Winter Skin Care Tips!

The weather outside may be dreary but your skin doesn't have to be! 

For most of us the cold winter months can be damaging to your skin. Does your skin start to dry, flake, crack, ignite eczema and become uncomfortable during the winter months?

When the heat is turned up our skin starts to dry out, the outside elements will also cause us some issues. It is really hard to find a salesperson to suggest skin care products with you at the drug store, Target, or Walmart! It is really helpful if you have an aesthetician or doctor to help choose the right products for YOU!

Having a good skin care regime is key! Not only do you want to take care of your face, neck and décolleté you should take care of the whole body. 

   Here are some tips that will help fight the winter effects. 

Exfoliate

You should have an exfoliant handy for your shower. I like an AHA body wash (gycolic acid and lactic acid are great Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Gylcolic acids will exfoliate while lactic acid exfoliates and helps retain moisture. You can use a sponge with the body wash and it will leave you with a great polished look! You can use this all year! AHA's also help reduce the signs of cellulite, create cellular turnover, provide relief due to ingrown hair, KP and aide in collagen production! 

• Even though it is tempting to crank the hot water up try to use warm water or limit your time in the hot shower or bath to 10 minutes. Hot water will strip the skin causing extra dryness. 

•  If your skin is really dry, flakey or irritated oatmeal baths are a great way to sooth the skin! Just remember to use warm water or limit the time you are in the water.

• Stay away from moisturizers and astringents that have alcohol in them this will also strip your skin!

Moisturize

You may have a moisturizer that you use for spring and summer, but you may need a little extra during the cold months. I like a shea butter moisturizer for the body. Shea butter is very hydrating! I would suggest using a facial moisturizer with hylauronic acid, ceremide 3 and linoleic acid these ingredient's help reduce TEWL, which stands for transepidermal water loss. This will help protect the skin's natural barrier. 

Sunscreen

I know sunscreen is something you would think only needs to be used in the summer time, thats not true. During winter months you should apply sunscreen not only to your face but any skin that is showing. If you live in an area that has snow the suns UV rays will reflect causing more exposure. Applying sunscreen will protect you not only from harmful UV rays but also from other harsh elements. Reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes or at least every hour during extended sun exposure. You will thank me later for this little tip!

• Apply sunscreen and moisturizer to your hands as needed. Wear your gloves when you are out and about. 

• When you use heat in your home the air is very dry. If you have a humidifier set it up in the room you spend the most time in. Humidifiers will put moisture back into the air. 

• Warm your feet! Use a moisturizer for your feet as well. Wear a nice pair of warm socks or slippers afterward!

• Make sure you drink plenty of water! Hydration needs to be a priority! I know many people loose sight of the importance of drinking water during cold months, keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Limit caffeine you can always substitute coffee with a cup of warm herbal tea. Use honey if you like it! Honey is a great substitute for sugar and has a lot of benefits. I like to keep a bottle of water at room temperature at all times!