Keep your skin looking Young this Winter

I think that in this instant gratification society we are looking for quick fixes to keep our skin moisturized, hydrated and young looking.  We want this to the extent of using harmful  creams, lotions and potions, body butters, gels and hundreds of other products that are laden with health damaging chemicals, antibacterials and prservatives. First of all, if you want to have healthy skin, a wholistic approach must be taken. 

Skin as smooth as a baby's!

In this post are several suggestions for keeping your skin healthy and young looking all year round.  Comments and other suggestions are welcome.

• Although there's nothing like a hot shower in the morning, avoid using hot water which can dry out hair and skin.  Especially bad is the chlorinated water which causes oxidative or free radical damage. (Free radicals contribute to aging).

• Use gentle, fragrance free products where possible.  This will keep your skin free from possible allergy causing perfumes and chemicals.  After all, your skin absorbs what you put on it.
• Take your make up off every night. Then make sure you moisturize after removal.  This allows pores to breathe.
• Sleep on your back.  Gravity pulls everything down.  So, give your skin a break at night.  This you will reduce gravitational pull on your face.
• Don't smoke.  This also causes free radical damage which contributes to premature aging.

• Exfoliate only once or twice a week.  It's true that exfoliation refreshes your skin and brings new younger cells to the surface, but too much of a good thing can be harmful, causing irritation and abrasion to the skin. This can cause scarring and discoloration. 
• Apply products to warm skin as this can speed up absorption due to pores being opened. Then close pores with patting cool water on the face.
• Don't pull or rub your skin.  This can result in the stretching and sagging of the skin.

References:

www.mercola.com "Keep your skin looking younger"