by Gloria Prince

Now is the perfect time to rethink your skin care regimen.  Winter is hard on the skin.  Outdoor cold and dryness, as well as indoor artificial heat, take their toll on the skin by taking moisture away from the skin.  Hydration in excessive amounts makes up for the loss by environmental causes.  Excessive is the key word here.  Drinking water is not the best water replacement tactic, although it helps.  The   skin is the last body organ to benefit from drinking water.

Hydration can come in the form of hydrating mists and water based products.  Your skin has to have a perfect balance of water and oil to be in perfect balance and have that natural occurring glow.

Another very important issue is using an SPF, even in winter!  Daily use will help to control damage and prevent further damage that the sun’s rays do to our skin.  Another important aspect is reapplication. That is what SPF is all about.  Usually foundation and moisturizers have SPF in them.  Basically a 25 – 30 SPF is recommended.  Mineral make up is an excellent sun block.  There is a difference in sunscreens and sun blocks.  Sunscreens take the sun and disperse it after it has penetrated the skin.  Sun blocks diffuse the suns rays and do not allow them to touch the skin.  All skin types and colors need protection.  Skin cancer is not skin color specific.

Be sure to know your skin care products and have a skin care regimen that you can stick to.  These two steps in themselves will make a lot of difference in your skin’s health and appearance, especially during this season of cold.

Gloria Prince is the Esthetics Instructor for the Cosmetology Department at North Central Texas College in Gainesville.