Skincare for Cold Weather: Newest Skin Care Products for Dull Winter Skin

Skincare-News.com researches solutions for painfully dry and dull winter skin.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 26, 2008 -- Thirsty and dehydrated skin is not uncommon during the winter months. In fact, many people have tried every product on the shelf only to find that nothing is helping their dull, colorless complexion. Skincare-News.com's latest article, Beating the Winter Skin Blahs, asks the experts to discover solutions that will reveal healthy, glowing skin. http://skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=516

1. Problem: Even after drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water a day, skin is still thirsty and dehydrated.

Solution: It's a common misconception that drinking water will help nourish dry skin. While drinking water is vital for general health on the inside, it doesn't do anything to moisturize dry skin on the outside. For that, moisturizing is key!

2. Problem: After taking a shower, the skin is tight, itchy and red

Solution: For this one, it's important to shower with lukewarm water and spend no more than 5-10 minutes in the shower. Long, hot showers remove the natural oils from the skin, causing that tight, itchy feeling and flaky appearance. In addition, avoid harsh, over-drying soaps -- antibacterial, fragrant or colored soaps are typical culprits -- and choose a mild cleanser. Exfoliate weekly to remove dull, dead skin. Instead of abrasive scrubs and harsh chemical exfoliants, pick out products with lactic acid. Removing this dry skin barrier improves the efficacy of a moisturizer and gives the skin a refreshed look.

3. Problem: After a morning shower, skin is dry and itchy for the remainder of the day.

Solution: It may be necessary to moisturize 3-4 times a day during the winter months. The best time to moisturize is immediately after a shower and before going to bed. Apply a moisturizer to the face and body wile skin is still damp to trap the water and maximize hydration.

4. Problem: With so many options, its hard to find a good moisturizer to transition from the warmer months to wintertime.

Solution: Overly dry skin is in need of a thicker, moisturizing product. Specifically, go for an oil-based ointment. Select face-friendly oils like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil or almond oil. For those who prefer a cream, choose creams with shea butter, petrolatum and mineral oil.

5. Problem: The furnace, space heater or fireplace has been making skin even drier than usual, drawing moisture out of the air and out of the skin.

Solution: Turn down the thermostat, and instead, layer up! Cotton layers work best, because wool can irritate the skin. Additionally, invest in a humidifier to add moisture into the air, making the environment more humid and skin more comfortable.

6. Problem: Not only do many people notice their general health is on the fritz, but their complexion looks particularly dull and lackluster as well.

Solution: This may indicate a dietary deficiency. During the wintertime, when many fruits and veggies aren't in season, many people are missing the essentials, and that can affect their skin. Certain nutrients play a large role, and an effective way to return skin to its vibrant self is by eating a balanced diet, filled with antioxidants and nutrients. A few key vitamins are C, E, A, K and B complex. These vitamins can be found in apricots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, carrots, romaine lettuce and fresh parsley. In addition to eating foods rich in vitamin A, a topical retinol treatment can help reduce wrinkles and manage acne.

Also missing might be omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are vital for the skin, because they help with oil production -- the good kind. Without essential fatty acids, the body produces sebum that can cause problem skin, resulting in dry skin, inflammation and acne (whiteheads and blackheads included). Get omega-3s from salmon, sardines, mackerel, flaxseed and flax and safflower oils, or from a supplement like fish oil capsules or evening primrose oil.

7. Problem: Because many people mistakenly believe that the sun's rays are weaker during the winter months than in the summer, it's easy to grossly underestimate the sun. Even if they don't experience painful sunburn, not wearing sunscreen can contribute to premature aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Solution: Slather on the sunscreen just as in the summertime. When outside for a long time, make sure to reapply. The reflection of the sun off of snow and ice can be particularly damaging because of increased intensity; in higher altitudes, there's less atmosphere to filter UV radiation.

8. Problem: One step outside the door and lips feel chapped and cracked.

Solution: Lips should be moisturized constantly, even before they feel dry. Look for ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil and mango oil in lip balm, as well as SPF 15. In addition to applying a rich lip balm, it's important to resist the urge to lick the lips. Excessive licking -- an actual condition called lip licker's dermatitis -- can dramatically dry out the lips and cause redness.

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

Don't Forget the Fiber
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Surprisingly, a common culprit behind several skin concerns is a lack of dietary fiber. The American Dietetic Association recommends a daily fiber intake ranging from 20 to 35 grams, yet the average American consumes far less -- only 12 to 15 grams! By incorporating more fiber into a diet, many common digestive conditions can be alleviated, some of which are thought to cause acne, rosacea, or psoriasis. Indeed, fiber is absolutely essential for the health of the skin, so grab a bowl of oatmeal or a leafy, green salad and read on.

Out with the Old, In with the New: Clearing Bathroom Clutter
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Most people unknowingly purchase duplicate products, because their bathrooms are so messy that they can't keep track of half the cosmetic items they own! Clear out bathroom cabinets to make space for new products as well as keep track of the old ones. But clearing out the clutter doesn't simply make room for new purchases -- it can potentially save people money in the long run. De-stress and de-clutter by transforming any bathroom into a place to be enjoyed, rather than an overstocked mess of half-filled bottles and tubes.

Blackheads: Fact & Fiction
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Under ideal, normal conditions, the skin produces just enough sebum to keep the skin protected and moist. However, when higher levels of oil are produced, there is a greater chance the excess sebum will become trapped in the pore, causing a blockage. Combined with dead skin cells and dirt, excess sebum in the pore will oxidize, or darken, forming a blackhead at the opening of the pore. And although they are unsightly, battling blackheads need not be an exercise in futility. With a few additions to a skincare routine, anyone can keep current blackheads at bay and prevent new ones from forming.

Featured Expert: Dr. Nelson Lee Novick
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Dr. Novick is a highly accomplished cosmetic dermatologist and researcher. In 1991, he was one of the first cosmetic physicians to use Botox for cosmetic purposes. He coined the term "lunchtime beauty fix" years ago and has successfully treated sagging necklines, droopy nasal tips and bagginess under the eyes all in the time period of a lunch hour, without any cutting or surgery. Over the last six months, Dr. Novick has been developing a protocol for reconstituting the Botox solution in order to reduce and perhaps eventually eliminate the discomfort of Botox treatments. Additionally, this reconstituted formula makes Botox 20 percent more effective. He hopes to make this technique of preparation and administration available to the public soon.

About SkinCare-News.com -- "Your Source for Intelligent Skin Care"
Skincare-News.com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, SkinCare-News.com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty related issues. SkinCare-News.com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www.skincare-news.com.

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