Filed under Healthy Living on December 4th, 2008:
Radiant Cold Weather Beauty Tips
Your exercise, health, and beauty routines should change in the winter, just as the weather changes and you change the clothes you wear. By the time the first leaf falls, it seems like you have the “winter itch.” With indoor heating and cold dry weather outside there is less humidity in the air and you must take better care of your body to look and feel comfortable. Your skin needs 30% humidity to stay moisturized and when the heat is running, the humidity level is about 10%. Purchase a humidifier and you will notice a difference in the air you breathe, especially at night.
Winter Beauty Tips
Here are a few winter beauty tips for your body: exfoliate at least once a week, wash with warm not hot water, and lather up with lotion at least once a day. There are products specific to your face, hands, feet and body, so check them out at your local beauty store near your Grand Rapids apartment. Also, keep a lip moisturizer in your purse, your coat pocket and in your bathroom. You never seem to have one when you need it. Now let’s look at these winter beauty tips and how you can take care of your skin, hair, nutrition and exercise during this dry weather.
Face
- Wash your face with a creamy face cleanser that does not have alcohol in it.
- Use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen and a foundation that is SPF15.
- Use a night cream and eye cream, even if you do not use one in the summer.
- Don’t forget your lips; use Vaseline or products containing shea butter.
- Cover your face with a scarf for protection from the cold.
Hands
- Use moisturizer after washing your hands.
- Use moisturizer before putting on gloves to go outside.
Feet
- Make sure you use a scrub or pumice stone on your feet twice a week.
- Buy a foot cream and use it daily.
- If your feet are still dry, use a foot cream at night and wear cotton socks to bed.
- Keep your feet warm and dry when outside in the cold.
Body
- Skip the bubble bath and use bath oil or oatmeal baths.
- Use a moisturizing body wash.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after a bath or shower while your body is still damp.
- Don’t forget to wear leggings to keep your legs protected from the cold.
Hair
- Use a moisturizing, hydrating or replenishing shampoo.
- Use a conditioner even if you just put it on the ends of your hair.
- Dry your hair completely before going outside so you do not get a head cold or damage your hair.
- Wear a hat outside for protection from the cold weather.
Nutrition
- Take a vitamin D supplement since you will not be getting as much sun in the winter.
- Eat more fish, avocados, and olive oil or take an Omega 3 supplement.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
- Drink a glass of water and eat a piece of fruit before going to a holiday party to keep from overeating.
- Eat warm filling soups; they will satisfy the need to eat heavier foods.
Exercise
- Bundle up with a hat, scarf and gloves and take a walk every day. You need the fresh air!
- If you don’t want to go outside in the cold, or it is stormy, exercise inside – just exercise daily!
- If you are planning on going skiing or snowboarding, do some aerobic activity the week or two before to help avoid injury on the slopes.
As the cold wind blows, don’t put the sun block and conditioners away with the bathing suits and flip flops, and don’t feast and hibernate in your Grand Rapids apartment instead of going outside and exercising. The season has changed and your body needs a little more care to keep it radiant and healthy.