Winter Skin Care
Prevent the Effects
the Colder Months
have on the Skin
Effective winter skin care is vitally important
due to the effect of
seasonal weather changes and the significant toll it can have on your
skin.
Facial
skin ravaged by exposure to the elements, especially during the winter
months, can exhibit symptoms that require proactive winter skin care.
These symptoms can include skin dryness, flaking, itching, peeling,
cracking and even sore, scaly patches.
Taking a proactive approach
to
caring for your skin during these months will help you avoid the worst
impact that winter can have on your skin.
First and foremost, your best defense for winter skin care is
protection!
Even during the winter months, you absolutely need to
continue to apply SPF 15 or greater sunscreen
every morning, especially when spending time outside.
Even though
you might think the sun's effects are diminished during the winter
months, nothing could be farther from the truth.
The reflection of the
sun off snow and ice can be particularly damaging. Wearing a scarf that
can be easily pulled up to protect the cheeks and bottom portion of
your face is also a helpful preventative measure to limit the skin's
exposure to the elements.
Whether you choose to use a chemical exfoliant such as an AHA product
like glycolic acid
or a mechanical means such as a facial scrub,
incorporating a means of exfoliation into your routine at least a few
times a week can dramatically improve dry skin.
A weekly facial peel is
also beneficial for overexposed, dry skin.
And for heavens sakes, don't
use any type of astringents or soap. They will only dry out the skin
more. Instead, try using a super rich cleanser such as one with a soy
or oatmeal ingredient to give your skin a conditioning treatment as you
cleanse.
The skin is typically
well hydrated after a warm shower or steaming facial. Immediately seal
in the moisture with a skin cream rich in emollients.
Moisturizers keep
the skin conditioned while offering protection against the
harsh
effects of the cold. The drier the skin becomes, the more frequently a
moisturizer should be applied.
To treat any of those very dry, scaly patches that might develop, use a
petroleum based product on the affected areas before bed.
Believe it or
not, plain old Vaseline works wonders on stubborn dry, cracked, and
flaking skin.
Unfortunately, most people cringe at the idea of using
Vaseline on their face, thinking that it will clog pores and, in
general, have a negative effect on the skin.
In a word- untrue!
Finally, for those irritating patches of skin that persistently plague
you despite your best efforts, an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
has significant healing effects on skin that is cracked and sore.
For
the extremely dry, flaking and itchy spots an OTC hydrocortisone cream
can provide both relief from the itching and diminish the dry, flaking
symptoms.
Please bear in mind that if your condition persists, it is
best to consult with a Physician to find the best remedy for your
particular skin condition.
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Be
sure to visit
the Skin Care
Shop
and
check out all the carefully selected facial treatment
options.
