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As the temperature drops, so does the health of our skin. Hidden under layers of long johns, sweaters, scarves, and boots, your skin is dying to be rescued. Here, we've compiled 15 ways to help restore your skin's vibrancy and health from head to toe.
1. Ditch the PocketBac! Alcohol-based and wipe off hand cleansers strip your hands of moisture. This winter, swap out your hand sanitizer for hydrating antibacterial gel or a moisturizing soap-free cleanser.
2. Hey honey! Making your own hydrating scrub couldn't be more simple! Combine honey and sugar and scrub and buff those dry patches away! Honey reduces inflamation and sugar increases blood circulation when applied to the skin.
3. Glove love! Keep your hands from cracking by lathering up your hands with moisturizing lotion and cover them with cotton gloves. The cotton acts as a breathable barrier to lock in all that wonderful moisture.
4. Walk like an Egyptian! How did Cleopatra keep her skin healthy? She bathed in milk! For scaly arms and legs, try a 12% lactic acid lotion that moisturizes AND exfoliates.
5. Smooth and soothe! Use a lotion with salicylic acid (the same acid that helps prevent breakouts) that not only exfoliates but gets rid of pesky bumps.
6. Lather me up! Next time you hop in the tub, lather on some moisturizing body cleanser or body oil that will leave a creamy film on your skin and lock in moisture.
7. EXFOLIATE!! Get rid of caked-on dead skin cells and reveal newer, brighter cells with the Tanique Essentials Mitt.
8. Twinkle toes! At night, treat your feet to a good ol' pumice stone rubbing and lotion them up with thick, buttery cream and sleep in cotton socks. Your feet will thank you in the morning!
9. Quick showers! Heat draws out moisture. Spend no more than ten minutes a day under the steaming how shower. Have trouble cutting your time short? Check out this timer and alarm by Efergy.
10. Perfect PJs! Silk pajamas are out, cotton and cotton flannel PJs are in! Cotton's natural and breathable fibers help protect even the most sensitive of skin. We love this set from Victoria's Secret!
11. SPF? Oh yes! Winter sun and snow glare can still affect your skin, even in the coldest of winters. 30 minutes before heading outside for any extended period of time, apply a broad spectrum protectant to shield your rosy cheeks.
12. Avoid wet socks and gloves! Not only do wet garments make you colder but they also suck the moisture out of your hands and feet - two areas that need extra attention in the winter.
13. Humidify your home! With the heaters cranked up on full blast, moisture is wicked out of the air making everything dry and static-y. Restore balance by using a humidifer in the most central point of your home.
14. Stay hydrated! Always keep a bottle of water in your purse. Water and herbal tea not only keep your skin hydrated but also have a ton of other health benefits. Chamomile tea leaves (after steeping) can be applied topically to rough, dry patches of skin and under eyes to reduce puffiness. Ginger tea helps remove toxins in the body. Read more about the benefits of water and tea.
15. Lock it all in with oil! Oils (such as grapeseed) will not only help lock in all the treatments you've given your body but will also give it one last kiss of moisture. Available at most drug stores and vitamin shops. Read more about the incredible health benefits of grapeseed oil here.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. The better we nourish it now, the more tight, vibrant, and beautiful it will stay.
1. Ditch the PocketBac! Alcohol-based and wipe off hand cleansers strip your hands of moisture. This winter, swap out your hand sanitizer for hydrating antibacterial gel or a moisturizing soap-free cleanser.
2. Hey honey! Making your own hydrating scrub couldn't be more simple! Combine honey and sugar and scrub and buff those dry patches away! Honey reduces inflamation and sugar increases blood circulation when applied to the skin.
3. Glove love! Keep your hands from cracking by lathering up your hands with moisturizing lotion and cover them with cotton gloves. The cotton acts as a breathable barrier to lock in all that wonderful moisture.
4. Walk like an Egyptian! How did Cleopatra keep her skin healthy? She bathed in milk! For scaly arms and legs, try a 12% lactic acid lotion that moisturizes AND exfoliates.
5. Smooth and soothe! Use a lotion with salicylic acid (the same acid that helps prevent breakouts) that not only exfoliates but gets rid of pesky bumps.
6. Lather me up! Next time you hop in the tub, lather on some moisturizing body cleanser or body oil that will leave a creamy film on your skin and lock in moisture.
7. EXFOLIATE!! Get rid of caked-on dead skin cells and reveal newer, brighter cells with the Tanique Essentials Mitt.
8. Twinkle toes! At night, treat your feet to a good ol' pumice stone rubbing and lotion them up with thick, buttery cream and sleep in cotton socks. Your feet will thank you in the morning!
9. Quick showers! Heat draws out moisture. Spend no more than ten minutes a day under the steaming how shower. Have trouble cutting your time short? Check out this timer and alarm by Efergy.
10. Perfect PJs! Silk pajamas are out, cotton and cotton flannel PJs are in! Cotton's natural and breathable fibers help protect even the most sensitive of skin. We love this set from Victoria's Secret!
11. SPF? Oh yes! Winter sun and snow glare can still affect your skin, even in the coldest of winters. 30 minutes before heading outside for any extended period of time, apply a broad spectrum protectant to shield your rosy cheeks.
12. Avoid wet socks and gloves! Not only do wet garments make you colder but they also suck the moisture out of your hands and feet - two areas that need extra attention in the winter.
13. Humidify your home! With the heaters cranked up on full blast, moisture is wicked out of the air making everything dry and static-y. Restore balance by using a humidifer in the most central point of your home.
14. Stay hydrated! Always keep a bottle of water in your purse. Water and herbal tea not only keep your skin hydrated but also have a ton of other health benefits. Chamomile tea leaves (after steeping) can be applied topically to rough, dry patches of skin and under eyes to reduce puffiness. Ginger tea helps remove toxins in the body. Read more about the benefits of water and tea.
15. Lock it all in with oil! Oils (such as grapeseed) will not only help lock in all the treatments you've given your body but will also give it one last kiss of moisture. Available at most drug stores and vitamin shops. Read more about the incredible health benefits of grapeseed oil here.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. The better we nourish it now, the more tight, vibrant, and beautiful it will stay.