Emergency Rescue for Winter Skin - 4 Natural Ways to a Healthier Complexion

The winter months can play havoc with your complexion. Biting cold winds outdoors, warm and dry heating indoors, not to mention the indulgences of the festive period – all of this can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and out of condition.

Cosmetics companies will try to tell you that their unique formulas are worth the high prices they charge, but for healthy skin that feels and looks great, nature often has the best answers. Here are 4 wholesome ways to give your complexion a winter pick-me-up.

1. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil has been used for millennia in its native lands as a skin moisturizer, cleanser, and sun protector. It is high in natural saturated fats which strengthen the underlying structure of the skin, making it more supple and less prone to wrinkling and cracking. These fats also act as powerful moisturizers, locking in moisture below the skin surface and preventing it evaporating through the pores. Coconut oil also contains a substance known as capric acid, which has a mild anti-microbial action, promoting overall skin health and helping to prevent spots and rashes.

To use coconut oil, simply massage a few pure drops into your face after a shower or bath. It is absorbed more efficiently and works more effectively on damp skin.

2. Evening Primrose Oil 

This natural oil is extremely rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes, and promote skin elasticity. These acids are also vital in regulating the production of the hormones responsible for skin health, and trials have shown that evening primrose oil has beneficial effects for sufferers of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

This oil can be taken in capsule form, or rubbed directly onto your skin for a fast lift in tone and texture.

3. Green Tea 

Green tea is one of those supplements that has been somewhat over-hyped, and touted as a cure for all sorts of ailments. However, studies have suggested that the polyphenols it contains do indeed have strong benefits for skin condition, particularly in helping to reduce inflammation. One of the main benefits of green tea however is its strong anti-oxidant properties which are thought to help slow down the enzymes responsible for premature skin ageing.

Green tea can of course be taken as a drink, although topical application delivers the active ingredients to your skin more quickly, especially if you then use one of the moisturizing oils mentioned to lock the nutrients in.

4. Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil is widely used in the treatment of eczema and other skin complaints thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It contains compounds that improve circulation and increase blood oxygenation, meaning it has an anti-inflammatory action and can soothe irritated skin. 

Lavender oil also has a calming scent; use this in combination with other oils to replicate perfumed lotions without the harsh chemicals that commercial cosmetics sometimes use.

There's nothing at all wrong with using light, neutral cosmetic lotions and creams as part of your daily skin care routine, but next time you're feeling swayed by tempting claims made for your complexion in a commercial, remember that nature usually knows best. Using these healthy, natural products either alone or in combination will have great long term benefits for both your skin and your pocket.

Foolproof Beauty Tips for Surviving Wicked Winter Weather

Are you plagued by dry lips and cracked skin during winter? Do you dread the harsh dry weather you know you'll have to suffer through before spring arrives? 

If you hate dealing with cracked hands, flaking skin, and sore lips, there are easy ways you can avoid the damaging effects of winter weather. 

Consider the following beauty tips for surviving winter weather:

1. Hair needs extra care during the winter months. 

Moisturize liberally to ensure your hair remains healthy and vibrant. If you find your hair plagued by static electricity after brushing, gently wipe a dryer sheet over your hair follicles to eliminate those dreaded fly-away hairs.

2. Winter is an excellent time to exfoliate your body skin. 

Skin is already dry during the colder months of the year; exfoliating dry skin helps you feel fresh and clean. Follow your exfoliation routine with an invigorating shower for maximum freshness.

3. Sun protection is crucial even during the shortest months of the year. 

You want to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays even if you aren't out in shorts and tank tops. Check the labels on protective moisturizers to ensure the SPF rating is appropriate for winter sun.

4. Adequate water intake during winter is a must. 

Opt for ice water if you want an energy boost. As your body works to regulate its temperature after an influx of ice water, you'll feel an increased sense of vitality that won't result in an energy crash that normally comes after a caffeine intake. Your skin will feel plumper and you might even notice less flakiness in your skin as the result of adequate water intake.

Winter needn't be harsh on your skin and hair if you take extra care to maintain a beauty routine. Simple beauty tweaks can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. Will you be implementing any of these winter beauty tips to ensure you survive the coldest months of the year?

5 Winter Skincare Strategies that Are Hurting Your Skin

Wintertime presents many skincare challenges to women of all ages. If you follow a routine and haven't had any luck with it, you may be making the problems worse. Learn about the five most common skincare strategies used in the cold-weather months that actually hurt your skin.

1. Over-Washing with Moisturizing Cleanser

Moisturizing cleanser is a must-have in any cold-weather skincare regimen. However, many women assume that it is OK to wash at the same frequency as they did in spring and summer. This couldn't be further from the truth. In the winter, you should limit the amount you wash your face. Even the most moisturizing cleansers still take away your skin's natural oils which are critical for combating dry and flaky skin.

