Keeping your skin in top shape during the winter is easy to do with just a few key steps. It just takes a little extra time and effort but it can be done. Moisture is key and here are a few ideas to help maintain a healthy glow.

Moisturizing the skin helps prevent dryness which can then become irritated, itchy and flaky. Once the moisture is lost, the skin can more easily crack and bleed. Lotions that you use in the summer may not be enough to tackle the elements your skin is exposed to in the winter. Cold air, wind and reflecting sun off of snow can all be detrimental to your skin. Escaping the outdoor elements is aggravated even further by indoor heat and lack of humidity.

Here are a few tips to hold on to the natural oils your skin produces and keep your skin soft and smooth :

Avoid long baths and showers. Use warm not hot water. Pat dry and moisturize your damp skin.

Choose an oil-based moisturizer in the winter. Look for ingredients like glycerin, shea butter and petroleum. Some moisturizers contain a lot of water and are not as effective in hydrating in the winter. You can also add a little oil to your moisturizer before applying.

Increase your water intake. It will help moisturize from the inside out.

Try a more moisturizing and hydrating cleanser. Avoid drying ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid and minimize the use of harsh scrubs. Apply your moisturizer immediately following cleansing.

Use a facial moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. All of these ingredients are shown to hold moisture in.

Avoid products with perfumes or other irritants.

Use sunscreen. It’s just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. The sun reflecting off snow means UV rays are hitting you from additional angles.

Purchase a humidifier. Even a small one close to your bed will put moisture into the air to be absorbed by your skin while you are sleeping.

Eat a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy skin. They are rich in antioxidants that help nourish and protect the skin. Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc all provide nutrients that help keep your skin protected. If you missed Mimi Jackie’s February’s attainable goal on eating more fruits and vegetables, you can read it here.

Do your hands and feet a favor with an overnight moisture treatment. Cover with cotton gloves and socks to hold the moisture in all night long. I purchased a pair of socks that have the silicone liner to hold the moisture against my skin. I prefer the open toe style but look ,here for one that works best for you.

Don’t forget your lips. Lip Balms with shea butter, chapsticks or even Vaseline are important in preventing cracked lips. Try to find one that also includes a sunscreen.

,13 Natural Dry-Skin Remedies You Can DIY at Home taken from everydayhealth.com

I hope you find some of these ideas helpful in keeping your skin soft and smooth during these cold months. Spring and summer will be here before you know it and you will be glad you took care of your skin by trying some of these easy and very beneficial treatments. Our skin is our largest organ so let’s make sure we do all we can to take care of it.

Here in Arizona we shift quickly from our Uggs to our sandals and our sweaters to our sun dresses so I want to make sure my skin is healthy and glowing when the time comes.

Take care and stay safe,

Lala Malana

Originally Published on https://www.gigiconnection.com/

Gigi Connection Grandparenting

With decades of friendship between us, we aim to empower and encourage women of all ages as we share, from our hearts, topics relating to health, beauty, fashion, reading, cooking, faith in God, travel and the joys of aging gracefully as we live life with our friends, family and adoring grandchildren.

Our greatest hope is that with almost 200 collective years of marriage wisdom, 20 grandchildren between us (newborn-12 years of age) and friendships lasting since 1989, our blog encourages you in some way in your friendships, your relationships, your faith, your self and in this wonderful journey called grandparenting.

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