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Skin Care Tips For Winter!
Skin care in the Winter is one of the worst times for the skin to become dry and irritated. The wind and cold weather can play havoc with sensitive skin and make dry skin red and tight. The colder it becomes outside the more you need to consider changing the way you care for your skin.
Tip #1 – Drink More Water
There is nothing better for the skin than to keep it hydrated from the inside out. We tend to drink more water in the warmer months than we do in the wintertime because we are more active. When the skin is properly hydrated, the skin will stay smoother and softer.
Tip #2 – Change Your Cleaning Routine
In the winter, the skin does not require the same care. Being aggressive with cleaning can cause the skin to become weal from the stress and allow damage to occur when exposed to the cold. Since cold weather tends to cause dryness, it is best to avoid products containing alcohol as they dehydrate the skin.
Tips #3 – Moisturize More
A thicker moisturizer in winter can add a protective layer that will reduce dehydration and protect against wind damage. Moisturizers containing jojoba oil and shea butter are a good choice and are contained in the better products for dry skin. Don’t think that cold weather is a reason to avoid SPF protection. Continue to use a sunscreen or sunscreen based moisturizer all year long, but especially for winter skin care.
Tip #4 – Extra Lip And Hand Care
The hands and lips are the trouble areas when it comes to winter dryness. These areas have a special sensitivity to the cold. Lips need a thicker moisturizer containing cocoa butter or shea butter to give them an added layer of protection. Hands requires pecial attention due to constant environmental exposure. Hand creams provide moisture, protection and stop flaking, cracking and that itchy soreness that accompanies dry, cold winter  weather.
Applying this before going outside and before bed will keep them soft and supple. Hands have to endure gloves and cold and can become chapped and dry. To avoid this, use a moisturizing cream each time you wash them. Hand cream with lipids and emollients work best.
For a bit more luxurious feel and some in-home spa treatment, consider periodically using a body butter to moisturize. Shea Butter, Emu Oil and Jojoba oil are primary ingredioents in body butters, and during the winter, can soothe and heal rough or dry skin.
Tip #5 – Add Humidity Inside
During the cold months we use our heaters inside the home and this can remove the moisture in the air and begin to dehydrate our skin. The dryness becomes worse when we then subject our skin to the cold and wind from the outside. By having a humidifier inside the home or office the moisture level will be balanced and the effects of dry skin will be drastically reduced.
Winter skin care presents its own challenges. Low humidity and dew point reduce moisture content in the air and provide less external and topical hydration. Colder temperatures mean denser air. Denser air holds less moisture; so there again, less moisture for our skin. Colder, winter weather oftens is accompanied by cold fronts (Nor'easters in the U.S.) with high and dense pressure gradients - and high wind speeds. Windy, cold weather increases evaporation and accelerates drying skin.
Skin care for the winter requires a focus on protection and consistent use of moisturizers - especially on your hands and face. | 
