Face the cold! How to protect your skin from the dead of winter

By Jen Ryan Mauck
The pleasant autumn breeze has quickly become icy and dry, causing itchy and dehydrated skin and a dull complexion for many. Keep your skin conditioned, radiant and ready to face the winter with these timeless regimens beneficial for both women and men GÇô at a price that won't break the bank! In fact, store-bought brands are just as effective as the higher-end products used at the dermatologist or spa. They often contain the same ingredients, just in lower concentrations. The products mentioned below were researched and came highly recommended. Most of them are available at your local drugstores.
Invigorate
Exfoliate
Goodbye dead skin cells, hello renewal! Our skin actually sheds itself approximately every 30 days. According to experts at WebMd, it is essential to eliminate dead skin cells in order to uncover revitalized, fresh new skin. Without facilitating this process, the chilly effects of winter can leave skin scaly and damaged. Exfoliating at least once or twice a week will do the trick, unless you have very sensitive skin prone to acne, irritation or scarring.
Top Exfoliation Product Picks:
  1. Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin, $6.59
  2. Dermalogica Daily Clean Scrub, $27 or www.drugstore.com
  3. St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub, $5.29
  4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, Oil Free, $13
Masks
Facial masks are a beneficial addition to any skincare treatment. Although they are generally underrated, a mask detoxifies, hydrates, eliminates impurities, and tightens and tones the skin.
Top Mask Product Picks:
  1. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Mask, Pore-fecting Papaya Enzyme, $12.95
  2. Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial Peel-Off Mask, Cucumber, Skin Silkening, $3.99
  3. Queen Helene Masque, Mint Julep, $3.99
  4. Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask, $5.99
Hydrate
Moisturizer
Our bodies, especially our faces, need moisture during the winter season. To prevent flaky, parched skin use plenty of moisturizer. After washing your face with a creamy cleanser, one that won't dry your face, apply moisturizer for protection from the unforgiving elements of winter.
Oily Skin
Skin varies in texture and tone. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, preferably with zinc oxide, which according to beauty experts at Elle Magazine, maintains the skin's balance and prevents it from producing too much oil during the arid winter months.
Top Moisturizer Picks:
  1. Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer, $13.99
  2. Yes to Tomatoes, Balancing Moisturizer for Oily Skin, $14.99
  3. Purpose Dual Treatment All-Day Moisturizer, $9
Normal-Dry Skin
Replace your lotions with creams for the winter months. A rich cream will add more moisture and hydration. In cold weather, a cream that includes Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid is the most effective, and will give your skin a boost of antioxidants and protection. Add a dash of natural oils such as chamomile or lavender for a delicious, healthy and healing bonus. Omega 3s, healthy fatty acids that are found in fish, walnuts and flax seed, are also extremely beneficial for dry skin and will heal cell membranes and rehydrate.
Top Picks:
  1. Neutrogena Natural Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer($13.99)
  2. Derma E Hydrating Day Cr+¿me with hyaluronic acid($25.99, Ulta)
  3. Avalon Organics with Vitamin C($21.99, organic)
Combination Skin
For combination skin in the winter, it's all about the balance. Skin correction specialists at Comedix.com recommend a light oil-free moisturizer, with Shea or coco butter extracts, jojoba oil or Vitamin E to hydrate and retain moisture and protect the t-zone (bridge or nose to forehead).
Top Picks:
  1. Oil of Olay All-Day Moisturizer Broad Spectrum with SPF 15($8)
  2. Alba Botanica, Hawaiian Moisture Cream with Jasmine and Vitamin E($12)
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, choose a light-weight moisturizer as well, but with calming, vitamin B-rich antioxidants that regulate cell function such as Echinacea, avocado oil or hemp seed.
Top Picks:
  1. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer($9)
  2. Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream($15 or www.burtsbees.com)
  3. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer($10, at Target)\\
Don't neglect your skincare during the winter months, invigorate hydrate and rejuvenate!

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Sign in to comment