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During the winter, many of us suffer from drier skin. Against common belief, dry skin is never a sign of healthy skin. Factors that make skin dryer and more sensitive during the winter include cold and windy weather and central heating. The exposure to drastic temperature changes will also affect the skin making it red and almost painful. As dry skin flakes more than oily skin and this "produces" more dead skin cells, those cells may actually clog pores and add to breakouts. In addition, since our skin and body have a "self-protection mechanism," over drying your skin may lead to the onset of sebum production and this of course will lead to more and more frequent breakouts. Sufferers of eczema or acne rosacea and rosacea may experience more intense symptoms in the dry and cold weather.
Some people with normally clear skin may even have problems with acne in the winter. This is referred to as "seasonal acne." Regardless of the skin type, acne problems are usually exacerbated during the winter.
Dry skin is never a sign of healthy skin. So how do we stop winter skin problems before they even start?
During the winter, the air is full of loose dust and other particles that can get stuck on your face and skin, especially when you've applied moisturizer and skin creams - so cleaning your skin regularly is very important. You should however avoid soaps and alcohol-based cleaners, toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a fragrance-free cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol such as a chamomile astringent and masks (see example below) that are deeply hydrating, rather than clay-based masks, which tend to draw moisture out of the face. In fact use masks a little less often during the cold months - never more than every other day.
You can try some natural skin cleaning products such as plain milk, yogurt, and chickpea powder to remove dirt and grease without drying out your skin.
Proper moisturizing is a crucial step in a winter skin care routine. Cold and dry air together with the wind and central air heating "sucks" the moisture from your skin causing the outer layer of your skin to dry out and crack. Against some popular belief, everyone, including those with oily, combination and acne-prone skin, should use moisturizers on a daily basis all year round. What changes is the type of moisturizer you should use. People naturally inclined to dry skin should use creams and thicker moisturizing formulas during the winter. People with oily, combination or acne-prone skin should use lighter formulas, such as moisturizing gels and lotions that moisturize the skin without clogging pores.
A vitamin E based moisturizer can help keep your skin soft, smooth and younger looking. A good quality night cream will repair your skin as you sleep. Cod liver oil is another great skin moisturizing agent. This oil is super rich in DHA and omegas that nourish the skin, hair and nails. It's beneficial in a number of other ways as well such as weight management and brain function. Coconut oil may prove helpful to some with really dry skin too.
Nourishing your skin on a regular basis is crucial to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. You can nourish your skin using natural and readily available ingredients such as fruits and yogurt. Ripe papayas, strawberries, grapes, and ripe mango may be blended with plain yogurt (organic preferred) in a blender until smooth, then applied on the face. Keep it on your face for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with luke warm (NOT hot) water. For the best results, apply the fruit-yogurt mask at least once a week on your face.
Also, flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of plant-derived, inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil reduces skin sensitivity, roughness, and scaling of the skin. Moreover, it increases the hydration of the skin. Eating foods and drinking beverages rich in vitamin C as well as supplements lowers the risk of wrinkles, dryness, and thinning of the skin.
Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day will also keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness of your skin.
Your skin is only as healthy as your body, so chose a diet rich in the omega 3 family of healthy fats (salmon, sardines, anchovies, sablefish and halibut). Additionally, it is good to take a high-quality fish oil or krill capsule for supple, smooth skin. Zinc is another great supplement for acne skin because it helps to rejuvenate the skin and helps the skin to grow. If you suffer from acne, take 15mg of zinc a day. Also add zinc-rich pumpkin seeds to your winter diet.
Vitamin A is especially helpful for acne, so try to drink a glass of carrot juice a day, or at least every other day. You can also mix carrot juice with cabbage, apple, and beetroot juice, all of which will benefit your skin. Just remember, watch your sugar intake as well. There are some foods with higher sugar content, so make sure you chose wisely.
Being inside more during the cold weather and post-holiday over indulgence unfortunately can bring with it more unhealthy eating thus putting stress on the skin - so if you're on AcnEase, you may need to continue the regimen for a bit longer (in very regular doses to keep acne free!). Additionally, if you've been stressed and tired, you may want to increase your AcnEase regimen as these factors can increase the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, which can exacerbate acne.
Remember, AcnEase is the ONLY product on the market that actually not only treats acne but also PREVENTS new breakouts and it does this without any harmful, drying chemical ingredients and without affecting your hormone levels.
The cucumber works as an astringent and moisturizer, and the honey and oats nourish and revitalize. Cucumber also works as an exfoliator. Please use organic ingredients when possible.
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With a promise of clear skin, Dr. A