Winter has some amazing perks: the holidays, winter sports, winter accessorizing, and did we mention snow? Unfortunately, the wonders are accompanied by a few woes, and dry skin is one of the worst. Cracked heels, chapped lips, and painfully dry hands are just a few of the nasty side effects that leave many of us wishing we could relocate to the Bahamas. A little TLC is what your skin needs in the coming months, and we promise, the extra effort will go a long way.
- Stop showering with super hot water. We know, we don't like it either. Hot water has a nasty way of making your skin even more dry than before. Studies are actually showing that cold showers are much more beneficial than we think: improving circulation, refining hair and skin, easing stress, and - shockingly enough - stimulating weight loss.
- Moisturize moisturize moisturize. This one is fairly straightforward, but probably the most important. We recommend an intensely hydrating moisturizer: the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 30 or the GlyMed Plus Cell Science Daily Repair Mega-Moisture Cream for the face, and Hempz Triple Moisture Whipped Body Creme or the Bliss Body Butter for the body.
- For extra moisture and softness, add a drop or two of Earthly Body Miracle Oil or Drunk Elephant Marula Oil to either your facial or body lotion. Watch the quality, texture and appearance of your skin improve dramatically.
- Invest in a humidifier. Heating systems are constantly pumping out hot air, which of course can dry out your skin. Humidifiers disperse more moisture in the air, which your skin will love.
- Avoid overusing fragrance sprays. Most perfumes contain alcohol, which can irritate your skin if it's already dry. Just one light spritz should do the trick if paired with a hydrating moisturizer.
- Exfoliate...the right way. Take it easy on the pressure, only exfoliate once or twice per week, and ALWAYS moisturize afterwards. Try the gentle Daily Microfoliant from Dermalogica for your face and a yummy smelling sugar scrub for your body.
- Wear SPF every single day. Just because you can't see the sun doesn't mean it isn't taking its toll on your skin. When you're thinking about hitting the slopes, just remember how uncomfortable it is to experience windburn...on top of dry skin...on top of a sunburn. Yikes.
- Wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes. You already know what we said about hot water, no need to dry your hands out further.
- Meet your new best friends, Sara and Burt. The ultimate one two combo: The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ and Burt's Bees Lip Balm. Simply exfoliate your lips with the lip scrub, then apply the lip balm, and tada - your lips become utterly kissable and irresistable.
- Treat your feet. Start by applying a callus eliminator, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe it off, then scrub with a foot file. Once all the dead skin has come off, apply a moisturizing foot creme, and voila - sweet feet.
- Better yet, get a pedi. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't have dazzling toes (and who doesn't want a foot massage?).
- Invest in a facial spray. A quick spritz throughout the day is the drink of water your skin needs.
- Apply lip balm before putting on lipstick. Lipstick that's made to stay on all day can be a little dehydrating for your smackers - we suggest putting lip balm on first.
- Make sure your handwash is as mild as possible. Washing your hands is vitally important, especially during the flu season. However, washing your hands several times per day in the wintertime can really take a toll on your skin. A gentle handwash will make all the difference while you're keeping the germs at bay.
- Don't lick your lips. Quitting habits are hard, but this one will keep you from depriving your lips of moisture.
- Gloves and scarves aren't just there to keep you warm. You definitely want protection from harsh wind, especially if you're engaging in winter sports.
- Drink lots of water. While drinking water doesn't directly affect your skin, dehydration caused by drinking caffeine or alcohol can. Doctors recommend getting at least 2-3 liters per day to reap all the benefits (and trust us, there are many).
Project Manager and Editor for the best little beauty business in SLC.
