Ugh, winter time is upon us again. And, there's nothing more challenging than trying to stay warm and moisturized during the deep freeze. Dry heat can wreak havoc on skin resulting in cracked lips, dry hair and hard, dry heels. In addition to drinking more water, what can be done to keep moisturized?
Here are three beauty do's and don'ts to help prevent winter dryness and keep the skin moisturized and youthful.
Hot, steamy baths?
Yup. A hot and steamy soak or shower feels great to warm up but hot water can dry the hair and skin. So, now's the time to pull out those heavy, rich body butters that are formulated especially for this time of year. Make sure though that you use these thick creams after your bath at night and not during the day because the oils can make a mess on your desk and clothes. Great examples are shea butter, argan oil and cocoa butter.
Experts say that the steam from the water opens your pores, which allow moisture and natural oils to escape. To prevent this, shower with lukewarm water and apply body lotion to damp skin. Or. if you must soak, stay in the tub no more than ten minutes and use bath oil, and not bubble bath. Skin experts advise us that bubble bath contain detergents that can strip the skin's natural oils.
Don't forget the cuticles and feet
Cuticles, heels and nails tend to lose moisture in the winter. And, if you must frequently wash hands-as nurses must, the skin can be left chapped and cracking which allows all types of horrid bugs to enter. So, make sure to apply lotion after washing hands. And stay away from the alcohol containing hand sanitizers. At bedtime, make sure to apply a thick cream to the cuticles of hands and to your feet.
When not to exfoliate
Remember, chapped and dry skin is irritated and inflamed. Don't exfoliate because this will worsen the problem. Instead, use a creamy facial cleanser and body wash to gently dissolve oil and dirt. Use sensitive skin formulations which will often hold strong and irritating fragrances. Look for lotions and creams that contain hyaluronic acid and shea butter which both will draw and lock in moisture.
Sources:
"Rethink These Winter Skincare Habits" Oprah Magazine
Here are three beauty do's and don'ts to help prevent winter dryness and keep the skin moisturized and youthful.Hot, steamy baths?
Yup. A hot and steamy soak or shower feels great to warm up but hot water can dry the hair and skin. So, now's the time to pull out those heavy, rich body butters that are formulated especially for this time of year. Make sure though that you use these thick creams after your bath at night and not during the day because the oils can make a mess on your desk and clothes. Great examples are shea butter, argan oil and cocoa butter.
Experts say that the steam from the water opens your pores, which allow moisture and natural oils to escape. To prevent this, shower with lukewarm water and apply body lotion to damp skin. Or. if you must soak, stay in the tub no more than ten minutes and use bath oil, and not bubble bath. Skin experts advise us that bubble bath contain detergents that can strip the skin's natural oils.
Don't forget the cuticles and feet
Cuticles, heels and nails tend to lose moisture in the winter. And, if you must frequently wash hands-as nurses must, the skin can be left chapped and cracking which allows all types of horrid bugs to enter. So, make sure to apply lotion after washing hands. And stay away from the alcohol containing hand sanitizers. At bedtime, make sure to apply a thick cream to the cuticles of hands and to your feet.
When not to exfoliate
Remember, chapped and dry skin is irritated and inflamed. Don't exfoliate because this will worsen the problem. Instead, use a creamy facial cleanser and body wash to gently dissolve oil and dirt. Use sensitive skin formulations which will often hold strong and irritating fragrances. Look for lotions and creams that contain hyaluronic acid and shea butter which both will draw and lock in moisture.
Sources:
"Rethink These Winter Skincare Habits" Oprah Magazine
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