Dry Skin? Dry Lips? Try This!

Soften up and soothe your dry winter skin

From the LifeMinute Team

December 17, 2014

We've been nagging you about upping your game when it comes to skin care ever since the temperatures first started to drop, but as Fall turns to Winter, we know it can feel like a losing battle. So we called in the reinforcements (aka SHAPE Magazine Editor-at-Large Bahar Takhtehchian) to give us a crash course on the simple skin care basics that can make all the difference this time of year. And yes, they really are simple!

Moisturize. It's common sense. But the When, Where and What of how to moisturize changes with the seasons. As for the "What," Bahar's pick for this time of year is Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream, a non-greasy protective cream specially formulated with Shea Butter and antioxidants to hydrate and soothe dry, cracked skin. Bahar explains, "It actually helps restore the protective barrier of your skin and is formulated specifically for tough problem areas." Which brings us to the "Where." Give special attention to your hands, feet, knees and elbows, which Winter can be particularly rough on. And when it comes to "When," Bahar says, "I like to apply my moisturizer as soon as I get out of the shower, but this fragrance-free, non-irritating, dermatologist-recommended cream is also great for on the go." In fact, for $8.99 at Walgreens, you can pick yourself up a convenient 3-ounce tube of Cetaphil that fits perfectly into your car, purse or gym bag. "It even makes a great stocking stuffer," adds Bahar.

Exfoliating also falls under Skin Care 101, but Bahar says frequency is key during the winter. "Try to exfoliate a few times a week," she tells us, "Even your lips, to get rid of dead skin cells." And for lips, she recommends a kinder, gentler way to exfoliate. "If you take a toothbrush and some water, you can gently exfoliate with just a few circular motions," says Bahar.

And, of course, stay hydrated. "Drink plenty of water and cover up. Always wear a hat and gloves to protect your skin before venturing out," Bahar reminds us, "It's little things like this that really do make a big difference in keeping your skin protected all season long."

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