PREVENT DRY WINTER SKIN
Many of us living in Colorado, struggle with dry or imbalanced skin because of our dry climate. When winter hits, it is even harder to keep our skin hydrated. However, there are a few things you can do, during the winter months, to keep your skin hydrated and looking youthful.
EXFOLIATE
It may seem strange, but exfoliation can actually keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated. Using a gentle exfoliant can help slough off dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover. Exfoliating can also stimulate the skin, which assists hydration. The skin will feel more soft and supple with regular stimulating exfoliation. Using a sugar scrub for the face and hands can help bring them back to health.
MOISTURIZER
This one may seem obvious. However, during the winter months, many of us need to switch to a thicker, more moisturizing cream for our face and hands. Choose your moisturizer carefully. A facial cream full of fillers and chemicals will actually dry out your skin rather than nourish it. Another important factor is to use your rich moisturizer at night as well as during the day. Our skin cells regenerate more during our restful hours of sleep than when awake. Oil serums are a great alternative to night creams as they are packed with nutrients and generally moisturize more deeply than a light moisturizer.
HYDRATE
Drinking plenty of water is helpful. However, it is not actually as helpful for your skin as ‘eating your water’. Hydrate your skin from the inside out by eating foods high in water content. Watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges and watery veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots can make a huge difference for your skin. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, such as vitamins A and C, which support the healthy production of collagen and provide antioxidants. Both of which are important in skin care.
CLEANSING
Using hot water when cleansing can dry out your skin a bit. If possible, try using luke warm water. This is not always pleasant when bathing, however avoiding super hot water will help as well. When cleansing, make sure your cleansers and soaps are gentle and not full of irritating ingredients, as harsh ingredients can dry out your skin. Choose more natural cleansers that are aloe vera or oil based products.
CHAPSTICK
Keep your chapstick on you at all times. When you feel your lips are drying out, apply right away. It is a lot easier to initially prevent chapped lips, than to repair lips after they have chapped. However, if you end up having chapped lips a lip exfoliant can help. Simply roll a sugar scrub over the lips until dead skin cells are sloughed off. Then apply a nourishing lip balm.
HUMIDIFY
Many of us keep a humidifier going in our house during the winter months. This can be very helpful for our health. Another way to put moisture into the air during the winter months is to do a DIY aromatherapy. An aromatherapy diffuser that you make yourself, will make your home smell amazing while putting extra moisture in the air. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoons whole cloves
- Optional:
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot
- Simmer and enjoy
- Can add more water once the water starts to evaporate
- Do not leave unattended
RECEIVE A FACIAL TREATMENT
Of course I would say this! 😉 Facial treatments are a perfect way to unwind during the winter holiday months. Additionally, an esthetician can pinpoint areas that need special attention and offer suggestions for troubled areas. A facial treatment will offer exfoliation and moisture that is much needed for the face and décolleté.
DO-IT-YOURSELF
If you are not able to book a facial treatment, try pampering yourself at home. There are many DIY skin care masks that can offer needed moisture or exfoliation. One of my favorite exfoliants is the DIY sugar scrub followed by a wonderful moisturizing mask. Give them a try!
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