By mid-February, the winter weather will have taken its toll on millions of hands across the country. Whether you suffer from brittle nails that are constantly breaking or hands that feel like sandpaper (and may even crack and bleed, they’re so dry- gross!), there’s no reason you should let Jack Frost win. Winter storms may be harsh, but with a little extra effort, you can keep your soft, delicate hands year round!

1. Drink enough water.

You’re giving the weather a head start if you don’t properly hydrate yourself. Just because you’re not sweating from the summer heat doesn’t mean you can cut down on your h20 intake. Continue to drink plenty of water, and limit your fizzy soft drinks and alcohol, which will dehydrate you faster than you can say “blizzard.”

2. Invite skin care into the shower.

One thing’s inevitable: you have to shower, right? So purchase soaps and body wash that won’t dry you out. According to About.com, bar soaps are more likely to dry out your skin, whereas emollient-rich cleansers will actually battle the effects of dry skin. Try Dove Delicate Cream Body Wash, or look for the word “butter,” as in “Shea Butter,” “Cocoa Butter,” or just plain “Body Butter” when you’re selecting your next lather. Your hands feel the cleansers you use the most, since they are slathering the stuff all over your bod. Read More »

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.

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) Read More »