I don't know about you, but my skin is hating this back and forth weather! Cold, Warm, Heat, AC, Hot Showers, Wind. All the elements do a number on my skin during the winter months! 

When my skin, especially legs, get dry, they also become super itchy and irritated. In fact, almost every day last week, I had the same itch on the same  spot on the same leg!

So what's a girl to do about her skin's health?

1) Drink water! The dry air from heat and even AC can dehydrate us, as well as our skin. Water helps put wonderful moisture back into our bodies. In the summer, we often recognize that we are dehydrated and/ or thirsty, but it's harder in the winter.

2) Cleanse. Remove your dust, dirt, and makeup using your favorite washes, soaps, and facial cleansers. It's recommended to avoid doing what I do, and don't stand in the shower forever and a day under the hottest water temp possible. But it feels oh so good on those cold winter mornings (and sometimes evenings!) 

3) Exfoliate. If you ever head to a spa, you will hear your spa therapist talk about skin exfoliation. Whether it's your legs, feet, or arms, this process removes dead skin cells from the surface of skin. Why should you? Well, it helps to clear out your pores and also enhance the absorption of your favorite products. Exfoliates products include physical (like loofahs), chemical (peels), and even enzymes. Some of the most popular skin products include body salt & sugar scrubs and facial glycolic acid serums/ toners.

3) Moisturize! This step is highly important but it's also important to get a product that will help your skin out to be the best it can be. Most products contain one of the following: humectants, occlusive, emollients. Typically, a moisturizer that is thicker will help out dry skin more than a thinner one.. so opt for creams and ointments over regular lotions. I also look at ingredients and the water content of items as well! It's best to put it on right after the shower as well!

Each of us has a different skin type and need different products to help us be our best. I, by no means, am an expert. I struggle almost all year! Routine is definitely key with whatever products you do decide. By the shower, by the sink, in your bag, on your office desk, beside... wherever you are likely to make use of your products is key. 

Your skin will be so much happier, healthy, and you won't be as itchy if you do follow skincare steps! Of course, like everything with life, we fall in and out of habits. If you are finding yourself itchy, ashy, and are trying to avoid cracks, it might be time to reevaluate your skin's needs!

Also, you might want to invest in rollers or gua sha stones to help reduce puffiness, to alleviate tension, and help get moisturizer absorbed post routine. 

Let's here it- how do you take care of your skin? I am sure there are many other ways and ideas that you have!