Skin habits to avoid this winter

Lately, there have been a lot of articles out there about how to keep skin protected from the winter winds. Recently, DailyGlow.com commented on some of the things that you should avoid doing to keep yourself from getting dry, cracked skin for Christmas. 

First, try to avoid being around furnaces, fireplaces and woodstoves without a humidifier. While these things will keep you warm, they'll also suck moisture out of your skin.

Next, although a nice, long, bubble bath can be comfortable on a cold day, you might want to avoid them if you're concerned about dry skin.

"Extended exposure to too-hot water can strip skin’s natural oils, leading to - you guessed it - dry skin! So modify your routine by keeping bathing rituals to 15 minutes (max) and keeping water temps moderate," according to Daily Glow.

Oprah Magazine adds that you should avoid exfoliating in the winter, because it will make dry skin problems worse. Instead, use a moisturizing facial cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil and dead skin.  

Makeup artist to the stars offers tips

Recently, makeup artist Scott Barnes, who has worked with many celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, gave some tips to BecomeGorgeous.com about how to create a flawless look. 

First, Barnes said that the foundation is the base for the rest of your makeup, so you want to be sure to use the right one. He explained the best way to find the shade that works best with your skin tone.

"Ease the application by using this formula. Choose the perfect shade by applying a tiny amount of this product on your chest as this is the spot where the sun also gets in contact with the skin," said Barnes, quoted by the news source.

Barnes said that to really make yourself stand out you should use an eyelash curler before putting mascara. DailyMakeover.com states that when you use this tool, you want to clampdown and then slowly walk the curler to the end of the lashes, rather than just clamping down and releasing. This way, you'll have a nice curl to the lashes rather than a random crimp in them.  

Doctors make winter recommendations

Even if you're using the best African American skin care products on the market, winter winds can find a way to leave you with a cracked, dry complexion if you're not doing all you can to protect against the chill. Recently, skin care experts from The Peer Group, a collection of cosmetic and plastic surgeons based in New Jersey, offered some tips for staying moisturized during the cold season. 

First, the doctors recommended drinking plenty of water. Doing so has been shown to keep your skin hydrated, and so the physicians suggested making a habit out of having water with you during very meal, especially if you're drinking dehydrating beverages, such as coffee or alcohol.

Next, the experts suggested getting rid of dead skin with gentle exfoliation.

"You can find a good product for this at local drug and grocery stores, but be sure to avoid rough, granular scrubs for the face and body," said the physicians.

Finally, the doctors said that you should avoid hot showers, which take moisture away from the skin. Instead, they recommended taking a warm soak in a tub with some oatmeal to soften skin.

 

Winter foods benefit your skin

 

Many women stock up on moisturizers and other African American skin care products designed to hydrate the skin during winter, since this time of year can be treacherous for your complexion. The colder months aren't all bad, however, as The Huffington Post recently spoke to Kerri-Ann Jennings, associate nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, who pointed out some foods that are ripe and in season in winter and that can be great for the health of your skin.

First, pink grapefruit is still in season during the colder months, and contains lycopene, which is a natural substance that has been shown to potentially keep your skin smooth. Next, the expert suggested eating carrots, which also deliver lycopene and other helpful nutrients.

"Carrots contain the carotenoids beta carotene and lycopene - both of which may shield your skin against UV damage. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice," said Jennings, quoted by the news source.

Along with eating these foods, there are other things you should do to protect your skin in winter. The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds people that skin carcinomas can still strike during the cold months, so be sure to wear sunscreen if you're going to be outside.