Winter’s harsh blast of cold can be brutal on our skin and hair. What to do? Follow these simple winter survival tips and you’ll not only look and feel better, your skin will glow long past the cold weather season of 2011. Ring in 2012 with a healthier looking you, and everyone will want to know your beauty secrets!
Shower Power
Don’t over do it in the shower! Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty of time to get clean, smooth, and pampered! You never ever want to use super hot water either. You may be tempted, reason being; hot water really feels good. However, high temperatures actually cause your skin to dry out, leaving it looking aged and lifeless. Sizzling hot water causes our skin to shrink, and then to expand when cooled, creating wrinkles, and forcing out precious natural moisture and oils. No one wants their skin to look like an alligator for the holidays! Warm water is not only beneficial because it helps to retain our skins natural oils; it also helps you de-stress. So whether your taking a bath or shower, let the warm steam open your pores, relax your mind, and gently clean out impurities. This also gives your bath products enough time to do their job “moisturize!”
Scrub-a-dub
There is nothing better than the feeling of clean and smooth skin. You can achieve this by using an all over face and body polisher, preferably with fine grains of cleanser that actually dissolves with the warmth of the water while you use them. Always choose a product that is suited to your skin type, and also use your hands or wash cloth to smooth over your skin. I do not like Loofas and plastic poof balls simply because they never completely dry out when left in a humid environment like the bath or shower. These types of cleansing tools can grow bacteria which might contribute to acne and fungal infections. Cleanse gently and don’t forget to include your lips, for a deliciously soft kiss! Face and body scrubs leave your skin glowing and free from dry, scaly patches.
Moisturize
After a refreshing toasty shower make sure you slather on a rich moisturizer all over. This helps to seal in the hydration, especially after your pores are nice and clean and steamed open, keeping out dryness. Avoid the oily t-zone area, (nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks) with body lotion; faces and lips always need skin specific products. You can actually create more problems with your skin using body lotion and cleansing products not meant for your face. While outside always remember your SPF. When you’re finished moisturizing you will notice a luminous glow all over. Try a cream with some sparkling shimmer and you will be all that is needed to warm up a chilly winter’s night!
Under Cover
Keep covered up in style. A super soft and sexy knitted cap keeps your head warm and hair protected. Add a scarf to cover that sensitive neck area and a fitted jacket or cozy knitted cover up; remembering to never expose skin to harsh winter air. Jeans, tights, or stylish snow pants keep those glorious legs safe from the elements and soft to the touch. Soft knitted gloves, or thick mittens shield your hands and nails from the frosty air, and waterproof boots with some type of downy material inside always assures your new pedicure is safely tucked away in comfort.
Don’t forget when it’s super cold out; throw your wrap up around your face to protect it from those blasts of icy arctic cold. It only takes a few minutes in below zero temperatures to freeze and damage exposed skin. Remember to have fun playing in the snow! That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your skin in the process. Take care to follow these simple cold weather survival tips and you’ll not only look and feel better; your skin will glow with health throughout this winter season.