Y-Style: Winter skin essentials

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Reuters | Published: 01.22.10, 14:43

Q:

Dear Y-Style,

I have the most sensitive skin on the planet, and the cooler winter air only makes things worse. Any tips to help me and my sensitive skin get through the colder weather?

Sarah S., Jerusalem

A:

Dear Sarah,

Here are a few suggestions for your beauty routine that I always find helpful during the cooler months to keep my skin radiant and protected. I hope they help!

Best,

RKG

1. Drink Tea

If you are a coffee drinker, (and who isn't) trying switching to tea.There is just something about coffee during the winter that drains moisture from your skin, especially from your lips. Try it for a week and I guarantee you'll see a difference. I recommend Green tea or fruit flavor teas.

2. Climate control

In the winter, humidity in the air can be as low as desert air. Use a humidifier at home while you sleep and in your office during the day if you can.

3. Go nuts

I have found that eating nuts or foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids- such as almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds can help keep skin hydrated as well as promote a more radiant look.

4. Skip the scent

Switch to fragrance free detergent. During the winter months laundry detergents and fabric softeners with fragrances can irritate sensitive or dry skin. So try using non-scented laundry products.

5. Shower habits

Try taking quicker showers or baths and use milder soaps or body washes. Another good tip is to moisturize the minute you step out of the shower, while your skin is still damp. This will help to seal moisture in better and leave you feeling incredibly soft. Try using thicker more emollient lotions that help combat the dehydrating effect of cold, dry air.

6. Back to nature

Synthetic and unnatural fabrics may be itchy or scratchy and can be irritating to dry or painful skin. So try sticking to natural fabrics like cotton, silk or rayon which are more gentle on your skin even after daily use.

7. Moisturize constantly

I know you have all heard this one a million times before, but I can't stress it enough! Start a daily moisturizing routine, morning, after lunch and then at night. This should be a must. Also keep some lotion in your draw at work so any other chances you get during the day go ahead and dab on little more skin food.

8. The magic 8

Here is another one we have all heard before but is still so necessary. Get eight hours of sleep! This simple tip sure goes a long way. A good night's sleep is nature's secret skin weapon. Also try drinking eight glasses of water I know this one can be difficult, but give it your best shot. Trust me on the sleep. Simply get eight hours of Zs and let nature work its magic.

Raquela Karamson Gribov is an Israeli-American fashion stylist based in Jerusalem. Her work includes styling ad campaigns, photo shoots and runway shows. She has also worked on trend forecasting and visual merchandising projects. As a published fashion writer and expert, Raquela regularly serves as a consultant to boutiques, high-end brands and designers on matters of fashion and style.