Five Easy Ways to Prevent Winter Skin

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Winter is here! The weather can be anything from gray & rainy to white & snowy. No matter the actual weather in your area of the world, these outside elements are brutal on our skin. While most of us are covered in heavy coats & boots our face and our hands are exposed to the harshest elements this time of year. There are some easy things we can do to take care of our skin & prevent dry, cracked & irritated skin in the winter.

#1 – Drink Lots of Water!!!!!

We all know that we need to drink more water. But it is especially critical during this time of the year. Try to get in half your body weight in ounces each day. Keeping your body hydrated on the inside will keep you skin hydrated on the outside.

#2 – Shave More Often

I know what your thinking…that’s the best part of winter is not having to shave all the time 🙂 But seriously don’t skip this step. It will give your skin a gentle exfoliation that helps remove the dry dead skin cells to expose the new ones. Your newer younger skin cells can then rise to the stop, giving you a healthy glow.

#3 – Use an Exfoliator

You can’t shave all your skin so adding an exfoliator is the best way to care for your hands & feet, and even your face. One caution here – go easy when exfoliating your face. You don’t need to scrub hard for the product to work. Gentle circular motions & avoiding the eye area is best. My favorite is Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste – a combination sugar & salt scrub with vegetable oil is gritty and smooth all at the same time. And it is great for most skin types (if you have sensitive skin I would avoid exfoliating products).

#4 – Moisturize

Now that you have hydrated from the inside out & you have done your exfoliation, it is time to take care of those new skin cells that have been revealed. Grab your favorite moisturizer (make sure it is a hydrating formula – you need extra hydration in winter) and slather it on. After your warm (not hot) shower is the best time. Your pores are opened and ready to take that product deep into your skin. Try Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum for your face and Rodan + Fields Body Replenish for the rest of your parts. Both these have hydrating properties that draw moisture to your skin. Remember added moisture is a must in the winter.

#5 – Get More Sleep

I know you’ve heard this before. We don’t get enough sleep. Try to get even 30 minutes more at night to help your skin. As we sleep our body’s cell repair. Giving our bodies enough sleep each night helps to fight off the effects of winter weather on our skin & will fight off other signs of aging – WIN WIN!!!!

With these 5 easy steps you are well on your way to avoiding the dreaded winter skin. Your skin will have that healthy glow that used to be reserved for the summer.