Top 7 Tips for Winter Skin Care

Winter skin care takes a new approach than it does in other seasons of the year. There is the humidity to consider and the lack of it in the winter. This requires thinking ahead to adapt to the conditions as they change. Here in Indiana time seems to be measured by the festive events that take place. We have the NCAA Championships in March and then the Indy 500 in May. Then we head into summer when we spend much our time outdoors, and our skin becomes dryer to due the frequent bathing. As we head into the twilight of the seasons we find that winter brings frigid temperatures that not only cause dry skin, but also crack our lips.

For those of us who live in colder climates, winter skin care presents many challenges. There is less humidity, and this means we have to learn to adapt to our environment. Our skin feels dryer, and with good reason; there’s less moisture in the air.

1. Humidity - One way we can adapt is by adding a humidifier to our house. When our house becomes drier our skin does the same. I can say from experience that during this time my face is the first to feel dryer, which is especially true after shaving. I can imagine the same is true for women when they shave their legs.
2. Eat fruits and vegetables - The second piece of advice on the list of winter skin care tips is to watch your diet. The foods that we intake daily can affect how our skin reacts to the changes in the weather. By eating plenty of citrus fruits and fresh greens vegetables we can help promote a healthy immune system.
3. Drink water -The third step is perhaps one of the most important tips. And, it is helpful not only for winter skin care, but true any time of the year. Drink plenty of water! Our body needs water to hydrate its self. A lack of water is not only harmful to your skin, but can affect your whole system.
4. Moisturizing - Fourth on the list of winter skin care tips is moisturizing. By using a moisturizer you help your body retain the balance of fluids needed to keep your skin healthy. Choose a moisturizer than is not very greasy or you may have outbreaks. One way I found to pick a moisturizer is to use samples of products and see which one of these feels best.
5. Sunscreen -  Winter skin care is not complete without sunscreen. Although it is not 80 degrees and the sun does not to appear as bright you can still get burned. This is especially true when skiing or snowboarding when the snow reflects the sun onto our skin. Today, many sunscreens also contain moisturizers, so you accomplish two tasks at once!
6. Alcohol and smoking - The sixth winter skin care tip is to consume less alcohol and stop smoking. We all know that smoking is not a good habit, so quitting is beneficial either way you go. Alcohol can dehydrate you and the can lead to dryer skin. Everything is best in moderation, so if you drink be sure to drink plenty of water as well to help keep your body hydrated.
7. Be happy - The seventh winter skin care tip is simple. Don’t worry too much, and be happy. Stress causes wrinkles from knitting our brows together thinking of a solution to our problem. Wrinkles itch when it is dry outside. Stress can affect your immune system and over all help, which in turn makes your skin prone to dryness. If you feel that your skin is abnormally dry consult your doctor for help, which you should also do if you change your lifestyle habits.