Winter Skin Care

In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse.

1. Use an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. 

The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come in ointment form contain the most oil because an ointment, by definition, consists of 80% oil and 20% water. This water-in-oil emulsion forms a protective layer on the skin and makes it more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions. Ointments are especially beneficial when humidity is low. Ointments should not be used on areas of the body that tend to get hot and sweaty. 

   
Not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "nonclogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil.
  
You can also look for lotions containing "humectants," a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.

Massage the face cream  gently into the dry areas of the face, always away from the direction in which lines tend to form. The up-and-away movement is best. Start at the base of the throat, end at the temples.


2. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.


3. Wear gloves when you go outside. The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking.



4. Use a moisturizing soap and shampoo.  
Many popular soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from your skin. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos that dry out your scalp. Frequent showering or bathing, especially if you like the water hot and your baths long, breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin.


5. Use a body lotion, working in upward and outward movements. Don’t forget the feet and legs. Massage the feet, heels, elbows and any areas of the body that look or feel rough and dry


Read more at:
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/ten-winter-skin-care-tips
http://www.howy.org/health-fitness/winter-skin-care.html
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/winterizing_tips.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2009/jan-23b.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-skin/DS00560/DSECTION=causes