Change is always hard, even when it's just a season. We do it 4 times a year, but the transition to winter always seems to be the hardest. Our skin care habits need to be on the ball, as the colder temperatures lead to unwanted dryness and tight skin. Here are some tips on how to pamper your skin at a time of change, with some simple skin care ideas, all that can compliment our valuable wrinkle creams!
By now we've all heard the mantra too many times to count: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! People often forget that this still applies in the winter, since colder temperatures don't necessarily mean that the sun's rays aren't shining on your skin. Of course, you should never take for granted that the compounds commonly used to block the sun's rays might not be great for our skin. Some recent studies are even raising questions about the long term effects of sunscreen use. We stay away from SPF products at night and on days when we don't plan to spend time outside. When we do venture into the sun we prefer a stand-alone sunscreen on top of our regular face cream.
Some of us think that exfoliating is bad. We think that if we do, then our tans will fade away and we will be left with plain, bland, boring skin. This cannot be further from the truth. Exfoliating eliminates the dead skin cells that promotes the growth of new skin cells and makes room for the skin to breath. These expired cells can clog your pores and give you an overall dull and aged look. Not exactly the anti aging look you wanted. So once a week, exfoliate. Dead skin cells are your skin-emy. After exfoliation is the most important time to apply moisturizer. This is when it is most effective.
Clear your mind and pores, invest in a face steamer or just boil a pot of hot water and cover your head with a towel. Adding fresh herbs such as mint, chamomile or rosemary can make richen your steam experience. Stay for 10 to 15 minutes or until the steam begins to diminish, then rinse your face with warm water. Using a face cream or moisturizer immediately after steaming makes it more effective. Steaming up to twice a week is a part of a healthy skin care routine and will help with diminishing the effects of aging skin.
In the winter months, treat yourself to a hydrating facial every few weeks. Facials are great not only for Anti Aging, but also cleans your face of dead skin cells and pumps up the skin with great moisturizers, all excellent factors in keeping the skin glowing in the chilly months of the year.
Create a routine for yourself that includes exercise and relaxation. Sweat is always good for your skin (as long as you cleanse). There is stress in all of our lives, and it overall is bad for our health, this includes our skin. Take time for yourself to calm your mind and soul. Light a candle, read a book, meditate or take a yoga class. Anything that lets you slow down and focus on yourself. You will become more radiant and your aging skin will feel rejuvenated.