Saturday, January 3, 2009

All Natural Winter Skincare Tips

By Marilyn Etzel

Winter is a beautiful season full of ice and snow. Along with the beauty, drying air and winds can harm our skin. Learn to protect your skin this winter with a few natural skincare tips.

It is not uncommon for skin to appear dry, red, and itchy during the winter months. Our skin lacks moisture do to the drying conditions of winter. Layering clothing doesnt stop the dryness from occurring. Moisturizing our skin is the key.

1. Get your eight glasses of water"When we lose moisture through our pores, it has to be put back. Our bodies are composed of mostly water and we risk dehydration if we dont replenish. Drinking lots of water is healthy for our bodies inside and out.

2. Nighttime care"We often forget to protect our skin while we sleep. Moisturizing night creams for face and body maintain a layer of moisture on our skin. The warmth helps the moisturizers to sink in and nourish our skin. Use a natural salve or balm on your skin right before bedtime for best results.

3. Dont go outside without sunscreen"The glare of the sun on the snow can cause sunburn even if you dont feel hot. Without a protectant, the radiation penetrates deep into the skin and can cause damage that ruin our skin and put us at risk for skin cancers. Prevent dryness and skin damage with zinc and other moisturizers with sunscreen.

4. Use a humidifier"The air in winter can be very dry. Even in the house, the heat can have a drying effect on the skin and the nasal passages. To add bits of moisture to the air invest in a humidifier. There are two types: warm and cool mist. A cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air but lowers the temperature a few degrees for comfort.

5. Remove dead skin"Exfoliation is important. The skin has a difficult time absorbing moisture when there are layers of dead skin on the surface. Use a loofah or a gentle scrub brush the next time you shower to remove the dead cells.

6. Take cooler showers"Hot water feels great on tired muscles but it can do a number on our skin. Instead use lukewarm water and shower for less time to keep your skin from drying out. Winter winds can wreak havoc with our skin and leave us irritated. Learn to protect your skin by adding these simple steps to your daily routine.

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can be murder on your skin. Add a few of these tips to your routine and see how much better your winter skin feels. - 15485

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