The weather outside might be frightful but indoor heat pulls moisture from the air to exacerbate winter’s effects, drying and wrecking havoc on your complexion. Don’t be the ashy co-worker or classmate. Glow on through winter with these simple tips.
1. Slough the Rough. Exfoliating reduces flakiness, evens skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines. For optimal results, use a facial scrub or products containing glycolic, lactic, or alpha hydroxy acids three nights a week. (Never during the day.)
2. Hydrate Inside and Out. Chilly temps and indoor heating zap your skin of much-needed moisture. Besides drinking plenty of water, consider sleeping with a humidifier. You’ll wake up with more radiant skin AND have an easier time staving off those nasty winter viruses.
3. Lotion Liberally. Moisturize your body, face, and hands immediately after washing. If you wait more than a minute, your skin will start dehydrating. Good-for-you ingredients that keep you silky soft include hyalauronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
4. Keep Water Warm. Long, hot showers deplete the skin of natural lubricants. Keep water warm and limit wash time to just 5-10 minutes.
5. Fish Oils for Shine. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and tuna, increase skin’s moisture content and density. Chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, they also slow the skin’s aging process. If you’re not a fish lover, look for a supplement with 180 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA.)
6. Fake It. For an instant glow, try this tip used by makeup artists: Highlight the center of the face with a powder several shades lighter than your “real” color. Use on inner cheeks, chin, and between the brows. Your normal shade everywhere else. Super easy and instantly brightens your look!