Thursday, January 8, 2009

Avoid Winter Harm to Your Skin - Naturally

By Marilyn Etzel

Winter is a beautiful season full of ice and snow. Along with the beauty, drying air and winds can harm our skin. Learn to protect your skin this winter with a few natural skincare tips.

Even the most moisturized skin can tend towards dryness in the winter. We believe that if we wear layers of clothing to keep the wind out that our skin will automatically be protected. That is far from the truth. If we fail to moisturize our skin in the winter, it will become dry, itchy, and red.

1. Get your eight glasses of water"When we lose moisture through our pores, it has to be put back. Our bodies are composed of mostly water and we risk dehydration if we dont replenish. Drinking lots of water is healthy for our bodies inside and out.

2. Moisturize at night"Even if we put on lotions or creams during the day, we might forget to do so at night. We cover up to stay warm, but that is not enough. Activities throughout the day deplete the moisture in the skin and not moisturizing at night continues the process. Cover your skin with a layer of moisturizing lotion before bed. To keep feet from getting dry and cracked, massage them with a natural salve or balm and cover them with socks.

3. Wear sunscreen"Many people dont consider the winter sun to be hot but anytime the sun shines, it is giving off radiation. The harmful radiation of the sun can dry out our skin as well as damaging it on the surface and deeper. Many natural skincare products contain zinc which is a mineral that acts as a natural sunscreen.

4. Humidifier"You dont have to be sick with a cold to use a humidifier. Dry heat in the home can irritate nasal passages and the skin as well. Adding a little moisture stops the drying process and keeps everyone hydrated.

5. Scrub away dead skin"Just like we shed hairs from our head each day, our skin is continually creating new layers underneath the old. Dry flaky skin doesnt hold much moisture. Removing dead skin in the shower with sugar scrubs or exfoliating pads allows the new skin to breathe and soak up moisture.

6. Lower your shower temperature"The hot water feels nice, but it is not being nice to your skin. Milder temperatures keep the pores closed to retain more moisture in the body. Youll lower your energy bills in the process.

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can be murder on your skin. Add a few of these tips to your routine and see how much better your winter skin feels. - 15438

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