Weathering Winter - Avoid Cracked heels and Dry hands

First and foremost, increase your water intake.  According to Penn Medicine, the general rule of thumb is that you should drink .50 to 1 oz of water for each

Tip #2 Exfoliate

 

Exfoliation purges dead skin cells, that if left unaddressed, form a barrier of dry rough skin that builds up and creates calluses. It wouldn’t be winter without the occasional cracked heel. But what form of exfoliation is best? 

There are so many choices: chemical peels, enzyme peels, dermal-planning, microdermabrasion, AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids), lactic acids, retinol, glycolic, acid washes and scrubs of every variation.    You should use caution when exfoliating particularly with inflamed skin.  Over stimulation can exasperate the problem rather than help, so be sure you check with your dermatologist if you are currently under care. 

Exfoliation rids the body of the dead skin that creates a skin barrier preventing proper absorption of your creams and serums.   You spend good money on active ingredients, so proper exfoliation will guarantee you see the benefit.

Best at-home treatment protocols are a combination of an AHA cream or treatment followed by a good scrub.  We use lactic acid in our Boost Crème and in our Rescue Repair to promote cell turnover.  We have two scrub options to choose from - Daily Micro Derm Scrub is our most gentle and Nitty Gritty if you prefer something a little more aggressive but can still be used daily.  As noted, if you are suffering from an inflamed skin condition, check with your professional to determine your best regiment.

If you get milia, the dry skin flakes that get trapped under the skin that cause little white bump most commonly on the back of your arms and around your nose, a combination of a scrub followed by an AHA treatment cream can work wonders.

WARNING:  Exfoliation – can cause sun sensitivity so be cautious and always wear a sunscreen.

Tip #3 Moisturize

 

Not ALL moisturizers are created equal.  Read the ingredient declarations on the packaging.  Look for ingredients that have healing properties, like Aloe Vera which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.  Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent source for hydration and provides additional benefits of plumping up the cells for a more youthful appearance.  Shea butters, coconut oils and other natural oils like avocado can be great if you are just seeking hydration.

Note that the higher an ingredient is listed on the ingredient declaration the higher the concentration of that ingredient is in the product. 

Stemulation products are known for their efficacy and feature a higher percentage of active ingredients.  Rescue Repair is my personal go-to when the weather gets cold.

Tip # 4 Wrap it Up

 

When it gets cold and dry outside, a good pair of winter gloves go a long way to keeping your hands protected from the elements.   Getting into the habit of keeping a pair of gloves in your coat pocket will certainly help ward off the effects of the harsh winter weather.  

If you live in snow country, it probably goes without saying, but for those of us that live in more moderate climates, it’s a good practice to always wear gloves.  The secret is to find a pair that you like that offer the high-tech fingers tips that truly work. It becomes essential so test them before your buy.

While most of us are sick of wearing masks and gators, there is an additional benefit to keeping your mouth covered.  Lipsticks have taken a hit in 2020 unless you’ve been wearing a smudge proof lip stain, even so you may still want to apply a good quality chap-stick to keep your lips supple.  Lips can benefit from a little exfoliation as well.

And if all of this is just too much to deal with, we have one more idea on how to avoid these winter hardships…  take a vacation to the tropics.  🌴🍹 ☀️