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Health & Beauty

Skin care survival guide. Cold winter air is far less humid than warm air, which means skin will be drier in the winter months. Harsh winds make conditions worse by causing moisture to evaporate more quickly from the skin. According to dermatologists, indoor conditions in the winter can be just as bad for complexion.

Indoor heating is abusive for the skin. It pulls the moisture out of the air, which is dehydrating. The older one gets, the drier the skin gets. The glands in skin get smaller and begin vanishing. This diminishes their ability to hydrate. The consequence is drier skin.

Using nutrient-rich moisturizing cream is the most important remedy for winter-beaten skin. To reduce the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles while evening out natural skin tones to have a smoother, softer, younger looking, more radiant complexion, apply your moisturizing creams three times a day.

You should also include the following beneficial skin-pampering techniques:

Humidify. When the heat is on, replace lost indoor moisture by running a humidifier in the house.

Use steam rather than sauna. At the gym or spa, instead of the dry-and-drying-sauna, use the steam room. Before steaming, apply a thin layer of Vitamin E oil. Your skin will come out radiant and amazingly soft.

Pamper fingers and toes. Don't forget these extremities, which take a particularly harsh beating in bitter climates. To bring them back to smoothness, soak feet and hands in warm water mixed with lemon juice and Vitamin E oil. Afterwards, rub on Aloe Ultra Moisture Cream.

Eat goods fats. Food like fish and flaxseed that are loaded with nutritious omega-3 fatty acids can revitalize skin.

Be gentle. Some say exfoliants (scrubs) are too harsh to use on already chapped skin but if you must use one, the gentler, the better.

Wear cotton. For clothing that goes next to your skin, avoid fabrics like wool; they abuse skin with friction and can dry it out.

Drink water frequently. Hydration from the inside, by drinking water is one of the most important things you can do for skin, say dermatologists, in cold weather as well as hot.

Protect. Don't forget that the sun puts out damaging rays even during the winter months, so use your daily sunscreen.