How to Fight Lizard Skin: The Top Dry Skin Spa Treatments To Give You Soft, Hydrated, Gorgeous Skin
Posted by Elizabeth on Thursday, October 4th, 2012
Image source: Makeupandbeautyblog.com
What is your most dreaded fall/winter beauty issue? For me, it’s dry skin – especially on my elbows and heels. Nobody likes that lizard feeling. The good news is that a variety of techniques, treatments, and products can keep your skin hydrated and glowing during even the driest fall or harshest winter. First, let’s take a closer look at what makes these seasonal shifts so hard on your skin, and then we’ll give you some of the hottest solutions and dry skin spa treatments.
Our skin is our biggest organ, and the way that it feels tells you so much about what’s going on in your body. Does your skin feel soft and hydrated? Or rough and dry? Taking stock of the condition of your skin can tell you everything from whether you need to drink more water or get more Omega 3s into your diet, or simply shake up your cleansing routine.
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In the fall and winter, as the weather gets colder, our skin begins to dry out. There are a number of reasons. Temperature shifts from hot to cold as we go in and out of doors, the constant drying effects of the heat, and weather extremes including wind can really damage the skin. In some cases, we struggle with skin that feels like it’s been stretched tight. In others, skin is actually scaly, chapped, or peeling. If you’re trying to keep dry skin at bay this winter, here are some ideas to keep you looking your best.
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Hook up your humidifier: A cold weather killer is the drying effects of constant, unrelenting heat. Regardless of whether you use hot water, gas, oil, or electric heat – as soon as you turn it on, skin starts to dry out. The best way to combat this is to set up a humidifier. Putting moisture into the air, especially at night or in your office where you are spending extended periods of time, makes all the difference.
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Purify your pores: Another common skin issue that happens during seasonal shifts are breakouts. When the skin is being dried out from external forces, it tries to overcompensate by producing more oil. Pores get blocked, and suddenly your skin is not only dry but you’re now sporting blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. If you’re fighting blocked pores, don’t do battle alone. Book a Purifying Facial, which will head off a full-scale skin disaster by giving your skin a deep cleaning and extracting any truly blocked pores.
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Give extra love to your feet and hands: Your hands and feet get hit the hardest in cold weather. Heels dry out and get cracked and ashy. Your hands get chapped by regular exposure to freezing air. There are two easy (and fabulous!) ways to fight gross feet and hands. The first is to get regular manicures and pedicures; if your skin is really suffering, consider a warming masque to deep clean and soften the skin. It’s easy to think of great looking nails only in warmer weather – but this is a good way to look after your skin health and get a little pampering. At night, before you go to bed, be sure to slather a rich cream moisturizer over hands and feet for extra protection.
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Work your water – inside and out: All the lotions and potions can only do so much if you’re not getting enough water. There’s one trick that can make all the difference. Make sure to apply moisturizer to damp skin. It doesn’t add water back into the skin, as much as seal in the moisture already there. That’s why moisturizing after you get out of the shower is a great idea. Getting enough water into your body is also important. This time of year it’s critical to drink enough water. Most people associate the risk of dehydration with summer, but it’s a concern in colder weather as well. Too many people focus on hot caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea, to keep warm or because they are the kind of drink that feels “wintery.” But remember you need an extra cup of water for each one you consume!
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See a specialist if you need extra help: Sometimes no matter how much moisturizer you slather on and no matter how much water you drink, at the end of the day your skin still feels terrible. If you’re uncomfortable and the remedies you’re trying aren’t helping, don’t be afraid to seek out a professional. An aesthetician trained to give facials and other skin treatments can very quickly assess the condition of your skin, and recommend treatments, products, and changes to your cleansing routine that will help your skin improve dramatically.
The effects of cold weather on your skin can be a drag; but with a little planning, a few changes to your routine, and a commitment to staying hydrated you can maintain glowing and healthy skin all year long.
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