Pure Hyaluronic Acid      

Enjoy soft, dewy skin during the harsh winter months.

Date: 9th December 2008, Source: Hyaluronic News

With the onset of fall and winter, we bid a fond farewell to summer. The bathing suits are packed away. The beach chairs stowed over the loft in the garage. The bikes and tennis racquets put aside. Interests change. Hobbies shift. But one thing that should not be forgotten is caring for your skin. Just because it is no longer summer doesn't mean you can ease up on your skin care. It's more important than ever to make sure your skin is cared for properly.

"During the winter, the environment is constantly challenging the skin's ability to maintain its moisture and stay soft," comments Tiffany Chalk, representative, Arbonne International, Pure Swiss Skin Care Company.

"Plus, between cold weather and heat temperatures from heating our homes, your skin needs just as much attention in the winter months as summer or you could end up with dry, flaky skin," adds Donna Davenport, Advanced Skin Care Center & Med Spa.

All skin care experts tout that the wintertime is the perfect time to rejuvenate the skin.

It is the ideal season to pamper your skin because you are not exposed to the sun as much. During the winter months, people tend to be indoors more. The sun can be harmful to the skin. "There are even products that when combined with the sun, cause age spots, burns and more, " comments Rosalie Brett, skin care manager, Sara Picone Beauty Inc. But don't be misled, you need to protect your skin from the sun in the winter months too.

Sunscreen All Year is a Must

All the skin care experts strongly advise that you wear sunscreen all year long. "Statistics say that less than 20 percent of Americans wear sunscreen all year round," comments Chalk. It's hard for people to think about applying sunscreen when it's snowing and 25 degrees outside. However, it is a fact that the sun shines 12 months of the year. "Damaging UV rays are present year round despite the season, altitude or time of day," points out Chalk. "Plus, keep in mind, that if there is any snow on the ground, it reflects right up into your face," adds Davenport.

Protect your skin by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF 15. "Choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone," comments Debbie Frazier, aesthetics program coordinator, Dawn Training Center Inc. Keep in mind, sunscreen is the number one anti-aging preventative.

Exfoliate

Skin has an important rule for winter: you need to exfoliate every few days with a loofah or body scrub. It's important to get rid of the skin of dead dry skin cells and this can be done through exfoliation.

"Salt and sugar scrubs for the body smooth away rough spots. Gentle cream defoliants and non abrasive scrubs containing natural exfoliating properties are great for the face," offers Chalk. For dry rough winter skin it's important to use a mild exfoliant. "Be careful not to scrub too hard, this will irritate the skin and may cause inflammation," cautions Frazier. Frazier adds that another perk that comes from using exfoliants is that they will help fine lines to be less noticeable and make up will glide on easier The result is a soft, smooth appearance.

There is another alternative to using scrubs and it is just as effective. You can also use an enzyme mask, which digests dead skin cells. As mentioned earlier, scrubs are great for some skin types but can cause broken capillaries. You do need to be careful.

"Enzyme masks are effective and do have not negative side effects assuming that the individual doesn't have a rare allergic reaction," comments Brett.

The result of using an exfoliant is that once the dead cells have been removed, products will penetrate the skin better.

For Dry Winter Skin, Moisturize!

Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. With the dry environment inside and the cold air outside your skin needs lots of moisture.

Depending on your skin type, there are many moisturizers on the market that will work for you. There is a water-in-oil emulsion that works very well since the product contains more oil than water. "This type of product will give lipid support and form a protective shield to help seal in your own natural moisture," comments Frazier.

"Or you can use moisturizers with natural oils such as jojoba, sweet almond and wheat germ which have moisturizers and conditioning properties, not occlusive properties that can create barriers and clog the pores," adds Chalk.

You need to use ingredients that hydrate the skin. For best results, after stepping out of the shower, while still damp, apply a good moisturizer. "Products with petrolatum, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid that are occlusive will help trap water in the upper layer of the skin and decrease dryness and itching," comments Davenport.

Chalk adds that body butters are great thick rich creams that absorb quickly and combat dry winter skin.

Water Weighs in as a Winner in Winter

Water is important for your skin. Even though, during the winter months you don't feel as thirsty your body still needs an ample supply of water. You need to make sure you drink plenty of water.

"It's very important that you hydrate on the inside as well as the outside. This will provide your skin with that healthy glow," comments Frazier. Plus, water will assist your system to detoxify toxins.

"Another tip is to avoid taking long hot showers because those can dry out your skin," adds Chalk.

Other Tips for Keeping Your Skin in Shape

Review your daily skin-care program. Just a note, bar soaps are barred from skin care use. In other words bar soaps are a definite no-no. "Soaps tend to strip the natural oils from the skin," explains Frazier. Also bar soaps tend to change the skin's natural PH. "When this occurs, the skin actually produces more oil to restore its normal acidity to 5.5 this is important to prevent bacteria from thriving on the skin," comments Brett. For less irritation, use a gently creamy cleanser and rinse with tepid water. "A creamy cleanser will aid in keeping your natural oil barrier and tepid water will leave the skin clean," adds Frazier. Davenport adds to make sure you use a good cleanser for your skin type whether it is for dry, oily or sensitive skin.

Tanning beds are another no-no. "They age the skin more quickly than the sun and may clear up breakouts initially but will actually increase future breakouts," comments Brett.

Another tip is to supply your skin with plenty of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, green tea and grape seed extract). "These antioxidants help to fight off all the free radicals of the environment that attack your skin everyday," says Chalk.

Get your beauty sleep. Your body needs to relax and be stress free. "Resting aids in the skin cells oxygen process for cell regeneration. Plus, proper rest is the key to help combat aging," comments Frazier.

Don't forget about your lips. Chapped lips can be painful and annoying. "Use a moisturizing balm that is made with shea butter or olive oil that enhances protection without any wax," says Frazier. She also adds that your hands are important too and natural oils can quickly evaporate with the blustery winds. Apply hand cream daily to prevent dry, cracked, aging hands.

With the winter months almost upon us, arm yourself with a good skin care regimen, good skin care products and a good positive mental attitude and you're on your way to soft, healthy, and glowing skin.