Winter Skin Care Treatment

This year's winter is definitely here, and while you're taking care to stay warm, keep in mind the important changes that occur to your skin throughout this season.

Colder weather means that you need to take extra car of your skin to avoid possible breakouts. Here are some steps to follow to soothe winter skin.

• Use an exfoliant moisturizer to remove dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate gently with a microfiber cloth or a soft scrubber, especially if your skin is extremely dry and easily irritated.  
• Be sure to turn down the thermostat, because the hot air is drier than cool air and your main objective is to soothe dry skin.
• Avoid hot baths or showers. Yes, they may feel marvelous after a long cold day, but your dry skin become even drier. Use lukewarm water and concentrate on washing the areas that have a tendency to get dirtier, such as the face, underarms and feet. 
  
• No worries about the sun, right? Wrong! You still need to protect against sun rays. The snow reflects 80% of the sun rays, so don't forget to use a hat and scarf for extra protection, along with a natural SPF 15 sunscreen. 
• Don't forget about maintaining a healthy diet. Eat foods rich in healthy fats to help soothe your dry skin. Fatty acids are our skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness and retaining moisture. Consume foods rich in omega-3, like flax seed, walnuts, salmon and sardines. 
• Use heavier creams and butters to inhibit moisture loss.

What do you do differently in the wintertime to care for your skin? Share your tips!