Sunday, November 20, 2011

How To: Winterproof Your Skin

"I ought to say no no no sir - Mind if I move in closer
At least I'm going to say that I tried- What's the sense of hurtin' my pride
I really can't stay- Baby don't hold out
Baby it's cold outside"


He loved her, but the real reason he feared letting her go outside is because he wanted to protect her perfectly hydrated skin. Winter's harsh weather and low temperatures can easily take a toll on skin, leaving it parched and flaky. "Winterproofing" it is vital throughout December, January, and February. So, Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose, but you won't find  scaly, thirsty skin here! Here are ways to guarantee smooth, supple skin from head to toe all throughout winter.


Feet and Hands: Shea "Yes, Please!" to Shea!
Right before bed, indulge in a majorly moisturizing ritual. Slather on a layer of  a thick, moisturizing cream to your feet and hands. I'm in love with BBW Warm Vanilla Sugar  Shea Cashmere Hand Cream ($6.00) for hands and BBW Warm Vanilla Sugar Triple Moisture Body Cream ($12.50) for feet. Immediately slip on a pair of shea-infused gloves and socks and visit your dreams! Each day you'll wake up to baby-soft paws and feet.



Lips: Stop Licking Them!
This bad habit actually leaves your pout even dryer than before! Instead, opt for a creamy balm with moisturizing ingredients as well as soothing ones. Blistex Cold & Allergy Lip Soother ($3.00) gently hydrates a parched and irritated pucker with a formula that glides across lips. Remember to exfoliate weekly and finish with a swipe of balm.

















Body: Exfoliate for a 'Polished' Look!
Pun intended! Dead skin cells = dull skin. Lather up with an exfoliating body wash to cleanse skin as it removes dead skin. Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash with Nutrimoisture ($10.00) is a perfect partner for your loofah. Right after showering, moisturize skin with a rich hydrator like Dove Cream Oil Shea Butter Body Lotion ($8.00).


Face: Face Your Fears of Dead Skin Cells!
Dead skin cells make for a dull, lackluster appearance. Exfoliate your face weekly with a gentle facial exfoliator such as St. Ive's Apricot Scrub ($5.00). In the morning, splash it with lukewarm water and hydrate. Deep cleansing your pores in the morning isn't necessary unless you want to risk drying. At night, Cleanse your face with a mild facial cleanser and finish with a lightweight moisturizer. My favorite is Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($24.50), where deep hydration and fast absorbing properties come together. Skip toner; the alcohol will dry out skin. Never leave the house without sunscreen. Often times, the sun's harsh rays are even stronger in the winter. Apply a foundation or sunscreen with at the very least SPF 15.
Hair: Never Neglect!
In between intense snowball fights and long steaming showers, hair can lose its essential moisture. Rather than drying hot showers, try lukewarm ones complete with a hydrating routine. Shampoo and condition with your favorites, then later spritz a leave-in-conditioner like Aveeno's Nourish + Condition Leave In Treatment ($8.00) for shiny, quneched tresses.
Aveeno Active Naturals Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment
Now, you're ready to face winter's harsh effects! Good luck! (Happy Early Thanksgiving)
XOXO,
Gabby












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