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Tips for a Fresh Face This Winter
Here's how to treat your skin great all winter long.


Your lips have fewer oil glands than the rest of your skin, so remember to keep them moisturized.

Somebody needs to tell Jack Frost about the perils of dry skin. Sure, we thank him for nixing the heat, but nobody's happy when he snags our summer glow. Fortunately, we can still get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the cool days of winter, and keep a healthy-looking face.

Baby Face
Summer humidity helps skin stay hydrated, but winter chills can dry it out. Indoor heating only exacerbates the problem, making it even more important to go easy when it comes to face care this season.

First, replace your face wash with a milder cleanser. If you choose to exfoliate, do it sparingly. Also be sure to use a gentle product. Look for scrubs containing soft granules, such as polyethylene beads, rather than more abrasive products with aluminum oxide particles or ground fruit pits.

Right Type
Facial skin care isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, so know your individual needs. Dermatologist Zoe Draelos explains that while moisturizing is important for everyone, the same moisturizer isn't right for all. Read the labels carefully: Dry skin requires heavy moisturizers with ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, and glycerin. Lighter alternatives containing ingredients such as dimethicone work better for oily skin. Today's moisturizers can hide imperfections, soften skin, and even add color.

Sunscreen, however, is still important for all skin types. "UVA radiation, which causes premature aging and skin cancer, is present year-round," says Dr. Draelos. To learn more, talk to your dermatologist about your skin type and lifestyle to determine the best facial regimen for you.

Healthy Benefits

  • Proper skin care can minimize wrinkles by offering UVA sun protection (SPF 15 should be sufficient in winter).

  • People with rosacea can reduce flare-ups by protecting their faces. Use scarves, and be generous with the sunscreen.

  • Lovely Lip Tips

  • Apply a warm, wet washcloth to loosen dry lip flakes.
  • Use a nonflavored lip balm to deter you from licking your lips.
  • Go for glossy lipsticks rather than matte.

  • "Tips for a Fresh Face" is from the January 2007 issue of Southern Living.

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