Winter is just around the corner and the cold weather can wreak havoc on the skin. Every season you have to evaluate our routine skin care. For example, during the winter months the sebaceous glands (oil) glands produce less oil, so for people with oily skin during the summer months you can find something relief of excess oil during the winter. However, for those of us with combination skin or dry skin, dry winter months, the skin even more.
Here are suggestions to help combat dry skin in winter:
Hydrating Face – both inside and outside. Winter is the perfect time for Hot herbal tea is loaded with antioxidants. In addition, you must have a day treatment SPF and still includes a rich emollient night. Consider lotion during the day and night cream. Consider creams containing shea butter, avocado oil and olive oil for example. Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol and synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and coloring, as these have a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils and have an effect dry skin.
Cleaning – we all know they should stay away from harsh soaps on your face. We also know that we must avoid hot showers, although they are so tempting when it is freezing! Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils thus drying the skin.
Cleaning the body, consider a body wash that is soft and can enrich the skin such as aloe vera. After the shower touching their bodies with a moisture-rich lotion, such as shea butter. If possible consider the use of fragrances and no dyes, laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners. These chemicals embedded in clothing can irritate dry skin.
Cleansing Facial – this is probably the most important part of your routine skin care. A good cleaner will clean the skin and does not strip away natural oils.
Facial Toning – this is a matter of preference. I have read and written several articles on the importance of toners, however there are some who say it is not necessary. Personally, I love the homemade green tea and chamomile toner.
Exfoliate Council – A good scrub once a week will perk up the skin and color by promoting the circulation under the skin.
Facial Exfoliate – usually once a week. For easy peeling, add a little cornmeal to clean facial. You will notice a difference in the feel and look of your skin.
Face Masks – A facial mask can do much to hydrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. There are numerous types on the market. Oatmeal, clay, avocado masks are so beneficial to the skin.
Lips – thin-skinned and non-oil producing glands in the lips. They take a beating during the winter. If you have chapped lips all winter account wax lip balm to conserve moisture and protect before you get outdoors. Consider a lip balm containing avocado, olive or soybeans, soften and soothe, while vitamin A rich shea butter promotes healing.
Hands and feet – like the face, if you do not wear gloves, hands are exposed to the elements of winter. They need moisture and protection a. Consider a lotion with SPF day and night gives them a little therapy shea butter for example. The feet that never see the light of day during the winter months are still vulnerable to cracking and dry skin and prone to develop fungus. Consider a balm with peppermint or tea tree oil at night to combat the fungus, and cover their feet with cotton socks. In addition to a weekly bath in Epsom salts does wonders to relieve foot pain, fungi and cleaning.
For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, exfoliates, facial peels and masks visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes
Herbal Salves