Sunday, January 11, 2009

All Natural Winter Skincare Tips

By Marilyn Etzel

Some natural skincare tips help to protect our delicate features during the winter months. While winter is beautiful, our skin may not be due to the often harsh weather conditions.

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. Drink lots of water"Our bodies are 90 percent water. It keeps our organs hydrated and the largest organ of the body is the skin. Drinking water keeps our skin moisturized from the inside. When we sweat, it is essential that we replenish the water we lose through our skin.

2. Nighttime care"We often forget to protect our skin while we sleep. Moisturizing night creams for face and body maintain a layer of moisture on our skin. The warmth helps the moisturizers to sink in and nourish our skin. Use a natural salve or balm on your skin right before bedtime for best results.

3. Dont go outside without sunscreen"The glare of the sun on the snow can cause sunburn even if you dont feel hot. Without a protectant, the radiation penetrates deep into the skin and can cause damage that ruin our skin and put us at risk for skin cancers. Prevent dryness and skin damage with zinc and other moisturizers with sunscreen.

4. Add moisture to the air"A humidifier (cool mist or warm) adds moisture to the air in your home. It is not uncommon for air to be too dry for some people. A humidifier prevents drying in nasal passages and keeps the skin supple.

5. Remove dead skin"Exfoliation is important. The skin has a difficult time absorbing moisture when there are layers of dead skin on the surface. Use a loofah or a gentle scrub brush the next time you shower to remove the dead cells.

6. Take cooler showers"Hot water feels great on tired muscles but it can do a number on our skin. Instead use lukewarm water and shower for less time to keep your skin from drying out. Winter winds can wreak havoc with our skin and leave us irritated. Learn to protect your skin by adding these simple steps to your daily routine.

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. - 16004

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