Cold Weather Beauty Tips
With temperatures starting to drop, I thought I would update this post on products I use to combat dry skin and hair.
The older we get the less moisture our skin produces. Cuticles dry out, legs get scaley, hair splits, and lips get chapped. Dry skin can make our wrinkles look more pronounced than they really are and who wants that?
Here are some easy fixes that I found to make a difference.
A Humidifier
Run a humidifier next to your side of the bed. I bought this one several years ago, which is very quiet. It hydrates skin and keeps your sinuses from drying out. If yours is old, check inside for mold and sterilize or replace so you’re not contaminating your lungs.
Strong sunscreen
Winter doesn’t mean the sun won’t damage your complexion. And if there’s snow on the ground, the reflection intensifies the sun’s damaging effects. Higher altitudes during winter sports also mean thinner air and stronger exposure. Don’t forget your neck and backs of hands! This is my favorite for the neck and body.
Heavier Body Moisturizer
When I had my last skin cancer check, my dermatologist looked at my legs and commented that I must use moisturizer. He said most women don’t. I slather my entire body every morning, right after my shower. At night I apply it again on my lower legs, forearms, and feet. Consistency is key. I switched to this body lotion a few months ago and found it wasn’t strong enough so went back to their body butter. It’s important to pick a fragrance you love so you’ll do it every day! I go back and forth between their Rose and Lavender scents.
I tried this Amlactin last summer because it was doing such a great job on my husband’s feet. It is beyond amazing so this is what our whole family uses and swears by.
Use a Lip Moisturizer
Keep a lip moisturizer on your nightstand and apply it at bedtime. I’ve tried many stick types before I found this lip mask and I’m addicted to it! I sometimes wear the tinted version as lip gloss during the day. I won’t use Vaseline because it’s a by-product of petroleum refining. Who wants that on their body let alone their lips?
Drink More Water
Water helps lubricate your skin from the inside out. Furnaces blow warm dry air which can parch your skin. Add a few extra glasses to your routine during the cold weather. I’ve been carrying a Bobble for years and switch out the filter every few months.
Up Your Conditioner
Switch to a heavier hair conditioner or apply a touch of oil to the ends. A weekly hair mask adds extra moisture which cuts down on static electricity and split ends. I got a free sample of this one for my birthday at Sephora and really like it. Here are some other popular ones.
Do you have tips to share?
Yes, we’ve come to the age where everything needs constant mositerizing. I love Amlactin. It’s a body saver. One could spend all day on moisturizing and flossing etc. Now if I could just drink more water.
LOL, I need to drink more water too. It really does make a big difference.
What sunscreen do you use on your face in the winter?
I used the Josie Maran year round on my face.
I have just pulled out my Barefoot Venus purse-size hand creams. They’re highly scented, but with natural scents, and made with ingredients like sweet almond oil and macadamia oil. They don’t use parabens or propylene glycol.
https://ca.barefootvenus.com/
Honestly, all those nasty chemicals in hand sanitizers have me staying away from stores and other public places. Winter snow is here to stay, and my knuckles are already cracked and bleeding so early in the season.
Jennifer, I like your blue robe. It looks like a great one for travel. Any idea what the brand is or where you got it?
I am going to order the humidifier. It’s a constant battle here against those dry skin woes. If I miss a day here and there, which I do even with the best intentions, I look like a scaly mess. Thank you for all of your suggestions. The older I get, the more it takes to look “normal”.
Lol, my daily routines get longer each year:)
Hi Jennifer, curious why a whole paragraph was lined out? Heavier Body Moisturizer portion.
It’s what I wrote originally but changed my moisturizer when I tried AmLactin.
I have skin sensitive issues and my dermo recommended Cetaphil lotions and cleanings creams. Have been happy with the products so far. I also use Mirai Clinical body wash. They use persimmons In their products which is affective against old people smell. It’s probably a little too soon for me to worry about that but Just taking preventive measures as it would be so embarrassing for me if I had that scent, yikes!
I don’t know what “old people smell” is.
Thanks for sharing the product info. I am always interested. I am wondering if you have any recommendations for a product to help with dry, brittle fingernails. All of the hand washing I am doing is really taking a toll on my poor nails.
Try Solar Oil by CND on nails once or twice a day. Makes a wonderful difference. I’ve tried other oils and lotions on my nails and none of the others helped.
I make my own nail & cuticle oil with jojoba oil, almond oil and an essential oil. I pour the jojoba oil into a small bottle about the size of a nail polish bottle, then add about 10 drops of almond oil and 2 drops of an essential oil such as geranium or lavender. I use it twice a day in the cold weather and it really helps keep my nails strong and cuticles from drying out.
The problem is, I have all I need to keep my skin looking nice but due to my inability to get things in gear, I don’t use them. Went to bed last night without my night cream on my face. I deserve to look like tanned leather. LOL
Lol, that is a problem. Maybe keep them on your pillow?
Thanks for all the helpful advice on moisturizing. I think it is so crucial to our exterior health! Now for a random request, Jennifer. I love how you pull your hair back and up. Would you mind sharing some pictures and description on how you accomplish it? My googling attempts have not found anything near to your personal results and I love how you look with that style!
It’s just held up with a gorilla clip. I brush it back into a tiny clump, twist around my finger, lay flat and grab with the clip. I’ll see if I have any pictures
The skin on my hands starts to crack & bleed at this time of year. A pharmacist at the local Rexall (drugstore chain in Canada) recommended DERMAL therapy- Hand, Elbow & Knee, cream in a tube. I rub it into my hands before bedtime & wake up with healed hands. It’s the only product that works for me. Yes, somewhat greasy, but in my painful and desperate situation, who cares!
Oh, that does sound so painful!! You have to use what works for you.
Though do have a humidifier on our furnace appreciate the Vicks one that you recommend. (Thank you!) Speaking of which, if one has dry/scaling feet the occasional light application of Vicks Vapor Rub to them, topped off with a pair of ‘cotton’ socks at bedtime will do absolute wonders for them. (Cosmetically they will look ‘as smooth as a baby’s bum’ ….. lol!) In respect to moisturizers/lotions for other body parts (exception facial) as prefer to avoid scented ones, now only use products by Aveeno which I also find don’t leave any residue on the skin. i.e.: Moisturizing Bar (soap), Body Wash and Daily or Night Time Moisturizers. Since also carry a line for children its the reason why I was encouraged to try the brand and surprisingly have had great satisfaction regardless of their reasonable pricing. (Not to mention I find their products easily attainable.)
I use Savannah Bee Royal Body Butter, which I got as a gift, and I was surprised with the staying power of the moisture. I am allergic to some fruit additives, castor oil bean, and certain SPFs, so I am cautious, and test on my skin first, but I love lotions.
That sounds so nice! I’ll have to try it.
Thanks much for your lip balm suggestions! My lips have become so so dry as I’ve aged. This is just what I’m looking for!