TLC For Winter's Dry Skin

     I am not a fan of winter.  I would much rather be roasting in the sun all year 'round.  But, I don't live where I have a sunny choice.  Tolerating the cold, dry and often dark winter months is a
lil' bit easier with these tips.

• Add a cup of vinegar to your bath to eliminate dry-skin itching.
• And that bath water, really should be lukewarm.  Why?  Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils.
• And that bath should be taken at night instead of the morning .  That way your body has the entire night to replenish its natural, protective oils that you just stripped away with the hot water.
• And after that lukewarm bath, apply your cream or lotion while you are slightly damp to trap moisture. 

Turn your bath into a spa.

Tie cinnamon, cloves and basil in cheesecloth and hang under running water.  Other herbal relaxers are lavender, elder flower and rose.

                                                                              OR

Make 3 quarts hot milk from powdered milk, add 1 cup honey and 1 cup chamomile tea.  Mix and add to the bath for a "sweet-dreams milk bath."

• Okay, we are all aware of the humidifier in the home during winter months to put much needed moisture into the air.  And of course the pan of water on the radiator will do the trick in a pinch.  But did you know, there are actually plants that give off moisture to benefit your skin. These are the plants that require lots of water themselves, of course, like bamboo, ferns and large leaved plants, such as begonias.  No kidding!  Fill your bedroom with these plants for a restful winters nap.
  

Read your labels.  Avoid all products used on your skin if they contain alcohol or ethanol (commonly used term for alcohol.)  Products like shaving cream (use conditioner instead to shave) or a facial toner (they make alcohol-free toner) regularly contain alcohol and will only add to dryness.

• Caffeine tends to dehydrate the skin.  Find a substitute or at least cut back on consumption.
• Moisturize those hands regularly and for goodness sake, wear some gloves.
• For that matter, wear a hat, scarf and boots too.  Who cares what you look like. You'll be warm!  

Ahhhhh!

    Don't neglect the feet.  A warm soak, followed with rich moisturizing, keeps feet looking and feeling their best.  Come swimming pool season you'll be glad you did.
     Sunscreen is still advisable when going outside even in the winter.  Mixing your sunscreen with your moisturizer is not a bad idea.  And you could probably go a step further and purchase a moisturizer with sun screen included.  Since you are already shopping for a moisturizer with sunscreen, look for an oil-based one. This one will be richer than the one used for the summer months.  Massage it thoroughly but gently into your face.

What are you waiting for?  Ready, Set, Moisturize!