Winter Skin Care - Routine Protection Home Remedies

Below freezing temperatures and cold winds, face can take quite a beating during the winter season. Covering your face completely is not a simple task.

1. Cold weather can take its toll on your skin, too, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. The lower temperatures outside, increased windiness and the fact you are turning up the thermostat in your home can all make your skin flaky, blotchy, chapped, dry and itchy.

2. Use of heavier moisturizer on your hands, feet, elbows and knees.

3. Use a mild cleanser as opposed to soap, which can strip your skin of the essential oils it needs.

4. Continue to drink lots of water to provide the necessary hydration to your skin.

5. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or better. Although you may not feel it as much, the sun can be just as powerful when reflecting off the snow or while taking a long walk outdoors as it is on a summer day at the beach. A suitable suggestion is to use a moisturizer or foundation with a built-in sunscreen every day.
6. Layer your clothing when going out in cold. Cold weather dries your skin out faster than when it's warm.

7. If your moisturizer doesn't contain sunscreen, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 at minimum. Normally recommended SPF30 or higher but since you are less likely to spend an extended amount of time outdoors, SPF15 is sufficient.

8. Be prepared for extra skin care by carry moisturizing cream with you when you are out.

9. Avoid skin care products that contain ingredients that dry out your skin. Such ingredients to avoid would be fragrance oil, alcohol and other harsh un-natural ingredients.

10. Keep your feet hydrated by slathering on a thick foot cream at night and wearing socks.

11. Wear gloves outdoors to protect your skin from the excessive cold. Apply a bit of hand lotion on your hands before you tuck your hands into gloves or mittens.