More Than Skin-Deep

A healthy glow is important to well-being. It's no surprise that
the state of your skin can make or break your mood. Here are some tips
that will help you keep it alive.

One look in the mirror says it all: Winter can do bad things to
your skin. Forget the gray pallor from too much time indoors. For people
who live in the Frost Belt, the real damage can come from elsewhere. Cold
weather can dry out your skin in two ways: directly, because cold air
generally has low humidity, and indirectly, from central-heating systems.
And if you spend time outdoors, you can expose your face to the
ultraviolet radiation that is reflected off the snow.

During the winter months, too much washing can actually be harmful:
It strips away protective oils and draws out moisture. And exfoliation
can leave new skin exposed to harsh winter winds. The American Academy of
Dermatology (AAD) recommends reassessing your skin-care routine during
cold weather to ensure that you aren't robbing your skin of moisture. The
AAD encourages washing with mild soap in lukewarm water and trapping
moisture by applying moisturizer while the skin is still wet. Come
spring, your skin will need rejuvenation. This is a good time to return
to regular cleaning and gentle exfoliation. Once the warm weather brings
back humidity, your skin can draw moisture from the air and a normal
routine can be re-established.

Another simple way to keep your skin healthy is by working up a
sweat. According to Elson Haas, M.D., of the Preventive Medical Center of
Marin in California, sweating is the natural way to eliminate unwanted
chemicals that build up under the skin. But because we often reduce
physical activity during the winter months, these chemicals accumulate.
Starting an exercise regime or making regular visits to a sauna may flush
out harmful chemicals.

Haas also recommends applying honey and creams containing aloe vera
to the skin. Honey can draw impurities from the skin and possesses
powerful antibacterial properties. Aloe vera is a natural healer. And
dietary supplements that contain vitamin A and beta-carotene can help
prevent acne and other skin problems.

If you take care of your skin this season, you will see a payoff
all year round.

Chamomile: Not Just a Brew

Renewed interest in natural skin care leads to a traditional
treatment

One traditional skin-care treatment that has been getting some
attention is chamomile. Although it's now more familiar as a soothing
herbal tea, ancient Greeks and Egyptians relied on the crushed heads of
chamomile flowers as a remedy for rough or inflamed skin brought about by
dry weather. Research points to two chamomile compounds—levomenol
and azulene—as anti-inflammatory agents, while others work as
antioxidants to repair damaged skin cells. Experts say that, working
together, these natural ingredients can sooth skin afflicted with
sunburns, eczema or allergic reactions.