Good Skin Care Habits in Winter Reduce the Need For a Summer Overhaul

While most people pay far more attention to their skin in the spring and summer, our winter skin care habits are among the major reasons why every spring or summer we have to do a general overhaul. In fact, heaters blasting, soaking in wet gloves and socks, and blustery cold winds may take more of a toll on the health and condition of our skin than the summer sun. If you want an easier job of it in spring and summer, start putting a little more focus on winter skin care. Where do you start?nn- Try using a humidifier: heating vents and radiators blasting heat into the room dry the air, and our skin. A humidifier will not only add the needed moisture, it will also allow you to turn the heat down a little above a certain temperature, moist air feels warmer than dry air.nn- Dress in layers of clothing made from natural fibers. The air pockets between the layers keep you warm and enable excess moisture to evaporate more easily so you can stay dry. Natural fibers absorb moisture more efficiently than synthetics and are generally safer to use as they contain fewer harmful chemicals. Silk comes highly recommended as the best fabric for clothing worn right next to the skin.nn- Avoid very hot baths and showers. This is an important skin care tip in any season: while it feels wet, and wonderful, the heat actually dehydrates us. A good household water filtering system or, at least, a shower head filter, will also help. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water dry our skin.nn- Drink plenty of water: With all the dry air in our winter environment, it’s important to stay hydrated.nn- Avoid internal and external chemicals as much as possible: They tend to dry the skin, and the rest of the body. To reduce internal chemicals, try switching to a diet of natural, organic foods. To handle the external chemical problem, switch to natural skin care products that don’t contain drying, chemical ingredients and use a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to keep out chemicals and lock in much needed moisture. Good winter skin care habits, along with natural skin care products, reduce the dry, uncomfortable feeling of winter and set you up to look great in the spring and summer without a major overhaul. Try the few simple tips above, and don’t forget the shielding lotion!nn