Although Spring may technically be just around the corner, much of the country is still in the deep freeze of winter. While we may psychologically be soooo ready to peel off the layers of sweaters, parkas and hats, our skin may not be quite sunny-weather ready.
Here are 5 tips to banish winter skin and say “hello” to warmer days ahead:
- Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. This may seem like basic information, but it’s surprising how many people skip this step. The best time? Post shower, after you’ve patted yourself dry. With the skin still damp, apply an emollient body lotion like Impruv Barrier Cream. To help relieve the dry, rough skin that can be caused by winter heating, Neostrata’s Body Smoothing Lotion with 10% glycolic acid exfoliates while simultaneously promoting cell renewal and increasing the skin’s moisture levels. Whatever they may claim, men aren’t immune to dry skin either. Complex 15 Body Lotion is a favorite due to its non-sticky finish, quick absorption and apply-and-go properties.
- Gentle cleansers and Warm (not hot) Showers. Going this route won’t further rob your skin of its moisture. Cliniderm’s NutriComfort Gentle Body Wash cleans without stripping skin of moisture while soothing extremely dry skin with shea butter and calming allantoin.
- Humidify. Combat the dry air inside by placing a humidifier in the bedroom and running it while you sleep. Not only will your skin feel more supple and dewy but your sinuses will also benefit from the added moisture in the air.
- Love Your Feet. And they will love you back when it’s time to trade in the boots for those strappy sandals. The skin on your feet need a dedicated treatment, one that will penetrate without leaving a film that just washes away before providing any benefits. Eucerin Smoothing Foot Cream with 10% urea not only improves moisture levels but also exfoliates the dry, dead skin cells for a smoother, healthier skin surface. The key to success is applying nightly.
- Treat Your Hands. Dry winter hands tell more about our age than we may want to reveal. When desperate times call for desperate measures, I treat my hands to my favorite night cream with AHA. Reversa’s Corrective Night Cream with 4% glycolic acid works wonders on the face and is my go-to when the hands need rescuing. After a week of applying this at bedtime, my hands are smoother with fewer fine lines and, honestly, look 10 years younger.
However much we feel like we are living in the land of endless winter, it has to end sometime, right? The sooner, the better, I say. Who’s with me?
