Now that the weather’s turned chilly, Jack Frost won’t just nip your nose; he’ll go after your cheeks, your hands โ pretty much anywhere your skin is exposed. But with these easy seasonal alterations to your skin-care routine, you’ll preserve your smooth, soft, supple skin and beat Jack Frost at his own game.
Beware of Wind and Sun Damage
Most sun damage occurs in women before the age of 18, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, but it’s never too late to start a protective skin-care routine. And it’s just as important in winter as in summer. Use a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunblock of at least 15 SPF. For best effectiveness, give your skin 10 minutes to absorb the block before applying foundation. And don’t forget your ears, neck and lips.
When choosing your moisturizer and foundation, look for products with the antioxidant vitamin E, such as Olayยฎ Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer or beta-carotene, which help to restore skin and prevent further damage. But remember, even though your goal is protection from the elements, your skin still needs to breathe. So, also look for non-comedogenic products, or those that won’t clog pores.
Although winter’s wind and cold may have a drying effect on your face, now is not the time to skip exfoliating! Look for a mild beta hydroxy acid (BHA) product, such as Olay Daily Facials Intensives Smooth Skin Exfoliating Scrub to gently remove the dead outer layers of skin, and keep that fresh and glowing look. Exfoliating once a week with a scrub, and once per day with a textured cloth, should keep your skin looking radiant.
You may not shave your legs as frequently during the colder months, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when you do, to keep that skin soft and supple and prevent drying.
Soak in the tub for a minimum of two to three minutes, and up to 15 minutes, before shaving your legs (soaking for more than 15 minutes can wrinkle your skin, and prevent a really smooth shave). After washing your legs to remove the body’s natural oils, thickly lather your legs with a moisturizing shave gel such as Gilletteยฎ for Women Satin Careยฎ Floral Passion, which is enriched with skin conditioners that leave skin satiny smooth. Shave with a fresh blade, such as a Gillette for Women Venusยฎ Passion Razor, towel dry and moisturize your legs thoroughly afterward.
Winter Tips for Your Hands
Hands get a raw deal in the winter โ between the dry air indoors and harsh conditions outdoors, they can get dry and chapped. Of course, gloves go a long way toward protecting them, but you’ll also want to try these skin-protecting steps.
Switch moisturizers. Lighter lotions that worked during the summer may not offer enough protection to counteract winter’s bite.
Stock up. Buy several travel-sized tubes of moisturizer and keep them in the kitchen, in your medicine cabinet โ wherever your hands may be submerged in water โ so you can reapply immediately after they’re dry.
Give your hands the home spa treatment. Once a week, or more frequently if needed, slather your hands with lotion or petroleum jelly. Take care to massage well into your fingernails and nail beds, as well. Cover your hands with cotton gloves overnight, and wake up to silky skin.
To further head off the perils of winter, the moisturizing experts at Olay recommend staying hydrated by drinking several glasses of water per day. Also, bypass long, hot showers for brief, warm ones to help your skin retain its natural oils. Help yourself resist the temptation to lick dry lips by keeping lip balm handy in your house, purse and car. To accelerate your skin’s rehydration, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Tips © P&G
