Summer fun gives way to wintry winds and before you realize it you've got dry skin - chapped lips, itchy elbows, or a dry itchy “T-zone”. The following winter skin care tips can help you prevent - and treat - dry, chapped skin.
Shorten Your Showers
Long, steamy showers will dehydrate you - actually taking moisture out instead of putting it in. That's because hot water removes the skin's natural oils more quickly than warm or cold water.
Use warm water instead of steamy hot and try to limit the amount of time in your tub or shower. Afterwards pat dry, don't rub.
Mild Soaps
Antibacterial and/or deodorant soap may be stripping your skin of essential oils. That's why skin care professionals recommend sticking with mild soaps, preferably unscented or lightly scented.
Moisturize
Soothe and/or prevent chapped skin by constantly moisturizing. LON Cosmetics offers a wide range of products that can help you trap in moisture as you step from the shower or bath. If your skin is oily you still need to moisturize -- just make sure you use products for your skin type. As always, remember to drink water as often as possible to moisturize from the inside out.
Shaving
Shaving can leave your skin extra irritated, especially when it's already dry.
- Use a lubricant when you shave, such as shaving cream.
- Change the blades in your shaver often.
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Shave in the direction that hair grows.
Sunscreen
Up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, snow, and fog. Over time, that exposure can lead to moles, wrinkles, and skin cancers.
So protect your skin:
Even on cloudy or overcast days slap on that sunscreen. Reach for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, with UVA and UVB protection. And don't forget to re-apply often.