2. Using the Same Moisturizer

If you have found your go-to moisturizer for warm weather, you may be tempted to continue to use it through the cold months. Instead of doing this, use an oil-based or other type of moisturizer that is specifically designed to combat dryness and redness. Moisturizers with thicker formulas and more intensive moisturizing agents act as a protective barrier over your skin while lightweight formulas cannot hold up to the cold.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Facial Cream (Intolerant Skin to Dryness)

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche Facial Cream (Intolerant Skin to Dryness) is a gentle moisturizer for dry, sensitive, intolerant skin. Its rich, creamy texture provides immediate comfort. Free of fragrance, preservatives, alcohol, and parabens. Safe for sensitive skin.  

3. Exfoliating Too Often

Exfoliating is critical because it removes dead skin, revealing healthier, more youthful skin underneath. However, it should only be done one or two times a week during the winter. Over-exfoliating your skin can make it drier and tight, resulting in redness and uneven texture.

4. Using Harsh Makeup Remover

Makeup remover is a great way to avoid over-washing your face. However, many makeup removers use harsh agents that can leave your skin feeling dry. Instead, consider using a moisturizing product such as cold cream.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off off Cleansing Balm provides a comfortable touch to the skin with its fine texture. The creamy lotion converts into oil upon application to eliminate facial makeup. Can be used to remove full or partial makeup.

5. Skipping Night Cream

If you have a habit of forgetting to put on your night cream, your skin is missing out on much-needed hydration.  Night cream helps to restore and revitalize your skin while you sleep, so you can wake up to a more youthful-looking complexion each morning. Regenerating serums are also worth looking into if night creams aren't ideal for you.

L'Occitane Immortelle Biologique Precious Night Cream

L'Occitane Immortelle Biologique Precious Night Cream is a silky smooth cream that offers triple action to make skin firmer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Immortelle stimulates collagen production to fill in deep wrinkles while Achille extract accelerates skin cell renewal and reinforces the skin network for a firmer look. In just one night, skin looks incredibly younger.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Serum

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Serum is a fast acting and high-performance serum that optimizes cell renewal to continually reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin. It instantly creates a luminous-from-within radiance, unveiling skin that is brighter, healthier, more uniform. Oil-free and suitable for all Skin types.

You can beat the cold-weather blues this year by adjusting your skincare routine to fit the climate. By following the tips provided, you can maintain healthy-looking and -feeling skin all through the winter.

How to Have Luscious Lips in the Fall and Winter

The fall and winter months can do a real number on your skin. One of the most sensitive areas of your body, your lips, may react to wind and colder temperatures by becoming dry and chapped. But you can take many steps to ensure your lips appear healthy, luscious, and kissable by using some of these effective techniques:

1. Drink lots of water. 

Your body requires a considerable amount of water to make it through an average day. Consume at least 64 ounces daily to keep your lips and body hydrated.
  

2. Use lip balm daily. 

Find products that contain shea butter or other soothing ingredients for your lips. Even when you're staying inside, applying lip balm throughout the day helps to combat cracked, dry lips.

Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Hydrating Conditioning Lip Balm

3. Obtain a humidifier. 

Most furnaces keep you warm by blowing warm or hot air, which is not conducive to keeping your lips moist. Therefore, using a humidifier will counteract your furnace's deleterious effects. Many furnaces now have built-in humidifiers, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase a small appliance humidifier that you fill with water each day. Your lips will thank you.

4. Keep those lips covered. 

When you're outdoors, your lips are exposed to elements that can chap them, like cool air, frigid temperatures, and gusty winds. Holding your gloved hand over your lips when you're scurrying from your car into work provides a bit of protection for them. Also, consider wearing a winter muffler that you can pull up over your lips as a safeguard against the lip-damaging elements.

5. Apply a lip primer before putting on lipstick. 

Primers not only aid your lipstick in staying on longer, they provide much-needed moisture for your lips. Primers are the bomb, use them.
  

6. Buy lip products that contain UV protection. 

Even though it's fall or winter time, the sun is still shining through. And that sun might be aging your beautiful lips. Keep the sun's damaging rays off your lips by applying some UV protection.

7. At night, apply petroleum jelly. 

Petroleum jelly provides a thick protective coating over your lips that guards against further drying and chapping and lasts all night. When you wake up in the morning, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how smooth and moist your lips are.
  

8. Avoid licking your lips when you're outside. 

Wetting your lips outdoors means your lips will become drier and more chapped when the cold and wind hits them.
  

9. Seek lip products that nourish skin. 

Evaluate ingredients listed on any balms or lipsticks you use to ensure you're protecting them. Look for Vitamin C and E in the ingredients list.

10. Keep your lip products handy. 

Place a salve on your nightstand and end table in the living room. Stash some lightly hued lipstick in a kitchen cabinet or drawer. Always have an extra chubby stick or lip salve in your briefcase or bag. When you have your lip balms everywhere you are, all you have to do is apply them. The more you do, the healthier they'll be.

Christian Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lip Balm

Orlane Magnificent Lip Balm

Supple, soft, kissable lips can be yours if you follow these strategies. Protect one of the most important assets of your face: your lips.