Winter, I Feel Your Not-Tender Touch Against My Skin

by Valerie Gladstone — December 17, 2007

Sun is the enemy in the summer. Lack of humidity--unless you're lucky enough to live in a swampy climate--is the devil in winter. The uppermost layer of your skin is supposed to keep water in and irritants out. But in winter, humidity levels drop both outdoors and in, moisture evaporates, and skin can't do its job as a protective covering. The answer: change your regimen. Try a combination of quicker, cooler showers and baths; gentler exfoliation; and richer moisturizer. If you want to go even further, buy a humidifier for your bedroom.

Cleanse

• Face--Use a soap-free, creamy cleanser. Anything that produces lather can be too harsh. If you have acne-prone skin, try a formula with beta-hydroxy acid or benzyl peroxide. Rinse with warm water.
• Body--Smooth a moisturizing body wash on with your hands or a washcloth. Limit your showers and baths to 15 minutes--water can remove the skin's protective oils--and keep the temperature warm, not hot.

Exfoliate

• Face--Twice a week, gently swirl a scrub down the T-zone and lightly over the cheeks. This removes the dead skin cells that prevent skin care ingredients from penetrating. If your skin is dull, try a face peel.
• Body--Every 2 to 3 days--or whenever your skin looks dull and ashy--slough away dead cells with a natural fiber loofah or an oil-based scrub. Gently pat dry with a towel, leaving skin slightly wet.

Hydrate

• Face--Switch from a lotion to a cream, unless your skin is naturally oily, with hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin. Put a thick layer on damp skin. Wait 1 minute then apply makeup as usual.
• Body--After showering, smooth a generous layer of lotion or baby oil over your body, concentrating especially on dry or cracked areas like the heels, hands, and elbows. Repeat before bed.