More Winter Skin Tips

by Valerie Gladstone — December 26, 2007

In winter, everyone's skin becomes more sensitive. But don't despair, there are things you can do about it:

• If you notice redness or flaking, reduce acne and anti-aging products to once a week, and dilute them into your moisturizer until your skin calms down.
• If you must take a long shower, coat yourself in baby oil beforehand.
• Eat foods rich in fatty acids, such as walnuts, salmon, and avocados. They can improve hydration and skin texture during the colder months. They travel to the skin cells and act as a barrier against environmental irritants and allergens.
• For a quick 15-minute soak in the bath, pour a capful of bath oil under the water; try Neutrogena Body Oil ($8 at drugstores) or Dr. Hauschka Bath Oil ($15 at Sephora.com ).
• Before showering or bathing, apply Topix Replenix CF for added moisture ($80 at topixphram.com ). After your shower or bath, use a lotion with extra glycerin, such as St Ives Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer ($5 at drugstores) or Nivea Pure Moisture Body Lotion ($5 at drugstores).
• For those with extra dry skin, first smooth on a body oil. Try Nars Monoi Body Glow II if you like a scent ($60 at Sephora.com ) or J.R. Watkins All Natural Body Oil if you prefer one without fragrance ($8 at jrwatkins.com ).
• Bar soap can be too potent in winter. Try Dove Body Wash, which cleans and moisturizers at the same time ($7.60 at drugstores).
• For rough patches on your body, try a heavy cream like Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter ($8 at Sephora.com ) or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Treatment ($6 at drugstores).
• Morning and night, smooth lotion all over to keep your body soft.