Skincare Strategies for Cold Weather Skin

As the seasons change, it’s time to make adjustments to one’s skincare routine as well. After the heat and sun exposure of summer, cooler weather can trigger dry skin and reveal discoloration and dead skin cells. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “Switch Up Your Skincare for Fall,” offers 10 helpful tips for healthy skin in colder climates.

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6515-Switch_Up_Your_Skincare_for_Fall.aspx

1. Choose creamier products. Whether a person’s skin is dry, combination or oily-prone, switching to a milder, moisturizing face wash helps prevent moisture loss. Cooler temps and low humidity rob all skin types of moisture, so it’s wise to consider using a non-water-based cleanser, rather than soap or foaming cleansers, which can strip the skin of essential lipids. Now is also the time to increase hydration with moisturizer, to help keep the complexion smooth and supple. Oily types may opt for lotion, but dry complexions should seek a cream or ointment. Also, keep in mind that moisturizer needn’t be applied to the entire face. For oily or combination complexions, use moisturizer on dry areas (usually the cheeks) and avoid greasy spots like the T-zone.
2. Reach for a rich body cleanser and cream. The drier, cooler weather plucks moisture from the entire body. To retain moisture, look for a luxurious, creamy body wash and all-over moisturizer. After showering or bathing, apply cream to damp skin within three minutes to seal in moisture.
3. Pick a gentler exfoliant. An exfoliant removes the skin’s lifeless outer layer and clears out the pores. If skin is oily and clogged, however, avoid overly abrasive scrubs and opt for a scrub with smooth, rounded particles that won’t irritate the skin.
4. Go easy on self-tanner. Women can still enjoy self-tanner in the cooler months, but they should go for a subtler tone. Or they can skip self-tanner altogether and sweep on a touch of bronzer.
5. See a dermatologist to evaluate skin. After all the sun exposure of summer, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for an annual skincare checkup. He or she will evaluate skin for any suspicious spots, growths or moles.
6. Continue using sunscreen. Sun protection is a mainstay in everyone’s routine year-round. For everyday exposure, sunscreen with SPF 15 is OK, but if it’s going to be a longer day outside, go with SPF 30 at a minimum (and reapply every one to two hours, depending on if activities involve sweating or swimming).
7. Diminish discoloration. Being out in the sun can cause unsightly spots. To repair an uneven complexion, consider products with hydroquinone or kojic acid, which effectively reduces sun spots. Or consult a dermatologist about a prescription-strength product.
8. Clear out summer products. To eliminate unnecessary clutter, peruse cupboards and drawers for expired products and toss any spoiled skincare immediately.
9. Fix those feet. Spoil and rejuvenate post-summer feet with an at-home pedicure. Also, exfoliate feet once a week with a body or foot scrub and slather on a rich cream after washing.
10. Adopt an antioxidant. If a woman isn’t using one already, a product with antioxidants helps shield skin from the elements by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause wrinkles and sun damage. Consider a serum with antioxidants; serums typically deliver higher concentrations of ingredients to deeper layers of skin. Potent antioxidants include vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, ferulic acid and alpha lipoic acid.

Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:

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Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Luckily, vitamins in oral supplements, food and topical treatments can help clear up the skin. Acne-fighting vitamins include vitamins A, C, E and zinc. Each vitamin affects acne in a different way. These vitamins can be taken individually or combined for a synergistic effect. Find out how each vitamin affects acne, from reducing oil production and inflammation to promoting healing.

5 Nourishing, Natural Ingredients

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Natural ingredients feature a host of surprising skin benefits. Many add hydration, protect the skin from damage and speed up healing. Known for its therapeutic properties, lavender essential oil is also antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Plus, it’s said to promote a calm and sound sleep. Macadamia nut oil is known as one of the healthiest oils, becoming a staple in many households. In topical treatments, it helps to retain moisture and protect the skin. Another superior natural hydrator is shea butter, also known as karite, because it comes from seeds of the karite tree. In addition to being a staple in healthy diets, olive oil also helps protect the skin from damage, strengthen nails and deeply moisturize the skin and hair. Learn more about these ingredients and how to incorporate them into a skincare routine.

Brighten Your Complexion with Blush

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5572-Brighten_Your_Complexion_with_Blush.aspx

A common complaint among women is that their complexion lacks vibrancy and they look tired. The problem worsens as women age and skin naturally becomes paler. Luckily, a dull complexion is one of the easiest imperfections to fix. All that is needed is the right blush, a great brush and the know-how to sweep on a healthy, luminous flush. Here’s how to master all three.

Skincare 101: Combination Skin

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5491-Skincare_101_Combination_Skin.aspx

Combination skin is part oily, part dry. Typically, the oily areas are located on the T-zone, which consists of the forehead, nose and chin. Cheeks are usually more on the dry side, but the degrees of oiliness and dryness can vary. The T-zone also tends to have larger pores and is prone to breakouts, while the cheeks may feel rough and irritated. Here’s how to understand combination skin and develop an easy routine. 

How to Relieve Tight Skin

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5550-How_to_Relieve_Tight_Skin.aspx

Tight skin is a direct result of dryness. An individual may have dry skin all over or only in certain areas — known as combination skin. It can feel itchy, irritable and above all, uncomfortable. Luckily, there are easy steps that anybody can take to help tight skin feel and look better. Here's how to lock in moisture without irritating the skin.