by Nancy Lichtenstein

Created on: January 16, 2008

Winter weather conditions can be harsh on your skin, but following a few simple tips to tweak your winter skincare routine can ensure that your skin will look fresh as a budding rose come springtime.

Don't forget the SPF. Although there are fewer hours of sunlight during the winter, the winter sun itself is strong, and even if you're spending most of your time indoors, you can be exposed while you're driving, sitting near a window, etc. Unless you work outside, it's not necessary to use beach-worthy sunscreen, but you should at the very least use a moisturizer or foundation with SPF 15. Lip balm with SPF 15 will also help keep your mouth soft and smooth, and if you have a problem with small vertical lines, applying eye cream above your lip line can help.

Take advantage of the longer winter nights to use skincare products with active anti-aging ingredients like retinol, copper peptides, Vitamin C, AHA/BHAs are kinetin. Your skin absorbs these products better when you're at rest, so if you slather them on at bedtime you'll look refreshed in the morning. Don't overdo it, though. One active ingredient at a time is more than enough for most people, and overuse of exfoliating ingredients can severely irritate the skin.

Wind and cold can cause chafing and irritation. Limit the amount of skin you expose by wearing scarves, hats, etc. Fortunately, textured tights are in fashion again, so you don't have to go bare-legged even in evening.

Don't overdue the hot showers or baths in wintertime. Although the hot water may feel good, it will dry out and irritate your skin. Warm water is a better bet, and if you add some baby oil to the bathwater or apply directly to your skin immediately after showering, you'll be super smooth.

If you're in a profession that requires a lot of hand washing, like teacher, doctor, or mom, alternate antibacterial gel with regular soap and water. Both can be driving to the hands, but switching back and forth gives your skin a chance to recover. When you do use soap and water, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly, because wet skin is easily chapped.

Your summer skincare may not work in winter. Even if you tend toward the oily, both cold and winter heating systems can dry out your skin and the sudsy foaming cleanser you use the rest of the year may make you too dry in December of January. There are plenty of gentle creamy cleansers out there, even for breakout prone skin. Two good examples at opposite price ranges are Cetaphil, available in grocery

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