5 Ways to Protect Your Complexion from Cold Weather

“If the temperature is less than my age, I don’t get out of bed.”  Ellen DeGeneres

I am honored to say that this is Post #100 written for Midlife Boulevard!  What an amazing group of women…diligent, joyful, and inspiring.  I am so happy to see our community grow and interact on a daily basis.

That said, now we need to talk all things skincare, because the cold weather breezes are beginning to blow across the country.  We could take Ellen’s approach and stay in bed, but I prefer to go out and feel the refreshing cold on my face, whenever it arrives.   Therefore, my skin needs proper preparation for the cold, wet months, so that I don’t end up as dry and crackly as the leaves beneath my feet.

Of course, we should protect our faces with scarves and other coverings when the “temps are less than our ages,” but we can also follow some sound principles:

1. Make sure proper skincare is a part of your daily routine in the morning and at night. Sometimes, time changes will alter our routines, but do not allow that to happen with your cleansing and moisturizing every day.
2. The sun may be hidden, but it is prudent to keep sunscreen as part of your regimen. Remember those pesky sunburns we all obtained in our youth on cloudy beach days.  The sun is still there…just not as evident.
3. Along the same line of thought, we still need to hydrate though we may not be sweaty or as hot. Make certain to drink plenty of water every day, and to use hydrating products on your face.  I highly recommend products with hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan.   Experts say this ingredient retains moisture more so than any other ingredient.  The International Journal of Toxicology reported five years ago that one gram of hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to six liters of water. This gives us a plump, youthful, firm complexion.
4. Simply speaking, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is magic. Since college, I have used it to remove eye makeup every day. However, when going out in severe cold, I have coated my face with a thin layer for protection…and it works…on hands and feet as well.  I also recently used it on a scar after a small skin spot removal and it healed beautifully.  I put it over the scar every night.
5. Finally, do not throw good eating habits out the window. I am like many of you, I love to cook when the fireplace blazes!  Bring on the stews, soups, cobblers, pies, and breads.  However, we should continue to eat as fresh, clean and organic as possible.  What goes inside of our bodies, also protects our skin.  Cold weather should not be an excuse to put on pounds or wallow in sugar…I am speaking to myself here, ladies!  This is always a good reminder.

We absolutely can keep youthful, glowing complexions during the cold!  Remember, a facial is a wonderful way to relax and warm up inside!  Try to gift yourself at least once a month.

Does anyone else have advice for this time of year?  Please comment and thank you to those who have visited 100 Times in The Joy Boutique!  I appreciate you so much and think of you as friends!

Have a great week!