It's that time again. Colder weather is upon us.
I know that I have always had issues with dry skin, but fall/winter season always makes it worse. I am sure a lot of us go through the same complexion problems. With the warm, dry indoor air and the really cold temperatures outside our skin is a target for dryness and flaking. Here I offer up 6 Steps to
Winter Proof Your Skin.
Step One:
If you are currently using a foaming cleanser or gel variety you will want to make a switch to a cream based one. The other ones are formulated to take away excess oils in our skin, which is ideal for summer temps but we need as much moisture we can get, so minimal oil removal is ideal. Another tip for washing our skin is to make sure the water is not too hot. Yes the warmth feels great especially on those cold mornings but if you are planning on running out the door, stick with warm to cool water.
Step Two:
Remove those dead skin cells. You've heard it before but you need to exfoliate at least two times a week. Exfoliating helps remove the dry flaky skin and leaves your skin ready to produce fresh new moisture full cells. Quick tip, when choosing an exfoliator pick one that has microbeads in it. Those ones with ground up nuts or shells in them will be too harsh and cause your skin to tear.
Step Three:
Slather on the intense moisturizers. You probably don't want to use one that leaves that heaviness to your skin but there are some great varieties called serums. These serums help add that extra moisture layer we are looking for during the colder months. They help seal in the moisture after washing and can help create that fresh dewy look we all want. After it has dried, add your regular day moisturizer and you'll be all set.
Step Four:
Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen. You've heard it many times and most of us are on the wagon. Please use a SPF. You may think that because you don't spend hours outside soaking in the sun rays that it isn't necessary but walking to and from, driving in our cars and sitting near windows with the sun beaming in still have an effect on out skin. If you are a skier or participate in winter sports it is a definite requirement. A moisturizer with a SPF of 20 is sufficient and if you want to add extra protection, when choosing your cosmetics you can find many with SPF in it.
Step Five:
Change your moisturizer. For the best results, choose a thicker cream. I know as I said earlier we don't want the heaviness so you can choose ones made of avocado or oatmeal. They will provide that extra protection without the yucky feeling of just too much.
Step Six:
Don't forget your kisser. Our lips tend to get chapped and with those windy cold days it almost seems inevitable. Be sure to exfoliate your lips as well. Our lips do not have any oil glands in them and need all the extra moisture they can get. Be sure to coat with a lip balm or lipstick to keep the cold air from drying them out.
Bonus Step:
This is one I am sure most of us have forgotten. Sure we can apply all the creams and serums we want to help protect and prevent the dryness, but a great way is make sure we are hydrated from the inside. Be sure to drink you water.
I hope these 6 Steps to Winter Proof Your Skin will help you. I have been able to maintain a flake free complexion after using the steps mentioned above. Alternatively, speak to a skin care specialist/dermatologist if your condition is excessive. They will have medicated cleansers and creams that may assist you.
No comments:
Post a Comment