Take care of your skin in this extreme cold weather we are having.

image from mymatra.com 

I see the sun and it is awesome, but the temperature at 12:00 is still 11F(-8C) but we don’t have much wind so that is good.  Warming up and can you believe we are in for snow later today and tonight.  We could have up to 3” of snow.  Just have to love winter.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having less humidity, so their days are feeling awesome.  High for Jan 21, Thursday will be 73F(22C) with 30% chance of rain.  Must see what kind of weather they are having.  Evelyn will write and tell me.  I am seeing that Evelyn’s kids and grandkids are spending time near water as it is their break before the school year starts.  I think at the end of the month, again Evelyn will let us know.  ENJOY your summer break and stay safe. 
 
I found this article on how to take care of your skin with this severe winter weather it is important.  Some good ideas, and I shouldn’t have been surprised but drinking water is very important.
 
Winter can bring a variety of wonderful things, including the holidays, snow days, and cheese boards. However, the colder weather can sometimes prove harsh on our skin. Winter skin care can involve boosting hydration and protecting the delicate skin barrier, as harsh weather, such as freezing winds, frost, and dry air, can strip the skin of much-needed moisture and nutrients.  The key is to ensure you moisturize, avoid harsh chemicals such as foaming cleansers, and nourish from within.
Hydration is crucial for the skin, especially during the winter months. This is because healthy skin needs water for structure, support, elasticity, and radiance. Good hydration enhances blood flow to the skin, alongside delivering nutrients and flushing out toxins.  Cold weather and excessive indoor heat can cause water to rapidly evaporate from the skin, making it essential to find moisturizers that not only lock in moisture but also hydrate and nourish the skin’s barrier, protecting it from further damage from cold weather and indoor heat. This can include  applying thick, rich moisturizers on damp skin to lock in moisture. drinking lots of water to hydrate from the inside, including drinks such as herbal teas.
Rich moisturizers can help lock in moisture lost during winter weather. This is especially important for individuals with dry skin, as seasonal changes can exacerbate the condition. Swapping out lightweight moisturizers can help, particularly those that contain hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and ceramides, which attract moisture as a humectant and a lipid that acts as a protective barrier.
Cream-based cleansers are better during winter than harsh, foaming cleansers that may strip essential moisture from the skin. The ‘squeaky clean’ feeling that some cleansers provide may feel nice during warmer seasons, but it can actually contribute to tight, dry skin during winter. Tight skin is actually an indicator that your cleanser may have stripped too much of your natural skin barrier.
Eat hydrating food  Good skin care actually starts from within; while it is important to topically ensure your skin is well-nourished, a healthy and nutritious diet is key to achieving glowing, hydrated, and nourished skin. ‘Eating’ your water is a good way to stay hydrated from within, including eating water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, celery, tomatoes, and lettuce. swapping coffee and tea for herbal teas such as chamomile. Remembering to drink water before and after meals avoiding excess caffeine, sugars, and processed foods. avoiding overdoing it at holiday parties with alcohol, which can have a dehydrating effect on the skin. You can also eat a diet rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3, which protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Not only are they great for extra skin goodness, but they also create a moment of downtime intended for pampering and relaxation.
 Protect skin from the elements  Layering up during winter not only protects you from feeling cold but also shields your skin from the harsh effects of the cold winter weather.
Scarves, hats, gloves, and thick winter coats can help shield your skin from everything, including winter sun or frosty, biting wind. Many people forget that hand skin care is just as important as caring for your face; layer on rich hand creams and gloves to avoid dry, prematurely aged skin on your hands.
 Avoid overly hot showers and baths Excessively hot water in baths or showers can strip the skin of essential moisture and natural oils, damaging the skin barrier. Opt for slightly cooler showers, and don’t forget to use hydrating body creams and butters on damp skin afterward to lock in extra moisture.  Adding products to baths may also help hydrate the skin, and using bath oils provides an extra layer of luxury.
Don’t forget the lips  What harsh winter weather does to your skin, it also does to your lips. Not only do they not produce any oil as they lack sebaceous glands, but they also have  constant exposure to the elements. Spending extra care for your lips can help prevent issues such as chappedness, flaking skin, cracking, and cheilitis, a swollen inflammation of the lips.
This may include:  using a lip exfoliator to remove excess dead skin and promote new skin  using lip balms with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera  using thick ointments such as vaseline
The bottom line  Skin care is always important, but during harsh winter weather, taking an extra step for your skin can help maintain its overall health and appearance.
Using rich moisturizers that hydrate from within and on the outside, protecting your skin from the elements, and creating an ideal winter skin care routine are all key to achieving healthy, happy skin.
Taken from https://www.healthline.com/health/winter-skincare
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse