Dry Skin

I have been dealing with dry skin. I call it winter skin...

I have tried a few things that are making a difference. If you are dealing with this problem take a look at the following and see if any of these improve the problem.

Moisturize More You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care. I have been using an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, instead of a water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. *****Big Hint: Many lotions labeled as (night cream) are oil-based.

But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "non clogging" oils, like mineral oil, avocado oil, or even primrose oil.

Shea oil or butter is controversial they may clog the facial pores. Vegetable shortening is a big no no!! It just sits on the skin and makes it greasy it does not absorb into the skin.

You can also look for lotions containing "humectants," including glycerin or alpha hydroxy acids that will make your skin feel great because they actually attract moisture to your skin.

I have been doing my microderm abrasion a little less often but love the alpha hydroxy acids because they really do make a difference.

Here is another thing that has been making a difference. My Humidifier!!! Thank heavens for these. No longer living near the ocean, I love my Humidifier year round. With Central heating as well as dry air it really makes a bad combo. Get a Humidifier and you will love the difference in your skin.

Leave a comment if you have something to share that has worked for you. It's nice to get feedback from others!!

Winter will be coming. Now let's talk skin care.

During the winter months, we need to pay even more attention to how we treat our skin, according to dermatologists.

While oily skin might not experience that much change from season to season, skin that's normal, dry or sensitive will usually need more moisturizing during the winter, Even when it's raining outside, heated indoor air is drying to the skin, and cold winds will have the same effect. Using a humidifier in the winter is a must. It’s great for the skin to have moisture in the air during the winter months. People with any skin type should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 year-round. We know that even on a cloudy day in winter, you're going to get significant amounts of ultraviolet exposure. "A lot of people say 'I'm not outdoors very much, I'm just going in and out of my car.' But a study looked at incidental sun exposure -- something that's not intentional -- and it's about 11 hours a week, which is a lot. So you still need to protect your skin." That goes double for people who participate in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, where they are exposed to more intense sunlight at higher elevations, coupled with wind and cold, for hours at a time.

While people who still insist on lying on the beach in the summer tend to be quite aware of how long their skin is exposed to the sun. winter sports enthusiasts may be out in the sun all day with little thought to its negative effects.

Dermatologist suggests that people who spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter use a sunscreen that's a little thicker than one they might use during the summer to ensure full coverage and hydration.

Skin-care problems like eczema, atopic dermatitis or keratotis pilaris (rough, dry areas on the cheeks or the backs of arms, more common in young children) can often flare up during the winter. Older people, whose skin loses its ability to retain moisture, can develop a condition called asteatotic eczema, which Jang says can be particularly debilitating. "If left untreated, it can get itchy and red and angry and start to really impact on a person's quality of life."

People with any of these problems need to be vigilant about using a non-sensitizing moisturizer. Curel, BurtsBees, or Lubriderm are all great products that can help your skin.

For basic skin care during the winter, you should cleanse your face twice a day, and choose a cream-based cleanser if your skin is dry or sensitive. It should leave your face feeling soft, rather than tight or dry.

At night, use a light moisturizer and during the day, a sunscreen or a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.

"I would tend to use less abrasives, less exfoliants, less glycolic acids during the winter." Those products and creams containing retinol can be especially drying or irritating during the winter