Leaves are falling. Everything is getting ready for winter in its own natural way, but how easy is that going to be for our skin? Let’s help our skin to be as healthy as possible and reflect the look of health and wellness for the fall and winter! Many women and men visit a spa during these times of the year, but for those who may not, here are some helpful tips for maintaining great skin as the season changes.
1. Exfoliate – The key to healthy skin
There are several types of exfoliants available, so we should choose one that best suits our individual skin type! These range from fine simple scrubs, to chemical peels and microdermabrasion to laser resurfacing. In addition to what we put on our skin’s surface is what we consume. Eating nutrient rich food will help achieve the same goal – healthy looking, glowing skin!
2. Do not over wash your skin
Do not use harsh foamy cleansers all the time, especially in the winter! Stripping too much oils from the skin may cause severe damage to the skin. Instead, splash with cold to lukewarm water in the morning and wipe with a clean towel to tone and clean.
3. Moisturize
Having a good moisturizer is essential for a healthy looking skin. Using a good moisturizer for the face is very important especially in cold weather. Now is the time to use heavier creams to protect our skin from the harsh elements and to moisturize and hydrate. If you are uncertain about your exact skin type, have your skin assessed by a professional skin care specialist.
4. Sun protection
Every good sunscreen should have UVA-B protection ingredients, which are Avobenzone, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Mexoryl and Tinosorb. Also, the “winter sun” is just as dangerous as the summertime sun; so get some sun, which supplies vitamin D, but do not over do it.
5. Masks are very important part of skincare
Applying a mask once a week on the skin after exfoliation is going to take care of all that we didn’t do over the past 7 days! One example of basic mask is banana. A banana mask is going to leave your skin hydrated, well supplied with vitamins and gently exfoliated with acids from banana while you enjoy the beautiful banana smell! Best of all this natural mask can be made at home! For oily skin, natural mineral clay masks are also good for absorbing oil.
6. Vitamin C
It’s all about collagen stimulation, skin strengthening, improving the appearance of sun damage, reducing inflammation, and reducing hyperpigmentation. Now, well known Vitamin C serum or ascorbic acid is great for preserving skin health. I like to use vitamin C serum compounded at the pharmacy, as well as vitamin C tablets and natural sources like fruits and vegetables. Bell pepper and papaya are high in natural Vitamin C, as well as all citrus fruits. In addition to promoting great skin, Vitamin C promotes overall health.
7. Dry skin
If you happen to have very dry skin, here are some tips on how to treat it! Stay away from harsh detergents, perfumed soaps, and heavily fragranced lotions that tend to irritate the skin. Do not use hot water and do not over-wash the skin. Instead, take short warm showers or baths. Soothe your skin with a fragrance free moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness. Creams generally moisturize a bit better and last longer than lotions. Creams work best if applied when the skin is slightly wet, like just after bathing or showering.
8. Sun damage
Winter time is a perfect time to eliminate summertime sun damage, so moisturize and wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
9. Hands and body deserve great treatment too
Use a mild cleanser, shower gel, and exfoliator two times per week. Moisturize every time after showering. Using shea butter to rehydrate the skin will help eliminate sun damage and minimize imperfections.
10.Consistency
Be sure to be consistent about your skin care regimen and use the best products for your skin in order to get excellent results.