Should I wear SPF in the winter?

Everyone likes beautiful skin, don't they? Dry and chapped skin can be a thing of the past and can be avoided, if you follow a few simple steps.The sun's rays can be just as damaging in the winter months as it is in the summer months and a moisturizer with a SPF should be used.

As an added bonus there will be reflection off of the snow which may even intensify the effect of the sun. Consider using a sunblock with a minimum SPF 15. Remember the lower the number the less protection is offered.

It is beneficial to use a sunblock all year round, not just in the summer time. And don't forget your lips. Use a SPF 15 on your lips to prevent chapped lips.


With winter on its way special skin care considerations are in order. Putting the moisture back in and keeping it there is of prime importance during the winter months. Keeping the moisture in your skin will reduce the harmful damaging effects of the drying winter winds.

Here are Six ways you can help keep your skin hydrated this winter:

1. Drink plenty of water . Hydrate your skin from the inside. Good ole H2O will replace moisture loss. Drink eight - 250ml (one cup) glasses of water per day to prevent dryness.

2. Choose mild soap and cleansers. Harsh soaps will strip the natural oils from your skin. Stick to milder cleansers. Choose the best soap or cleanser for your skin type. During dryer parts of the year switching to a less stringent cleanser is a consideration. If you are currently using a cleanser for an oily skin consider changing to a dry skin cleanser if you suffer from dry skin during the winter months.

3. Take short, warm showers . Long hot showers pull the natural oils from your skin leaving it dehydrated. As an added bonus taking shorter warm showers will help reduce your electricity bill.

4. Moisturize after your shower , and moisturize while your skin is still damp. This will 'lock in' the moisture that is on your skin preventing it from evaporating and also the moisturizer will provide additional hydration for your skin. It is important to use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. Elbows, knees, heels or other problem areas should receive special treatment to provide additional relief.

5. Invest in a humidifier . Generally dry winter conditions combined with central heating does double duty pulling the moisture from the air and, likewise, from your skin. The humidifier will keep more moisture in the air and thereby slow the natural daily moisture loss of your skin.

Invest in the future, protect your skin. You deserve it!

Laura Kelland-May lives in Ottawa Ontario and is very familiar with the drying effects of winter. Go to http://www.ottawaskincare.blogspot.com for more valuable skin care tips and hydrating products to protect your skin.

You can also contact Laura directly at lkelland-may @ live.ca (remove the spaces) if you have any questions.







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Take Care of Your Skin

Skin care is not just a daily thing. It is a regime that is followed to improve skincare and protect your skin. Skin care is not just about, cleaning. It also includes, moisturizing, exfoliating, sun protection. Anything that is put on your skin can and will have an impact on your face.


How to Buy Cosmetics

If possible ‘try before you buy’ is a good thing to remember. Sometimes after using a cosmetic brand you may develop an allergic reaction. If you do try, do not sample the ‘tester’ at the cosmetic counter at the local department store. These pots of creams are open to a plethora of bacteria. The sample should be in, if possible, in a single use air tight package.

If you are getting a rash or reaction from products you have been using consider how long you have had them:

•Mascara – Turf it after 3- 4 months. Mascara has a considerable amount of bacteria able to grow in the tube. Never pump the wand in the holder. That puts air into the container and makes the mascara dry out. NEVER share your mascara. It is a great way to share…. Share your bacteria that is. Itchy eyes, swollen lids and tearing can result from bacteria in your mascara.

•Foundation – One year max. on the foundation.

•Lip stick – 2 years

•Brushes and applicators – these can be washed regularly. Clean them every few months or replace them.

Be aware that if there are natural botanicals does not mean that there are natural ingredients. Sometimes these natural ingredients are actually synthesized in a laboratory not extracted from plants.




Moisturizers

Anti-wrinkles, age defying, regenerate, all these are descriptors seem to point to the main point of skin care… to stop your skin from aging. Well your skin is getting older as we speak. To slow the aging process will take more than moisturizer.

Having smooth, blemish free skin is a desirable goal but at what cost. Moisturizers work by replacing natural oil in you skin with an added substance from a bottle. The fissures in your skin are filled making them look smoother and provides an oily film to prevent natural moisture loss.


When buying lotions, look at the ingredient list. If you are buying a soothing aloe cream and aloe is listed in the bottom 3rd of the ingredients then you’re not getting much aloe in your cream


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