Cool Weather Doesn't Have To Wreck Your Skin

By CLOE CABRERA


I'm a big fan of the brisk temps we've had this winter. My skin isn't.

My typically oily complexion has become flaky, chapped and ashy.

"Even if you don't usually have dry skin, the wind factor and lack of moisture in the air is going to dry out your skin," says Lourdes Gali, a medical aesthetician at Body Science in Tampa. "When that happens, it can give your complexion a dull, sallow appearance."

But with several weeks of cool weather still a possibility - according to weather forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil - there are some things you can do to avoid the dreaded winter dry out.

The most important is to keep your skin moisturized.

"If you apply moisturizer to your skin right after your shower or bath, while your skin is still damp, it seals in the moisture and prevents it from drying out," Gali says.

Using the right soap is important, too.

Liquid cleansers are better than soap at this time of year, she says. "Soap contains waxes and will cause your skin to get drier. Look for liquid cleansers that are mild."

If you have sensitive skin, avoid cleansers with heavy perfumes.

And no matter how great it feels, avoid taking hot showers or baths.

"Hot water dries out your skin and can also aggravate arthritis," Gali says. "Use tepid or warm water and keep it short."

If you're skin already has fallen prey to the elements, Gali recommends Aquaphor moisturizer to whip even the driest skin back into shape. It's available at most pharmacies and drugstores.

If cooler temperatures have robbed your face of its dewy sheen, get some of it back by using a cream foundation or tinted moisturizer instead of powders or liquids, which can make your face look dry and chalky.

And remember, you can still sunburn in the winter months, so make sure you slather on the sunscreen when you're heading outdoors.

Pretty Treatments At A Pretty Price

Speaking of taking care of your skin, Pretty City, an online beauty and leisure guide, is raising awareness about heart disease by encouraging women to care for both their "outer" and "inner" self.

Pretty City has partnered with The Heart Truth and spas across the country for its "Love You" event, a beauty bonanza that features a variety of treatments at salons and spas for a discounted price of $59. The event runs through the end of February.

reatments include revitalizing facials, a hot stone massage, microdermabrasion, Brazilian waxing, even laser hair removal.



Source

It can dry your skin when you are not applying a moisturizer. Moisturizer helps your skin to be smooth.