Ten Skin-Saving Tips for a Long, Cold Winter

Winter is hell on the skin. Dry, windy weather and relentless central heating systems suck moisture right out of the epidermis, leaving it tight, itchy and all-around uncomfortable. Under these conditions, fine lines look deeper, complexions appear rough and flaky, and no one looks or feels their best. Here are ten invaluable tips for banishing your dry skin woes during the most punishing season of the year.

1. Turn Your Home Into the Tropics: The humidifier is your best friend this winter. They're not too pricey, so get one for each room of the house that you spend a lot of time in (the bedroom being the most important). Pick up a little one to keep under your desk at work as well. If you're into cute stuff, Target has an adorable selection of animal-shaped humidifiers. (continued)



2. Guzzle Water Like a Fish: This ubiquitous bit of advice is right on the money at any time of year. Replenishing your body with H2O gives you more energy, benefits your overall health, and will also help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses (at about 8 oz each) a day, and remember to grab a bottle to take along anytime you leave the house. Hot herbal tea is a great alternative when the weather turns cold.

3. Moisturize, and Then Moisturize Some More: Whether you prefer lotion, cocoa butter cream or body oil, apply liberally and often all over your body. Slather it on as soon as you get out of the shower in the morning, and keep a small bottle with you during the day to re-apply to your hands after washing, or any other part of the body that dries out quickly. For both facial and body moisturizers, you may want to switch to a thicker formula during the winter months.

4. Don't Forget to Exfoliate: Keep a gentle body scrub and a less abrasive facial exfoliant in the shower and remember to use them both once or twice a week. This gets rid built-up dead skin cells and exposes a fresh layer of skin ready to suck up all the moisturizer you're going to apply when you step out of the tub.

5. Supplement with Flaxseed Oil Daily: It's not the best-tasting stuff, but flaxseed oil could be a useful supplement for essentially moisturizing your body from within. What's more, flaxseed is purported to have numerous overall health benefits because it's rich in essential fatty acids. The refrigerated kind generally has a milder, fresher taste than un-chilled oil. If you can't stand the thought of swallowing one to two tablespoons of straight oil every day, you can also pick it up in capsule form. Just about any Whole Foods or health food store should carry both kinds. Learn more about flaxseed oil here. (Note: Check with your doctor before taking any supplements, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing health conditions.)

6. Take Oil-Infused Baths Instead of Hot Showers: This may not be practical advice for rushed mornings when you're on your way to work, but a soak in a warm bath amply infused with sweet almond or jojoba oil is a soothing and skin-nourishing way to end the day. Add an essential oil such as lavender or ylang ylang for an even more relaxing treat (Note: Essential oils should always be diluted with a base oil such as sweet almond or jojoba to avoid irritating the skin).

7. Don't Skip the Sunblock: Just because the sun isn't shining as bright or as often as it did during the summer doesn't mean it won't still burn (and prematurely age) your skin. Applying sunblock, preferably SPF 25 or higher, should be a part of your daily skin care routine all year long. Remember to apply to all parts of your body that will be exposed during the day: face, arms, neck, etc. (continued)



8. Skip the Blow-Dry: If you normally blow-dry your hair, consider alternative styles for the winter months. With the right products, you can still have great-looking air-dried hair – perhaps opt for a tousled, wavy style, or a loose bun. Your hair and skin will both be healthier if you skip the 10- to 20-minute blast of hot air every morning.

9. Wear Natural-Fiber Clothing: Synthetic fabrics and wool can be very irritating to dry skin, so opt for soft cotton clothing instead. If you need to wear wool to keep warm, wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt or turtleneck underneath to provide a "buffer zone."

10. Stop Licking Your Lips: We've all been guilty of this assault on our kissers: When our lips feel dry, we lick them. Of course, this only leaves them more chapped. Keep a tube or jar of lip balm with you at all times, and apply every time you get the temptation to lick those dry lips. In a pinch, you can also apply the balm to chapped hands and irritated, over-blown noses.