Winter can be the harshest season for our skin due to the cold and low humidity, which in turn dries our skin out. I will give you several tips on how to beat dry winter skin that I hope you will find useful.
1. STOP taking long, hot showers
Long, hot showers do NOT help. I know it feels good to have the hot water running on your body on a cold winter day, but it actually does more damage than good for dry skin. Long or frequent hot showers remove protective oils that the skin naturally produces. When the oils are lost, water from the skin also escapes. Using harsh soap can exacerbate the effect.
A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy. So, too, can periodically reapplying your moisturizer. If this doesn’t work, go see a dermatologist.
2. Humidify your air
Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.
3. Drink Water
Keep your body & skin hydrated.
4. Take your Vitamins!
Omega 3’s help hydrate your skin & hair from the inside out.
5. Exfoliate
A good boy scrub and facial exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Not only will you feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells. Now you’re ready to moisturize!
6. Use an oil based moisturizer
You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine. Find an “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as “nig
ht creams” are oil-based.)
ht creams” are oil-based.)
But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for “nonclogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil — or butter — is controversial, because it can clog facial pores. You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.
6. Avoid licking your lips
Saliva dries the lips out, and will lead to dry, cracked, bleeding lips.
Here are some products that I use that help keep my skin looking healthy in the winter.
Body Blends 7.0 oz Coconut Lime Escape Body Butter $13.50 (comes in 4 different scents)
Contact me for more info on how to order
Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Gel – Shae & Cocoa Butter – Locks in the moisture. Only a little is needed. Combine with the Body Blends for extra skin protection.
Nutrilite Women’s Supplement Packs $22.99 – Daily supplement pack with calcium, omega 3s, a daily multi with 24 essential vitamins and minerals, and a hair skin & nails vitamin. (Contact me for more info on how to order)
Mesh Shower Gloves – Great for exfoliating while bathing. $3.49 or less at any drug store.
