Relax at home with friends, and have a do-it-yourself spa day. Hands and feet need extra pampering in cold months.
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Rose Nguyen
Take a few minutes this month to give your skin extra-special care. Thanks to weeks of cold air outside and drying indoor heat, our outer layer feels tight, chapped, and a lot like those cracked, brittle leaves that welcomed winter. Sound familiar? Treat yourself using these tips from a Southern Living staff favorite, Texas-based skin care expert Renée Rouleau.
Renée’s Top Five Winter Skin Tips
- It’s not too late to change your routine. Your skin acts differently in winter, producing less oil. So most skin types must add oil back to maintain overall balance. Try products containing safflower oil, avocado oil, and shea butter. Also, hydrating eye cream is a must this time of year.
- Instead of over-moisturizing, increase exfoliation. Remember to moisturize, but also consider exfoliation to help slough off dry skin. Use a gentle face exfoliator to remove dead cells, allowing moisturizer to hydrate the newer, healthier cells.
- Don’t neglect your neck. The friction caused by turtlenecks and wool fibers can cause irritation and dryness. Use a gentle exfoliator once a week and follow with a hydrating cream mask to replenish moisture. When possible, opt for loose-fitting, smooth-fibered clothing.
- Remember skin care after exercising. Perspiration can contribute to irritation in addition to the dryness already present during cold weather. After working out, wash your face and follow with an alcohol-free toner and nourishing moisturizer.
- Avoid greasy hand creams if prone to break outs. Most of us are more likely to use hand cream just before going to bed during winter, causing for some a condition called “hand cream acne” that results from sleeping with hands on your face. Consider cotton gloves or changing your hand cream to an oil-free variety to keep skin clear.
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