In South Texas, the winter season doesn’t move ingracefully. We aren’t given an entire season to modifyour wardrobe, cuisine, and lifestyles. Sure, the days area bit shorter and the air is cooler, but then the first coldfront of the season arrives and throws us all for a loop!Before we know it, our skin is dry and chapped andwe are missing the very humidity we scorn in summermonths.
As the temperature drops, your skin is exposed to thebitter winds of winter and the body’s largest organ canbecome dull and dry and deepen lines and wrinkles.The dryness is made worse by indoor heating that lackshumidity and may cause extreme discomfort, irritation,itchiness, and inflammation. In order to maintainhealthy and hydrated skin throughout these chillymonths (or random chilly fronts), here are a few tips tohelp improve tone and rehydrate.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Water is vital to maintaining healthy skin from the inside out. If youare planning travel, a good rule of thumb is to drink one 8–ouncebottle of water for every hour of travel.
DO NOT TAKE STEAMING HOT SHOWERS JUST BECAUSE IT ISCOLD OUTSIDE. Hot water makes skin dryer by removing the normal protective oils. Aftera bath or shower, pat skin dry and apply moisturizer on to damp skin totrap in moisture. Look for natural oils like almond oil, shea butter, jojobaoil, and coconut oil that your body will absorb easily.
DO NOT SMOTHER YOUR SKIN WITH MOISTURIZER. Excessive moisturizing can lead to clogged pores and even saggingskin. The correct formula is one that balances water and oil levels inyour skin. Moisturizer should make your skin feel comfortable — nottight or overly lubricated.
EVEN IN THE WINTER MONTHS CONTINUE TO USE AMOISTURIZER WITH SPF DURING THE DAY. Although the days are shorter, the sun’s rays can still cause damage.There’s nothing more irritating than dry, sunburned skin!
WASH YOUR FACE TWICE DAILY. Your morning cleanse removes waste excreted during your skin’s nightly selfcleaningprocess. An evening cleanse removes dirt, oil, pollution and makeup.It may be necessary to switch to a creamy cleanser during winter monthsif a gel or foaming cleanser is used in the summer. Do not over cleanse, andalways use toner to prevent dehydration from tap water residue.
FEED YOUR SKIN. If you are on a low–fat diet, make sure you are getting enough essentialfatty acids or your skin can become dull and dry. If your skin isacne prone, avoid iodized salt and sodium heavy foods. Red, eruptiveskin is exacerbated by spicy foods, and an intolerance of dairyproducts underlies many acne conditions that appear to be cystic.
TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR HANDS AND FEET. Use gloves while washing dishes and use a heavy hand creamafterwards. Give yourself a “foot peel” by giving them a wash withinexpensive Stridex pads, coating them with Vaseline, and sleepingin thick socks.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE HARSH WINDBURN, ADD A FEWDROPS OF LEMON BALM LEAF EXTRACT TO YOUR CURRENTSKIN CARE PRODUCT. The soothing cooling extractcontains antiseptic and sedative qualities that will cool irritated skin.Lemon balm leaf extract is also great for easing depression and tensionthat often accompanies the winter months.
