Keep Your Skin Healthy All Winter Long
Skin care is especially important in the cold weather months. In the winter, we are subjected to quick temperature changes and the skin drying effects of our heated environments. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your skin in good condition, no matter what the season may be. Here are some ideas to help you care for your skin during the winter months.
Keep your skin clean by washing every morning and every evening before bed. Use a product formulated for your skin type for best results. You may already have a favorite cleanser but there are gentle cleansers that work for many and can be found in your kitchen! They include milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, whipped egg whites, green tea or honey.
Moisturize your skin every day. If this isn’t a habit, you should make it one. Not only will you fight the effects of cold weather on your skin but you will also be establishing a lifelong habit that can reduce the aging of your skin. Use light moisturizers in the warmer months and more substantial, thicker formulations for the winter months.
Give yourself an in depth mask treatment once a week during the winter. Depending on your skin type you should pick from the following choices. If your skin is prone to blackheads or breakouts, use a clay based mask treatment with will reduce the frequency of your breakouts and eliminate dead skin. If your skin tends to be dry or flaky, pick a moisturizing mask with honey, royal jelly, aloe vera or other moisturizers. If your skin is normal or combination, then alternate the above masks to cover all circumstances. With some experimentation you will find the right products that give you the results you want to see in your skin health.
Don’t forget to exfoliate regularly. Use a loofah for your body and any of the many body exfoliators on the market will do. For your face, use a gentle exfoliator. You can make your own, with just a little baking soda added to your favorite facial cleanser. Apply the mixture with a damp cloth in gentle circular motions and rinse well with warm water. If your skin is extra sensitive you may want to use just warm water and a wet face cloth to give an even gentler exfoliation to your face.
In general, your winter routine should include a morning cleansing, a light exfoliation, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. Wash your face well before bed and use a night cream to treat your skin why you sleep. Periodically, do a deep cleansing mask. Get in the habit of moisturizing your hands and face when you get in out of the cold everyday to abate dry skin.
Taking care of winter skin doesn’t have to be complicated. It takes a little discipline to set up and make your skin care routine a habit, but you will find the results well worth the effort. Using these ideas, you can keep your skin soft and supple all winter long.
