Winter may be about to say it’s goodbye while leaving us with the usual problems that it brings in tow: dryness, rough hands, cracking, peeling and chapped lips. Well, not to fret! We’ve compiled a list of winter ‘ to do’ things.
The real problem? Using the same products that we use throughout the year; Foaming face washes, alcohol-based toners, and astringents are all designed to strip oil — and in winter ladies, there's little oil to strip.
So make sure to follow through on a few of these tips to keep looking great this winter.
Exfoliate! It’s a must, and cannot be emphasized enough. The best way to get the maximum benefit from any product that you use is to make sure that you prep your skin. An exfoliator with gentle granules (not made with any nuts) is the best. Also, winter is actually the best season to start using Retin A (but do make sure to talk to your dermatologist before using it as it can have unwanted side effects.)Sunscreen. Yes, it’s winter and it might get cloudy – but that doesn’t mean the sun isn’t there. Sunburn can happen even if it’s not sunny. So make sure to slather on some SPF 30 (at least)! Another tip is to buy make-up or moisturizer that already has SPF in it. Sunscreen is a must the whole year round – even indoors.
Hydrating Mask: when your regular products are just not doing what they should! Look for a mask with sunflower oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed oil), tocopherol (vitamin E) or glycerin and make sure to use it once a week. Switching your moisturizer in winter to something a little thicker or with some these ingredients should also do the trick.
Chapstick. So you wear a luxurious lipstick… but in winters even that can’t salvage chapped lips. Time to think beyond the balm and treat lips to the same TLC the rest of your face enjoys. Want to try a little home remedy? Try exfoliating with a mixture of fine salt and olive oil, which is an effective and easy little regimen. For painfully chapped lips, use a dab of hydrocortisone cream once a day for no more than a week.
Now, don’t let winter cramp your style and enjoy the season while it lasts and still look fabulous!
