As winter winds and cold, dry air dehydrate our skin—what’s a woman to do?  Slather their skin with moisturizers, right?

Wrong.  In fact, moisturizers do not do your skin any favors, especially when used without the benefit of products that activate and stimulate your skin.

Here the top five things you can do to take care of your skin during this brutally cold winter, according to Zein Obagi, MD, one of the world’s most renowned dermatologists and anti-aging experts.

1.  The dull, dry skin cells on the surface of the skin should be polished off.  Here’s why:  (a) Exfoliation allows younger, healthier skin cells can emerge, (b) you can enhance the penetration of other skin care products, because they don’t get trapped by the superficial cells.  If anti-aging products (and these are generally the pricey ones!) remain on the surface of your skin, they’re useless. Allow them to work, and work hard!  (c) Exfoliation deep cleans the pores, and helps reduce excess oils. Use an exfoliating polish that’s fairly aggressive, but don’t irritate your skin.    During the summer, I recommend exfoliating twice a week, but during the winter, every day.

2.  During winter the days are shorter, but UVB rays will stay damage your skin, and UVA rays will penetrate through windows and go straight to the dermis—where they can create permanent damage .  If you live in a snowy climate, remember that UV rays are intensified by snow and high altitude.  Taking a vacation from sunscreen during the winter is a big mistake.  Use a sunscreen with SPF30 or 35.

3.  Avoid the use of hot water.  It may feel good for a few minutes (no showers longer than 10 minutes, please), but will dehydrate your skin, deplete the natural oils and create parched, chapped, dry skin.

4.  After showering, pat your skin dry, and apply a good body lotion while your skin is still slightly damp.  Look for one with a  high concentration of lactic acid.  Be sure to apply it to the soles of your feet if they’re dry or scaley.

5. These are stressful times, and stress is hard on your skin.  Find time for yourself.  Take a warm bath, read a good book, take a brief respite from the real world and 24-hour news.  

While you take care of everyone else this winter, be sure to take care of yourself (and your skin!). 

For more ideas, see www.zoskinhealth.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/five-steps-to-winterize-your-skin-1672055.html