Chilling Beauty: Winterizing Your Skin

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all know that there are guidelines for transitioning from spring to summer, then to fall and winter and that’s usually when we switch out our closets and update them with our most recent shoes and clothes. Still, when it comes to our beauty routine, we rarely make any alterations. But, according to experts, at least if we want glowing, radiant skin, we should.

· Shower power: While winter is seemingly the perfect time for that LOOOONG, hot shower, but that’s not what the experts suggest. In fact, shorter showers in the winter are a “must” if you want to look ravishing. They even recommend turning the temperature down a bit, and not spending to much time under the tap. At most spend about 5 minutes washing up under lukewarm water.

· Rub it in: Don’t wait to moisturize. In fact, it’s best to soothe your skin soon after stepping out of the shower (about two minutes after you’re done “bathing”). It’s also advisable to use creams in lieu of lotions, especially in the winter months when your skin will likely need the extra protection. Experts also suggest using moisterizers from a jar rather than from a pump, since the latter had a higher water and PH base, both that tend to dry out the skin.

· Give yourself a good scrub: Lathering up with soap will get you clean, but keeping skin soft and sexy means scrubbing down with an exfoliator. This also helps reduce lines and wrinkles; as well as restore pore size, improve your skin’s texture and bring to surface healthy skin tissue.

· Tone Up: Make sure to guard you face against the elements by using a toner, but one specifically for winter. Remember, an astringent toner will only further dry out your skin.

· Develop a “thick” skin: Put away ultra thin products and break out thicker creams and moisterizers, unless of course you have extremely oily or sensitive skin. Otherwise look for products that repair, hydrate, replenish, and rejuvenate.

· Don’t forget the sun protection: Just because it isn’t always sunny out, doesn’t mean you don’t have to guard against sun damage. In fact, you may be surprised to find out that the sun’s rays are just as strong, especially if you spend any significant time outdoors. So, keep up with the application of the sunscreen.

· Lip service: The biting winter chill can also be biting on your lips and that may take a toll on your pucker power. Consider opaque lipsticks which guard against the elements and help prevent chapping. Plus, these colours tend to “pop” in the dreary winter months. However, some brands that are said to last all day may contain an ingredient that actually dries out your lips.

· Avoid itchy materials: Wool is definitely warm, but it can also be uncomfortable. So while you “do” want to bundle up, you don’t want to compromise comfort for warmth. Instead dress in layers and look for items such at cotton camisoles, undershirts or long underwear, that you can wear under any sweater (to make it warmer) or under wool to take the edge off.

· Fall in love with wearing gloves Sporting a pair of gloves can help guard against the harsh winter elements often responsible for eczema. Keep them covered and keep hands from cracking or cuticles from splitting.

· More moisture please: But some moisture not only on your face and skin, but also back into the air. Invest in a humidifier to counteract the effects of dry heat. You can also fill you space with some plants or place a pot of water on top of radiators.

· Feed your skin: Nourish you skin from the inside out with healthy foods and drink plenty of water too. And, don’t forget the green tea, which is a natural antioxidant, and skin “moisturizer”. Vitamin C is also important, so make sure to get one fresh orange or grapefruit into your daily diet.