Tips for Sprucing Up Dry Winter Skin - East Idaho News

Tips for Sprucing Up Dry Winter Skin

  Published at

Getty H 011012 WomanMirror?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1326315753422Blend Images/Ariel Skelley(NEW YORK) — From exfoliating to drinking water, Alex Samuel, beauty editor of Self Magazine, debunks a few winter myths and offers tips on how to give your skin that extra glow.

Pick Soft Fabrics:
“If you’re plagued with super dry skin on arms and legs, skip fabrics that irritate, such as wool, and instead warm up in soft fleece, corduroy or cotton.”

Try: Soft fleece, corduroy or cotton fabrics

Exfoliate Before Bath Time
“Before you bathe, try sweeping dry skin with a natural brush. Brushing skin before it’s damp helps to whisk away dead, flaky skin cells. Plus, it increases your circulation about as much as a good massage or even 10 minutes of jogging will do, leaving skin feeling toned and tightened. Next, use a scrub on your roughest spots before you step into the shower to further loosen dead skin cells. When you hop out of the shower, pat skin with a towel until it’s mostly dry, smooth on a thick layer of body cream, and seal in moisture with a spritz of body oil. It takes some time, but it’s worth it. You’ll feel soft all over and be in a peaceful state of mind. Savor it.”

Try: Paris Presents Luxury Wood Bristle Brush, $6.

Defend Your Hands
“No matter how young the skin on your face looks, dry, weathered hands can give away your age. That’s all the more reason to defend them against the elements just like you do the skin on your face and neck. Moisturize hands with a hand cream containing shea butter and then put on a pair of spa gloves. Your hands will feel like new.”

Try: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $26. Sephora Collection Spa Gloves, $36. Lancome Absolue Hand, $42.

Winterize Your Lotion
“Unless you live in an extreme climate (say, the North Pole), your regular hydrator should hold up with a little help from a layer of serum. Serums are lightweight, so they won’t change your lotion’s consistency. Choose one with hyaluronic acid, which plumps up cells by attracting water. If your complexion is extra arid, add a glycerin-rich overnight cream to prevent dehydration as you snooze, which is when skin is most vulnerable to dryness.”

Try: Peter Thomas Roth VIZ-1000?; 75% Hyaluronic Acid Complex, $65. Roc Multi-Correxion Night Treatment, $25.

Eat Healthy Foods
“Whether you’re speeding down a ski slope (lucky you!) or just whizzing through errands, dry winter air can be harsh on skin. Moisturize frequently but also nurture your complexion from the inside out by eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help increase skin’s elasticity and may spur collagen production.”

Try: Foods like walnuts, salmon and flaxseed.

Water Isn’t Everything
“When it comes to maximizing moisture, nutrients are more key than what you drink. Umpteen visits to the water cooler are overkill, plain and simple.”

Skip the Powder
“Everyone wants skin that looks fresh, but that can be tough when the temperature drops and the air is drier. To compensate, swap powder-based cover-ups for a hydrating foundation.”

Try: Avon Healthy Makeup Liquid Foundation, $12.

Be Rosy, Not Ruddy
“Instead of a bright blush (which can make you look as if you have windburn), switch to a dusty pink in a creamy formulation; it will help offset too-red cheeks and dryness.”

Try: Stila Convertible Color in Rose, $25.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION