As winter settles in, the leaves turn red and crunchy. Your skin doesn’t have to join them. If you have a daily routine and careful habits, you can keep your skin soft and supple throughout the winter months. Let the weather around you turn cold and crisp; your skin will be protected.
Let Nature Work for You
Your body produces its own oils to keep it moist and healthy. Your daily showers can be the enemy of the natural oils of your skin. Keep your showers short and the water warm, instead of hot. The coolest water you can handle that is still comfortable will help you avoid stripping your skin of oil. Wash with a moisturizing body wash. Avoid harsh soaps and shampoos that remove oils. Scrub calloused areas, such as feet or elbows, with an exfoliant to give your skin a chance to absorb moisture. Avoid scrubbing soft areas as you may remove natural oils.
Fight the Elements
The cold winter weather can wage a war on your skin. Fight back with preventing measures. Wear long-sleeved shirts, layered with a coat and scarf, if necessary. Choose fabrics that will keep the wind from whipping through your clothes and chilling your skin. Tuck your scarf up around your lips to prevent them from getting chapped and raw. A lip protector with SPF 15 or higher will keep your lips moist and protect them from UV rays. Even though it is cold, the sun is still out and able to burn your skin. If you are going skiing, sledding or spending lots of time outside, apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed skin. Take your coat off if you start getting hot and sweaty. Sweat could cause your skin to get chafed and uncomfortable.
Stay Moist
Don’t let your skin ever get too dry. The heat in your home and workplace can whisk the moisture from your skin. Run a humidifier in your bedroom, office, living room, kitchen and other places you spend a lot of time. The humidifier will balance the moisture in the air and stop it from sucking moisture from your skin. After your shower, rub down with a moisturizer to lock in the oils of your skin. Keep small bottles on lotion at your desk, sinks and nightstand. Moisturize every time you think about it to ensure your skin never gets a chance to dry out.
Photo Credit
- Winter image by Alexandr Skobelev from Fotolia.com
