Winter And Your Skin- How to Avoid Dryness

Winter is a beautiful time of year but cold dry air outside and forced heat insides wreaks havoc on our skin. The extra layer of clothes we wear also adds to skin dryness. As we age our skin looses moisture and elasticity further adding to drier skin. It’s important that we take care of our skin especially at this time of year.
Skin care treatment is necessary to maintain a bright and clear complexion and you need to choose products specifically designed for our skin type and age. I prefer natural skin care products in the same way that I prefer eating organic fruits and vegetables. I don’t want chemically-treated products in my system inside or out. Natural ingredients are easier on the skin and won’t pose any cancer-causing danger as mainstream alternatives. For example paraben, a common ingredient in many skin care lines has potential health risks.
I personally use Image Skincare. I don’t sell their products and only endorse them because I think they work. Their products are less expensive than other pharmaceutical grade products and they don’t test on animals nor do they don’t use chemical preservatives. My esthetician uses Image Skincare exclusively and I love the results.
There are five areas of skin care that are the most concern to us:
• Wrinkles-The best products to prevent and diminish wrinkles are retinoid creams. They help boost collagen production thereby reducing wrinkles. It exfoliates dead skin cells and fades brown spots.
• Sun Damage-Using a sunscreen daily is the best anti-wrinkle prevention. At least 80% of skin damage is from the sun. Use at least SPF 15 in the winter and then switch to a heavier SPF in the spring and summer months.
• Acne-Choose products containing salicylic acid which slow oil production and the bacteria killer, benzoyl peroxide,
• Rosacea- Use gentle products for sensitive skin. Hydration is essential for rosacea
• Stressed Skin-Tension is a real complexion killer. It’s a good time to pay for a facial to get your glow back and relax
A Few Tips To Look Younger
Besides using great beauty products there are simple steps you can take to keep your skin looking great:
• Get enough of sleep. Most people don’t get enough and it shows. While you’re asleep your cells are rejuvenating. If you don’t get enough sleep your cells can’t renew and aging sets in. Opt for at least 7 hours a night.
• Drink plenty of water- I’m not sure everyone needs 8 glasses per day but most of us don’t drink nearly enough water.
• Get moving- I don’t have to tell you all the importance of exercise. Enough said!
• Watch your weight- Loose those extra pounds to increase overall vitality and well-being
• Eat a well-balanced diet- Go into your cupboards and toss and cookies and candies and start the new year by being good to your body. Eat multi-colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of different nutrients
• Don’t smoke!- A smoker’s skin always looks years younger than a non-smoker
• Keep stress to a minimum- There are countless ways to reduce the stress in your life. Take up yoga, pray, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage!
• Don’t soak in the tub- Soaking in the tub longer than 15 minutes dries out the skin