How to Winterize your Skin

Winter is a great time to snuggle up in front of a fireplace with the folks that we love best. But that cozy, crackling fire can be damaging to your skin along with indoor air that is much drier due to the forced heat that is found in most homes. You can head outdoors for relief, but frigid temperatures and harsh winds won’t be any better for your complexion. Your best bet for keeping skin soft, smooth and beautiful during the cold weather months is to learn some winterizing strategies that will help you to survive the season in style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• sunscreen
• moisturizer
• exfoliating product
• humidifier or a bowl of water

1. Stay Protected
   
   You may think that sunscreen is unnecessary in the winter, but think again. The sun’s rays are still damaging, sometimes even more so when they are reflected off of a new layer of snow. Keep your sun protection going all winter long, with an SPF of at least 15 for most days, and an SPF of 30 when you will be outside for long periods, such as on the ski slope. It is also a good idea to use a lip balm with an SPF to protect your kisser from the winter sun’s rays as well.
2. Got Moisture?
   
   Probably not, if you are in the thick of snow season. The good news is that you can add your own with a high quality moisturizer that can be applied liberally and frequently throughout the day. For maximum benefit, look for a product that includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Newer moisturizers will also contain water -binding agents that will lock in hydration for longer periods. For problem spots, you can also apply a dab of extra virgin olive oil directly to the area. Olive oil is a wonderful emollient that is rich in antioxidants – perfect for dry winter skin!
3. Exfoliate
   
   Dry skin is usually flaky skin, and the best remedy for flakes is to exfoliate them away. Exfoliating treatments will slough off the outer layer of dead skin cells, leaving softer, more radiant skin underneath. This process is especially critical in the winter, when the dry outer layer can keep moisture from getting to the inner skin cells where it is needed. Find an exfoliating product that contains either alpha hydroxyl acids or beta hydroxyl acids for maximum benefit.
4. Hydrate your Home
   
   Of course hydration from the inside out is always important, but in the winter it is also essential that you hydrate the air that your skin is living in. This is because the forced heat and fireplaces that are used in abundance during the winter months can dry out the air and your skin even more than the warmer weather can. You can install a humidifier to your furnace, add portable humidifiers throughout your home, or even place a bowl of water near furnace vents.

Tips & Warnings

• Winter is a season of cold air and dry skin, but you can take steps to counter the effects of the elements. With the proper skincare routine, your skin will stay soft, smooth and radiant all season long.