Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tips for Healthy Skin in Winter

Here on this side of the world we are entering into the Spring and Summer months but a lot of you are the exact opposite and so I thought that a this article would be quite useful. 

When summer wanes and winter moves in, it's time to take care of your skin in a different way. The burning rays of summer do more damage than in the winter, partially because we tend to wear less clothing, opting for shorts and tshirts over jeans and parkas.

People generally are aware of the need to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water in the summer, but how does winter skin care vary from summer care?

Our skin and mucous membranes dry out a lot more when indoor air is heated in the winter. Plus, the cold outside weather is hard on skin, often leaving it red, chapped, and cracked.

Following are 5 top tips to keep your skin healthy and moisturized during the winter:

- Keep moisturized inside and out. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you should forgo drinking enough water daily. If you prefer, drink herbal teas (non caffeinated since caffeine is a diuretic) or warm water with lemon. They will warm and hydrate you at the same time.

- Switch to a good crème moisturizer. Make sure it is rich in beneficial oils. It will stay on the skin longer, protecting you more. An oil-rich moisturizer will help make up for the reduced oils your skin naturally produces in warmer months. If you have skin problems like eczema, you will probably find it flares up more in the dry winter. Just having dry skin is enough to start us itching, which will be alleviated by a good moisturizer.

- Wear gloves
outside. They will warm your hands and body, plus they will protect your hands from the harshness of the winter that causes red, dry, cracked skin.

- Use sunscreen. In the winter? Absolutely! It isn't just for the summer months. Especially if you go skiing or playing in the snow, you can get very sunburned from reflections off the snow. And UV rays from the sun still make it through our atmosphere. We just tend not to think of it as much in the winter.

- Exercise regularly. Exercise will warm you up and keep your muscles limber. Your skin will keep a healthy glow from the increased circulation and oxygen to your cells. And, exercise will keep your immune system up, which will help you fight off nasty colds and flu.

What are your surefire, tried and tested winter beauty secrets for healthy skin? Do share!

Have an insirational day :)

*eLLa*

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