The revelry has subsided and the resolutions are in. But on top of carpools, back-to-work stress, and unnerving dietary restrictions, there’s one thing you need to take care of every single day without fail. And that, ladies, is your skin! From face to tootsie toes, your skin is the largest organ of your body and it deserves the same attention as you might pay your heart, lungs, eyes, and so on. In the past couple of months have you…
-glanced in the mirror and found you appear older than usual?
-felt a stinging pain in your hands, only to look down and find them incredibly dry?
-skipped a pedicure because your toes don’t show in boots?
-felt itchy in your clothes, even when they’re the softest fabrics?
Stop the madness! And treat the skin now. Here’s my little wintry guide to getting yours healthy again, STAT.
FACE
Info & Tips
Your face is what people see first and it’s a major part of what makes you you. Whether you’re into an OCD skin regimen or prefer to keep things lax with daily washing and a smear of the nearest cream when you remember, winter months require just as much (if not more) TLC than summer. Surprisingly, many women skip sunscreen in winter because hey, we’re not at the beach! But did you know that dangerous rays from the sun bounce off snow, cars, and other bright surfaces … right onto your face? If you aren’t wearing SPF daily, you are susceptible to skin damage in winter just as much as in summer. And despite your best efforts, practices that you consider “good” like exfoliating and getting facials, can actually over-dry your skin in winter months. This can induce acne, over-dry the skin, and worsen the appearance of wrinkles. Instead, wash your face with a creamy, gentle cleanser and use a slightly richer moisturizer than you do in warmer months.
Products to Try
Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a great option for now and will carry you into warmer months, too. Slather on your daily dose and watch wrinkles lessen while you protect your face from the sun’s rays and give it a perfect moisture balance. This product uses copper, calcium PCA and apricot kernel oil for wrinkle reduction, improved elasticity, and moisturizing.
HANDS & FEET
Info & Tips
Excessive washing, forced air heating, and exposure to the elements can make your hands dry, red and patchy. Combat the onslaught of wintry symptoms by avoiding typical hand sanitizers and opting for a moisturizing product that disinfects on the go. Apply lotion every time you wash your hands, after the shower, before and after the gym, after bathing your kids, doing dishes, and before bed. In other words, apply lotion often! And as for those toes, don’t skip taking care of your feet just because no one will see the polish. If you don’t have time or cash for frequent pedicures, work on your heels and calluses with a pumice stone once a week and apply rich moisturizer after every other shower. You will notice a major difference in the appearance and feel of your feet.
Products to Try
Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs without drying out your hands. It delivers a heavy natural dose of moisturizers like safflower oil to keep them soft while fighting bacteria.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream is specially formulated for dry skin. With a luxurious feel and no greasy after-effect, this is sure to be your new favorite indulgence. Hide your tube in a drawer so your husband and kids don’t go to town on it!
ALL OVER
Info & Tips
The skin of your neck, arms, elbows, tummy, legs and elsewhere require the same care that you show your face, hands and feet. Use moisturizing lotion after you shower. If your workout of choice is swimming, always rinse off when you leave the water and apply double the usual amount of lotion after every swim. Sitting around the house in your hubby’s boxers? Perfect opportunity to give those gams an extra pop of lotion. Cooking dinner in a tank top to counter the heat of the stove? That’s a moment to give your arms some extra moisture. Always make sure to bundle up when going out in the cold and if you’re wearing a sweater, make sure to have a breathable cotton or silk layer underneath.
Products to Try
Go natural with the healing and soothing powers of coconut oil! I have personally watched in amazement as painful cracked skin of the elbows was transformed in just over a week with a generous daily application of coconut oil, right from the jar. Try it on dry skin anywhere on your body for fast, thorough relief at a ridiculously low price point.
I wonder if coconut oil would work on my heels?
Kristin, it’s a lifesaver, I would definitely try it! I used it on skin that was so bad it required an rx, and the coconut oil worked better than my prescription cream š
Good luck and let us know how it goes! xo
Oh! I am going to try this, too. Thanks for the tip!
I started using coconut oil as my only lotion this past fall. I love the feel, easy scent and the fact that it actually lasts the whole day. Love it!