Winter Skin Care Tips

We are warned to winterize every worldly possession, but most gloss over winter skin care. Still using the same skin products from July? Wondering why skin is itchy, dry, and scaly? Just as the weather changes its routine for the winter, skin care regiments also need revamping. By replacing a few key products and altering methods concerning the epidermis, you can keep the same health, glow, and comfort all year long.

Keep the sunscreen, and improve the moisturizer. Summer may be over, but the sun's rays are still shining and looking to damage skin. Snow is worse than the pool or ocean at refracting sun beams into the face. Also, applying a light weight sunscreen before moisturize will improve hydration of the skin. Even if you do not use a facial sunscreen in the summer due to skin tone, winter may be the season to start!

Take a look at your facial moisturizer and try switching to one made specifically for dry skin. Even adjusting your cleanser to a gentler and more hydrating formulation will decrease the effects of wind and dry air on your cheeks. While sheer foundation coverage is all the rage at the beach, full coverage foundation is a must-have before hitting any slopes. This is also prefect timing to adjust the shade if the summer tan has faded to nothing but a memory.

Dry, cracked hands and vertical cuticles are unappealing plus painful! Utilize appropriate winter attire to combat this problem: gloves. Before donning a pair to leave the house, slather on a moisturizing hand lotion. Lotions leaning to more ointment type consistency are best at locking in moisture. Small travel size bottles of a favorite lotion should be stashed in the car, purse, kitchen, and bedroom so reapplication is always convenient. Gloves are also necessary to keep hands warm, improving blood flow. If planning extended outdoor activities, try wearing a snug pair of gloves underneath a large pair to create a layered barrier from Jack Frost's nip.

Lips always seem to lose the battle with winters cruelty. Fight back with lip balm, lip balm, and more lip balm! Ditch the glittery glossy kind for a heavier ointment type. If possible, stay away from little tins and jars, as they promote the spread of germs. Swivel bottom stick kinds are great to keep fingers away from the mouth, but still should not be shared with others. Similar to the travel size lotion bottles, hoard them everywhere, except in places where they could end up in the dryer. Anytime the urge to lick lips is felt, lip balm should be sought and applied in haste. Unlike lipstick, excess balm on the skin around the lips is perfect. About once a day, gently rub lips with a wash cloth to slough off dead skin cells and apply lip balm immediately following for better absorption.

Don't skimp on products that will interact with skin. Extra sensitive and high moisturizing shaving creams and moisturizing body wash should be stocked in the shower. A pump of body lotion located in the bathroom is perfect for application right after toweling off while the enclosed space is still steamy. Apply liberally to legs, arms, especially hitting elbows and knees. Since colds and viruses are always a winter malady, stock double-ply aloe infused tissues around for the sniffles. Nothing is worse than competing with Rudolph for a brighter red nose.

Invest in soft, gentle wash cloths and towels to prevent over exfoliation of dry skin layers. Taking a chill pill on exfoliating is a needed adjustment for skin to keep up with the dry conditions. Exfoliating is still necessary, but rough scrubbing too often in the winter will remove more skin layers than wanted. This removes a needed barrier at keeping moisture in, and healing can take longer in the winter months. Stay away from multiple, long hot showers as all natural skin oils wash right down the drain with the suds. Baths, a great solution to fighting winter chill, should only be warm and enhanced with creamy, moisturizing soaking products.

Keep an eye on nutrition. Skin receives its resources to build and refresh from the items the stomach digests. Because prices on summer fruits and vegetables typically increase in the winter months, it can be very easy to omit them from your grocery cart. Vitamin E is needed all year long, and can be found in high amounts in broccoli and spinach. A daily multi vitamin can also help combat our natural tendency to starchier foods in the winter. Don't forget to still drink water. For a change of pace try warm apple juice or hot tea- anything that will keep the body's hydration level high.

Winter may be blustery, dry, and harsh, but it doesn't mean your skin should suffer. Maintain skin's health and care by choosing skin care products appropriate for the weather change. This is a good time to purge spring and summer products as they will likely be expired or ineffective for the following year. Replace the products with extra moisturizing products and sacrifice sheer for complete coverage. Adjust routines with fewer, cooler showers and perhaps adding skin care products not needed in the summer months. Don't forget the easiest way to keep lotion and lip balm applied, where it does its job best, is to keep it readily available. Finally, still down the fruits and vegetables you can, and carry on with drinking water even if heat exhaustion is unlikely. The cool weather may be deceptive, but dehydration can occur just as easily in winter as summer.