Winter weather can play real havoc with your skin. If I'm not careful, my face gets red, my lips chap and my poor hands hurt. So when the temp drops like we're experiencing this week (lows in the 20s in Texas), it's time to pour on the protection.
Let's start with some things that even the guys will find helpful before moving on to those that are just for us girls.
Answers for All:
Infectiguard Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizer
Winter's especially hard on hands. It's colder outside, warmer inside and the air is drier everywhere. Add in our need to fight germs with frequent washing and use of sanitizer gel, and you've got a recipe for chapped, cracked, red hands.
Since nothing's more of a pain for bloggers like us, we were happy to try Infectiguard Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizer by Dr. Fresh. This skin-friendly blend combines bacteria-battering alcohol with skin softeners like Aloe and Vitamin E. We like keeping this light lotion in Bob's SUV because it's been proven to kill 99.9% of harmful germs without soap and water (a real plus after a visit to our neighborhood Target ... that's Tar-jay in Colleywood, Dahling). Unlike some hand sanitizers, it doesn't sting. Plus it makes your hands feel soft; not sticky.
On the Shelf: $2.99 (8-ounce pump bottle) at Kroger and other food, drug and discount stores
LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer
A day in the cold can do a number on your lips, leaving them cracked, burned and more susceptible to those dreaded cold sores (ugh!). That's why I'm very careful to protect my smile with a lip-saving salve like LypSyl LypMoisturizer. Made with pure Swedish beeswax, LypSyl adds moisture and guards against windburn. Packed with natural ingredients (organic Shea butter, coconut oil, and Vitamins E and A), the balm goes on smooth, leaving your lips soft and kissable (just in time since it's almost Valentine's Day). This one's light, doesn't make your lips shiny and stays put so you're not constantly reapplying it.
I'm also a fan of Lypsyl Honeyberry, which includes everything you'll love about the original plus a sunscr
een (SPF 15).
On the Shelf: $2.99 (.10 ounces) at drugstores
Elemental Herbs Sun Stick Sunscreen SPF 30
If you're into skiing or other winter sports, sunscreen is a must for your face as well as for your lips. Having done our share of messy lotions on the slopes, we were intrigued by Elemental Herbs new Sun Stick, which hit shelves in December. It uses zinc and a host of rich, organic oils (such as jojoba, coconut and avocado) to shield skin. With this all-natural stick, you can apply broad UVA/UVB protection to your face, nose and ears without ever taking off your gloves. (Isn't that convenient?) The all-natural formula glides on clear, doesn't run and fits easily in your pocket.
On the Shelf: $7.99 (.6 ounces) in coconut or unscented at health food stores, outdoor sports shops and ElementalHerbs.com
Envie De Neuf Rice Eclat Cleansing Oil
No matter how hard you try to bundle up, your face takes a beating in the cold. A gentle cleanser like Envie De Neuf Rice Eclat Cleansing Oil can help because it dissolves dirt and makeup without stripping side effects (a real plus for boomer-age skin). Massaging a dab of this ultra-moisturizing, rice-and-meristem formula onto my face and splashing it off with water gives me a soft, clean result without any tightness.
On the Shelf: $76 (11.83 ounces) at Enviedeneuf.com and DermStore.com
Do-It-Yourself Oil of Olé Facial
Got an hour? You can take your winter-ravaged skin (even if it's on the sensitive side like mine) from dry to dewy with this DIY, guacamole-inspired facial from Fresh Home magazine.
2 tablespoons of fresh avocado, mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon plain full-fat yogurt
½ teaspoon lemon juice
2 green tea bags (I like Lipton Green Tea Superfruit Purple Acai and Blueberry. Don't use black tea because it will stain your skin.)
Enjoy your silky, smooth skin!
On the Shelf: $2.24 (20 teabags) plus other ingredients at grocery stores
Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Since foundations can add to winter's drying effect, I like using a tinted moisturizer like Aveeno Positively Radiant to smooth my skin and put redness under wraps. It uses natural minerals to hydrate, provide lightweight color that brightens and evens out my skin tone, and ward off harmful UVA/UAB rays. Available in Fair to Light and Medium tints, this hypoallergenic, soy-based drugstore find is gentle enough to use every day.
On the Shelf: $14.99 (2.5 ounces) at food, drug and discount stores or Aveeno.com
Skindinavia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish
Harsh weather calls for layering: sweaters, socks and, if you're like me, skin conditioners. Whatever your winter morning routine, Skindinavia's anti-aging setting spray can lend the perfect finishing touch. It takes just two to four sprays of this surprising mist to turn your makeup into a moisturizing treatment that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Before using this little face serum, I worried it might make me a watery mess. Instead, spraying 10 Years Younger on after applying all my makeup (even eye shadow) gives me a nice glow that lasts all day. The sheer mist includes six moisturizers to prevent the drying and flaking that's such a problem in the cold. Plus, the application keeps concealer, foundation, blush and eye shadow in place for up to 16 hours.
On the Shelf: $29 (4 ounces - about a four-month supply); 12.50 for the new, one-ounce pocket size that's great for travel at Skindinavia.com
Calgon Bubble Bath
Flakey skin doesn't stop at my face when the temperatures dip so I stay on the lookout for soothing body solutions. One such treat: Calgon's new Foaming Bubble Bath. This re-inspired, classic has a bubblicious new formula with healing Aloe and Vitamin E and relaxingly, fresh scents like Morning Glory, English Garden, Ocean Breeze and Powder Fresh.
On the Shelf: $3.99 (30 ounces) at food, drug and discount stores or Takemeaway.com
I like the concentrated moisturizers in Green Envy Triple Butter Body Lotion and Calgon Nourishing Body Cream. They last all day and they're naturally good for your skin. Both of these thick lotions absorb quickly so you can put them on and go.
Triple Butter Body Lotion - This favorite from Texas-based Green Envy contains skin-smoothing Mango, Shea and Aloe Vera Butters. Infused with a light pomegranate fragrance and other all-natural ingredients, Green Envy's yummy body softener is 100% vegan.
On the Shelf: $30.50 (9.5 ounces) at Lovegreenenvy.com
Calgon Nourishing Body Cream - This new, nutrient-packed formula from ever-trusted Calgon includes Vitamins E, A and Aloe to enhance your skin's natural ability to retain moisture. It comes in several delightful scents but we prefer the delicate, ocean-clean smell of Perfect Bliss.
On the Shelf: $4.79 (8 ounces) at food, drug and discount stores or Takemeaway.com
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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