Three Winter Skin Care Tips

The winter is finally starting to bring on the bluster. For the people with oily skin, this time of year is usually better than the summer. However, for those with dry and more mature skin, the arid climate, gusting winds, and strong sun can further damage and increase fine lines. 

There is an amazing adage stating that prevention is the best medicine. So here are three tips to alter your skin care regimen to prevent any adverse effects on your skin from the winter.

1. Use lukewarm water when washing your face and scalp

Our sebaceous glands naturally react to the climate. The amount of sebum speeds up with dry air and slows down during the summer. Sebum is a natural protectant of our skin. Using water that is too hot will strip this natural oil.

2. Exfoliate once or twice a week

Use a natural fruit extract as your exfoliant if you have light skin. St. Ives Apricrot scrub can be found at the drug store and only costs about $3. The purpose of exfoliating is to remove any dirt that may have gone deeper than the superficial layers of the skin. Exfoliating will allow for your creams and moisturizers to work more effectively, because they can penetrate more efficiently.

3. The Creme de la Creme

The best advice that can be given for winter skin care is using a product with Vitamin C. The benefits are astronmical, because Vitamin C slows the rate of free radical damage. Free radicals deplete the skin's natural collagen leaving a dry and thin texture. Vitamin C is also shown to reverse fine lines.

Please let me know if you have any particular questions about your skin or your regimen. Also, what are your favorite beauty secrets? Mine is to always smile. That's the best feature on your face :-)