How to Winterize Your Skin Routine
Cold weather can do serious damage to your skin. So how can you winterize your skin routine?
Elaine D'Farley, beauty director of SELF magazine, debunked some of the classic myths about skincare during the winter season, and shared some moneysaving products that can help skin during these cold months.
So what does this severe cold weather actually do to the skin?
D'Farley said low humidity, low temperature and strong harsh winds can cause dry and parched skin. This combination of conditions can take the moisture out of skin. Humidifiers are helpful all year long, but they are really good during the winter.
D'Farley said in the winter you need to take care of your skin from head to toe.
"You might gloss over your knees, feet and toes that are not exposed, but they still get dry during the winter," she said. "Just because you don't see it does not mean it's not getting dry."
D'Farley also put "The Early Show" to the test with this true or false quiz:
1. You need to change regular face moisturizer during the winter time. (FALSE)
ANSWER/SOLUTION- You don't have to put your fave formula on ice. Simply winterize it. Unless you live in an extreme climate (say, the North Pole), your regular hydrator should hold up. But give it more oomph by applying a moisturizing serum first. Serums are lightweight, so they won't change your lotion's consistency. Plus, they penetrate deeply, delivering ingredients more effectively. Choose one with hyaluronic acid, which plumps up cells by attracting water.
PRODUCTS: Cygalle Healing Spa Sea Pearl Elixir, $95 / L'Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Serum, $23
2. Soaking into a hot tub is a big winter-sin. (TRUE)
ANSWER/SOLUTION- When you take a bath your pores open up and the moisture in your skin evaporates and that's not your goal. If you love to have baths, keep it short (5 minutes), use a creamy wash with petroleum or sunflower oil. Your goal is to leave your skin coated to trap the natural oils. Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing and immediately apply body lotion. It's like adding a sealant to a coat of paint.
PRODUCT: Dove Cream Oil Body Wash, $7
3. Downing tons of water will quench dry skin. (FALSE)
ANSWER/ SOLUTION- Drinking a lot of water will increase the speed of getting rid of the water. (You will go to the bathroom a lot). You need foods with nutrients that will help strengthen your skin to help it retain their natural oils. Look for foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and halibut.
PRODUCTS: Salmon & Halibut /Glass Water
4. Heavy lotions are more effective during the cold weather. (FALSE)
ANSWER/ SOLUTION- Lotions do not have to be heavy. Light lotions can be as effective. Both do the jobs but in slightly different ways. Lighter lotions rely more on humectants, the lighter ingredients pull moisture into the skin. Thicker lotions prevent moisture from evaporating.
PRODUCT: Priori Advanced AHA Hand & Body Lotion, $45 or Kiss My Face moisturizer, $10
5.You have more dandruff in winter than other seasons. (FALSE)
ANSWER/SOLUTION- White flecks show up more on darker clothes. Surprisingly, dandruff isn't caused by dryness, but a fungus called Malassezia globosa. In winter, flecks show up more against darker clothes, and the low humidity makes them dislodge from your scalp more easily. Stop them anytime by using shampoo and conditioner with pyrithione zinc. If flakes don't vanish in a month, see your dermatologist; they can also signal psoriasis.
PRODUCTS: Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care, $8 (Shampoo and Conditioner)
6. Your lip palm addiction is making your lips chapped. (FALSE )
ANSWER/SOLUTION- If going without your lip balm for a day (heck, for three hours) sounds as challenging as skipping your morning latte, you may be subconsciously licking off the stuff or pressing lips together, leaving behind saliva. That's bad news for your mouth, because saliva is acidic (to help dissolve food for digestion) and therefore dehydrating to the thin skin on lips. Make an effort not to lick, and choose salves with superstar softeners such as jojoba oil or shea butter.
PRODUCT: ChapStick 100% Naturals Botanical Medley, $3