Avoiding Chapped Skin This Winter

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: spa, skin, winter, chapped, pampering, at home masks, lotion, facials

By: Patty Abrams – Spa Director
The Spa at The Woodlands Resort

Cooler weather means changing up your skin care routine. Dry air outside, coupled with running heaters indoors, can leave skin cracked, irritated and dull. By making a few, simple adjustments you’ll be sure to have glowing skin throughout the holiday season.

Start by re-evaluating your facial moisturizer. Because our skin loses water and natural oils during the dry, winter months, it’s best to use an oil-based moisturizer. Richer skin-care products form a natural seal over the skin’s surface to prevent water loss.

Two other causes of moisture loss are hot showers and bubble baths. Turn down the water temperature and discard harsh, lye-based soaps. Instead look for soaps containing cocoa butter, oil and oatmeal.

In fact, you can rev-up dull skin by making your own oatmeal body-scrub at home. Combine one mashed avocado with one teaspoon of sunflower oil and a cup of dry oatmeal. Apply the mixture to your skin and rinse. These natural ingredients gently exfoliate and nourish dry skin in one step.

Don’t forget to pamper your hands and feet. Use lukewarm water when washing your hands to prevent chapping and keep hand cream readily available. Heavier ointments and creams that contain natural humectants such as glycerin or petroleum are perfect for the winter season because they create a lasting barrier to prevent moisture loss. Any vegetable-based oil you find in your pantry can be used all over to soothe dry, itchy skin. To avoid that greasy feeling, apply ointment moisturizers in small amounts and rub into the skin thoroughly.