Sunday, January 4, 2009

Avoid Winter Harm to Your Skin - Naturally

By Marilyn Etzel

Winter brings cold temperatures when it comes. It can also provide us with glistening white snows for sledding and skiing. But, winter weather can dry the skin and damage it if we are not careful. Learn methods for keeping this from happening without resorting to chemicals.

Even the most moisturized skin can tend towards dryness in the winter. We believe that if we wear layers of clothing to keep the wind out that our skin will automatically be protected. That is far from the truth. If we fail to moisturize our skin in the winter, it will become dry, itchy, and red.

1. Drink lots of water"Our bodies are 90 percent water. It keeps our organs hydrated and the largest organ of the body is the skin. Drinking water keeps our skin moisturized from the inside. When we sweat, it is essential that we replenish the water we lose through our skin.

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 neglect sunscreen"The sun still shines just as bright in the winter. We may not feel it because of the bitter cold temperatures, but the radiation is damaging to skin nonetheless. Before applying any makeup, add sunscreen to the face.

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. - 16492

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