPF of 30 such as CeraVe SPF 30, RA Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or RA E-zinc SPF 22. Then Finish with a Moisturizer in the evening after your cleansing routine.

VV: That sounds very simple and easy to manage. What is a facial like at Pure Face Care?

SI: We start each treatment with a thorough skin analysis. This helps us determine our treatment direction. We begin with a cleanse and exfoliation (could be a botanical enzyme, light acid or a manual exfoliation of the skin) Then we steam the face if appropriate for the skin, a thorough face massage to stimulate collagen and elastin. Then we use a finishing mask to detox, calm or hydrate again based on skin condition and goal.

VV: That sounds so luxurious! When it comes to adding a treatment to my facial, is there anything I should avoid this time of year or based on my activities?

SI: Winter, due to the reduced sun exposure is a great time to do a mild or deep chemical peel to reduce damage, increase cell turnover from environmental damage and sun exposure we have incurred over the year. This can be added to a facial or as a stand alone treatment. Depth depends on skin condition and goals. I urge all clients to refrain from exercise for 48 hours after any peel.

VV: Thank you for including the part about exercise. That always seems like a tricky situation. What services would you recommend for dry winter skin?

SI: I offer several treatments for the relief of dry winter skin. Dermaplaning is a wonderful option, where I use surgical blade to gently remove the top dead layers of skin to help increase the products penetration. Or I love using Bromelain, Pumpkin, Papaya, Rosemary and Basil herbal blends. Light Lactic acid is wonderful on dry skin, mildly exfoliating and hydrating. One of my favorites is Hydrodermabrasion, using a water pressured diamond tip Microdermabrasion to remove surface dry skin while infusing the skin with antioxidants and peptides.

VV: What can I add to my daily routine to help with dryness, also if I am still getting winter breakouts?

SI: I love a light face oil. I recommend Grapeseed oil, Safflower oil, Calendula oil, Rosehip or Seabucthorn oil. Avoid Jojoba, Olive and Lanolin oil. The nice thing about a face oil is it penetrates quickly and some like our RA Balancing Serum contains a Wild Yam root to help balance hormonal acne and hydrate at the same time.

VV: Cycling outside in the wind and cold is damaging my skin, what can I do to protect from that?

SI: I definitely recommend an occlusive such as Vaseline or Aquaphor if that is all you have on hand. My best recommendation would be Epionce’s Medical Barrier cream, provides a surge of hydration for very sensitive skin types, including visibly red and irritated skin that is scaly and dry. Optimal for delicate and compromised skin that is resistant to sensitizers and preservatives found in standard moisturizers.

VV: And then after a day spent in the wind and cold?

SI: I would add in a face oil. Depending on the skin type and the current condition (i.e. if there is acne present) the oil weight will be different. For dryer skin types I would recommend the RA Grapeseed Serum, if you are acne prone the RA Balancing Grapeseed Serum would be a better fit. Our driest oil is going to be RA’s Nourishing Grapeseed oil which is very light and great for year round use. There are also options with Essential Fatty Acids such as the RA Drops of Essence if the skin is compromised and visibly flaky and dry. I recommend looking for an EFA if your skin is presented with this issue.

VV: When it comes to sun protection, could my sunscreen be causing me to break out. What kind should I use while working out?

SI: When it comes to sun screen, my only recommendations is at least a SPF 30. It doesn’t matter in regards to coverage whether it is a physical sunscreen like zinc or titanium oxide or a chemical sunscreen like avobenzene or oxybenzone. My preference is a physical SPF is a clean product and does not cause harm to the environment. They are several kinds I love Suntegrity tinted SPF for the face (@ PURE) Or without tint RA Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (@ PURE) or for face and body Supergoop Everyday Play (@ Sephora or Ulta)

VV: Is it important to wash off makeup before working out?

SI: Yes, I do recommend washing the face before and after a workout. The pores open when the skin heats up allowing dirt and debris to enter the skin which can lead to blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts. After to remove sweat and any toxins your body eliminates during a workout.

VV: Ok one more question Suzanne, what is your favorite type of extra lux hand and body moisturizer?

SI: Briogeo Be Kind, Be Gentle Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Body Cream Or Honest Face and Body Lotion

VV: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, I can’t wait to try out your suggestions!

You can find a list of Pure Face Care’s services on their website @ www.purefacecare.com