Winter Skin Survival

Unless you’re an Eskimo, you probably don’t enjoy getting tossed around by those blistering cold winds. Whew, do you feel the tightening, arid effects of the chilly weather on your skin ’ dry patches on your face, chapped lips and flaky hands and feet.

By CC Staff

No matter how much you lather on the moisturizer, your precious epidermis simply won’t return to its supple state. Well, have no fear; we have some wonderful tips on how to get glowing all winter long:

Shorten Shower Time

Healthy skin has a protective surface layer called the stratum corneum, and as the temperature drops this natural barrier becomes vulnerable to damage. Although there’s nothing quite like a long shower, lingering in hot water will drain essential moisture and leave the skin drier and more susceptible to irritation.

Adios Astringents

For those especially chilly months, skip the application of anything containing alpha-hydroxy acid or alcohol. They strip the skin of natural oils that are necessary in maintaining moisture.

Happy Humidity

Having a humidifier in your bedroom will help prevent your skin from drying out. Moisture in the air soothes dry lips and chapped skin.

Rapid Repairs

Since less blood flows to the skin when you’re cold, it’s a little malnourished. So you need to give it extra lovin’ with products that contain amino-peptides, which work to renew the skin’s outer layer. We recommend Olay Regenerist. (regenerist.com)

Alleviate those painfully chapped lips wit Dr. Feelgood’s Lipscription; this wonder treatment buffs away dryness with exfoliating beads, while softening with Vitamin E and chamomile. (benefitcosmetics.com)

And finally for those beloved extremities, a little exfoliation will do you good. Try Alba Sea Salt Body Scrub for those hands and tootsies; made with organic jojoba, avocado and vitamin E, this product works double-duty to remove dry skin and add much needed moisture. Don’t forget to rehydrate with some moisturizer. We absolutely love Alba Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion. Not only does it smell fantastic, but it contains essential emollients and fatty acids to relieve dehydrated skin. (albabotanica.com)

You can battle those brutal breezes after all.