Soothing Skincare Suggestions

Dry, wrinkly, itchy skin: no doubt winter is taking its beauty toll! Here are some suggestions on how to soothe our ailing skin.

Stay Hydrated. “It’s important to keep the body and skin hydrated,” to avoid dryness and flakiness. Get our daily dose of eight glasses of water a day, and for extra frigid days, enjoy plain hot water with a slice of lemon. Switch from a cleansing wash to a milk cleanser. “Splashing the face with water in the winter months can increase dryness and chapping,” Instead, opt for a milky cleanser which should be applied with the fingertips and removed with a soft Kleenex or cotton pad, instead of water.

Exfoliate. “Keep the skin on the body soft and glowing with an oil infused sea salt scrub,” use a body scrub twice per week to slough off that dead, dry skin. For the face, use a gentle facial scrub to improve circulation and leave the skin fresh and bright.

Moisturize. “Besides choosing a richer moisturizer for winter skin, add an extra layer of hydration by using an oil-based capsule or serum underneath your daily moisturizers". For the body switch from a lotion to a hydrating body oil. Try Neutrogena’s Body Oil.

Hands and Feet. To be sweet to our hands and cuticles, dip your fingertips into a bowl of warm Sweet Almond Oil (which can be found at a local natural food store) for ten minutes and then after, massaging the oil into your hands. If you’re suffering from severe dryness or even cracking of hands and feet, treat yourself to a paraffin wax treatment at your nearest salon. And don’t forget to apply a moisturizing hand cream throughout the day. To pamper your dry tootsies, slather your feet with a deep conditioning foot lotion before going to bed and covering with a pair of cotton socks for maximum absorption.

Lips. I know it’s hard, but the number one rule in avoiding chapped lips is to stop licking them, as that only increases chapping and dryness. Use a good lip balm throughout the day and before bed.

Masks. Now more than ever is a great time to use a hydrating face mask to repair and heal dry skin. Look for one that can be left on overnight.

Chapping and Wind Burn. If you’re skin is chapped, treat your skin with a healing balm containing calming ingredients such as Lavender, or Comfrey. Also, wear sun screen daily to protect the skin and prevent premature aging.

Hair. To tame frizzy, unmanageable winter hair, use a deep conditioning hair mask 2 -3 times per week, and avoiding excessive blow drying and curling iron use. Instead dry the hair with a diffuser and curl hair with rollers. Also, avoid hairsprays as they often have a high alcohol content, and instead opt for serums and styling creams to add moisture and shine.