Dry Skin Care Tips

Easy dry skin care tips for healthy, radiant skin all winter long.

Since skin is our body's first line of defense against the world, it takes quite a beating, especially in winter. Dry, cold air literally sucks moisture out, leaving skin parched, tight and flaky, which in turn makes it less flexible and more susceptible to cracking.

Fortunately, this isn't inevitable. By incorporating the following simple steps into your dry skin care daily routine, you can enjoy healthy, radiant skin all winter long.

Cleanser For Dry Skin Care

The most important thing during the winter is to keep your skin from drying out. The best place to start is with your cleansing routine, since washing removes the protective surface oils from your skin.

You should avoid makeup removers that contain alcohol or witch hazel, because these chemicals dry skin out, especially around the eyes. Instead, you may use plain vegetable oil.

Then wash your face. If your skin is normal, you should use a non-soap cleanser like glycerin or Cetaphil once a day. If it's dry, you can forego products altogether and simply rinse with warm water. Those with oily or combination skin should choose a cleanser in the normal to oily range and wash twice a day. Then follow with a moisturizer.

For better dry skin care we’d recommend to...

...use Facial Cleansing Gel

It gently cleanses causative bacteria, replenishes skin with nutrients and helps to repair and tone your skin.

Choosing The Right Moisturizer For Dry Skin Care

If you've got oily or combination skin, you may be shaking your head at this advice.

…don't.

Even if your skin is oily, you still need protection. Look for a noncomodegenic product (meaning one that won't clog pores) containing 4 to 8 percent alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and use just a little where you're driest.

If you have normal skin, use a light moisturizer, again only where you need it (usually just on the cheeks and neck). For dry skin care, look for a medium to heavy moisturizer and apply all over your face. The colder and drier the air around you, the heavier a product you should use.

Everyone should use a moisturizer around the eyes. Since there is very little muscle or fat to support this area, it's one of the first parts of the body to show the effects of aging. Be sure to apply moisturizer with your middle or ring finger so that you aren't as likely to tug or pull at the skin.

Products that contain humectants (urea, lactic acid) will attract moisture from deeper tissues in your body. Plant-based ingredients like safflower, canola, shea butter and sweet almond oils will penetrate the skin, while also making it appear smoother. As for mineral oil and other petroleum products, they've gotten a bad rap.

She points out that there is no research proving that mineral oil is bad for your skin and that it is in fact a totally benign smoothing and softening agent. Still, petroleum products aren't readily absorbed into the skin; instead, they work like a kind of sealant that "locks in" moisture by preventing water from evaporating off of your skin.

For the best results

use H-Series Moisturizer

It both moisturizers and nourishes, protects skins new balance.

In the summer, expect your skin to be even more dehydrated, with more noticeable fine lines.

For dry skin care during summer try…

* Adding a few drops of a hydrating serum to your usual moisturizer.

Renewing Serum will help you to exfoliate old, dead skin cells to reveal new layer of skin underneath for more vibrant look.

* Giving yourself a moisturizing facial once or twice a week. Avocado oil is one of nature's best lubricants. Apply half a mashed avocado to a clean face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Eat the other half :-)

* Alcohol-based astringents and toners, which can make skin even drier

* Drying your face completely after washing. Instead, your face should be slightly damp when you apply moisturizer and that will help seal it in.