Winter weather can have an unforgiving effect on your skin and if you have naturally dry skin, Old Man Winter can exasperate the problem. After a summer of laid-back sunning and the changing temperatures of fall, your skin will need protective relief. Skin does not self-hydrate and even if you are not frequently exposed to the elements, you cannot hide from your home’s heating system. Avoid suffering this winter with rough, scaly skin by adjusting your skin care for the winter season. Good winter skin care will keep you comfortable and confident when you want to cuddle up for some cold weather snuggling.
No Hot Water
After an afternoon of making snow angels, a hot bath may sound inviting. Warm baths and hot showers get the blood moving but unfortunately, it also robs us of important oils in the skin. Do not erase all your careful winter skin care with a hot bath. Take warm baths and showers with bathing products that do not dry out the skin. Look for drying ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. Just a tablespoon of plain bath oil can give your body moisture relief.
Winter Exfoliation
Your skin has a mind of its own, at least at a cellular level. Continual reproduction of skin cells keeps your skin renewed and younger looking. Sadly, dead skin cells can pile up on the surface of your skin diminishing your youthful glow. Remove those dead skin cells during the winter months with exfoliation. Because skin is already taking a beating from cold weather and wintry breezes, you should exfoliate with care. Use these directions for good winter skin exfoliation that is less harmful to your skin.
• Wet your skin with warm water while you shower.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your legs, arms and abdomen.
• Squirt a quarter-sized amount of exfoliating cleanser to a loofah pad or shower pouf.
• Rub the cleanser across the skin you protected with the petroleum jelly.
• Rinse the petroleum jelly and the cleanser away with warm water.
Loving Lips
The delicate skin on your lips needs some love too. Keep an exfoliating lip set handy in your shower or by your bathroom sink. Once or twice a week, wash your lips with a gentle cleanser then apply the lip scrub to your lips. Rub the scrub into the lip skin with your finger. Rinse it away and then pat the lips dry with a soft towel. Roll on protective lip balm to keep lips smooth and kissable. Skip the lip-gloss especially any gloss that contains flavor or scent. These lip products contain drying agents that are bad for your tender lips.
Restorative Night Creams
When you settle down for a nice winter’s nap give your skin a treat. Restorative night creams put loads of moisture back in your face and body skin but many of us do not use them enough. Night creams are not just for the elderly, they are for everyone who needs a hydration pick-me-up. Shop around for a night cream that contains Vitamin E or aloe. Apply the restorative night cream to your skin after washing your face.
Fish Oil Capsules
Mom was right when she said, “Beauty starts on the inside.” Omega-3 fish oil capsules are good for brain and joint function but also crucial for keeping skin perfectly toned. Take two doses of fish oil 500mg each daily for the best results.
Where’s My Sunscreen?
Sunscreen often ends up at the back of the closet during winter but for good skin protection, you need to keep it handy. Use sunscreen regularly before heading outside to play in leaves or sleigh riding.
Warm up to winter skin care with practical tips that nourish and protect your face and body.
