With the weather warming up, and the spring clothes finally coming out of storage some people are left with their dry skin winter. In this post I will be talking about ways to rehydrate your skin after these rough winter months.
1. Gently cleanse. When it comes to your skin, a soap less cleanser for your face or body is the better choice. Toners, peels and alcohol-containing astringents can dry out your skin so go easy on them. Products that contain deodorant or antibacterial additives can be harsh on your skin--you may want to consider using gentle soaps that are fragrance-free. Cleansers that contain ceramides are also a great option because ceramides are fatty molecules that make up the outside barrier of your skin. They help skin to hold in moisture--some skin care products use synthetic ceramides to replace the ones lost with age.
2. Warm, NOT Hot. Sometimes nothing feels better than a steamy shower, but the hotter the shower, the more damage it does to your skin. Hot showers strip your body of its natural oil barrier and you need that barrier to help trap in moisture and keep your skin smooth and moisturized. So dial down the temperature and don't linger too long, if you start getting pruney fingers, you have overstayed your welcome. Some dermatologists suggest that showers and baths should last no longer than 10 minutes.
3. Shave Responsibly. Shaving, although a HUGE pain in the butt, is a necessity of being a woman--especially during those summer months. The act of shaving can irritate dry skin and as you shave away your unwanted hair, you are also scraping away natural oils. The best time to shave is after you shower--hairs are softer and more pliable after bathing, which makes shaving much easier. Always use shaving cream or gel and shave in the direction your hair is growing to protect your skin. You also want to make sure that the razor is sharp, as a dull razor will cause additional irritation--change your razor blade often and if you are using a blade you haven't used before, soak it in rubbing alcohol to clean it.
4. Cover up. Although the sun is starting to really shine, the temperature is still on the colder side--sun damage is one of the main causes behind dry skin, wrinkles and skin roughness. You can prevent that damage by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen year-round. In cooler weather, be sure to dress in layers to prevent overheating and perspiring, which can both irritate the skin. To soothe and prevent chapped lips in the winter, use a lip balm with SPF 15 sunscreen and cover your lips with a scarf or hat. In the coming summer months, wear lights and loose clothing when out in the sun and protect our neck, ears and eyes by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat.
5. MOISTURIZE. Soothing dry skin and keeping it moist can be done via the simplest of moisturizing products--petroleum jelly, mineral oil or cream/lotion are great moisturizers. If you like a richer moisturizer, choose one with Shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid or glycerin. These ingredients are great for replenishing your skin barrier. Having a moisturizing routine is a great way to ensure that your skin is always moist and glowing.
--Start with washing your face with a non-soap cleanser, one with ceramides to replenish the skin's outer layer.
--Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, which can irritate and strip your skin.
--Apply a thick moisturizer to slightly damp skin within minutes of bathing to trap in moisture.
--Moisturize your hands every time you wash them so that your hands don't dry out.
6. Invest in a humidifier. Cold and dry air is a common cause of skin dryness and irritation. Heating your house keeps you warm but it also removes moisture from the air, which can make dry skin even more dry. To replenish the missing moisture quickly and easily, use a humidifier in your bedroom.
Develop a routine and constantly moisturize to ensure that your skin will not dry out. In the warmer months make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF to protect you from harmful rays. So look forward to the summer months with a smooth and moist complexion!
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