Dry skin symptoms can be a problem during the winter months. Skin dryness can feel unbearable and make you want to drench yourself with tons of body moisturizer to prevent itching. As if the itching wasn’t bad enough, flakiness, cracking and even redness can make your skin look like a skin condition gone wrong. No matter what, dry itching skin is unavoidable during the winter season.  Here are a few tips on how to prevent dry skin that can help bring back some relief to survive the winter months!

1. Moisturize several times a day. Winter cold can strip away any moisture in your skin due to low humidity levels in the air. A rich moisturizer like Shea Butter works to seal in moisture keeping skin hydrated.
2.  Placing a humidifier in your bedroom is a great way to bring back high moisture levels in the air. Since heaters create dry, hot air, they actually zap moisture from your skin causing it to become even drier.
3. Avoid doing any facial treatments with ingredients like acids or alcohol that may be too harsh or irritating on your skin. Soothing facial products like milky cleansers, moisturizers with antioxidants and alcohol-free toners work best and won’t strip away any natural moisture your skin produces.
4. Pamper and massage your feet with petroleum jelly before going to bed. Leave jelly on and throw on a pair of dry cotton socks to lock in as much moisture as you can get during your beauty sleep. Petroleum jelly protects skin by preventing any further water loss even chapped lips benefit from it too.
5. Keep a travel size hand cream handy in your car, purse or desk. Hands constantly exposed to winter cold can make the delicate skin on your hands itch and crack if not hydrated on a regular basis. Applying hand cream and wearing a pair of gloves when going outside can help keep hands hydrated throughout the day.

Drinking Water is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your skin’s collagen. Our skin loses water nearly every minute of the day. Since the body is composed of mostly water, it only makes sense that we should have to drink lots of water to replenish the skin.

People with any skin type can have dehydrated skin, which often looks sallow, worn, dry, and wrinkled, none of which are desirable descriptions. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep skin’s collagen intact and when people are properly hydrated their skin will show it!

Most people will find that after drinking enough water their skin takes on a more youthful, healthy look. The good news is, in order to cure dehydration all you need is your kitchen sink.  Drink, Drink, Drink! Don’t wait until you are thirsty rather drink before you get thirsty. Drinking your water is the cheapest, quickest way to look better!

Here are some things you can do to make sure you are getting enough water each day:

Carry a water bottle

Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and refill it when it is getting low. Not only will this encourage you to drink more water, but it will be easier to monitor how much you are actually drinking throughout the day. 

Monitor your intake

Really monitor your intake of water on a daily basis to make sure that you are getting enough. Follow the water bottle suggestion above and be sure to count how much you are drinking and refilling each day. On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day.

Add drinking two glasses of water to your daily skincare regimen

Drink, cleanse, moisturize, etc. Then drink again! Do this morning and night and you can add 4 glasses of water to your day!

Make a bet with a co-worker to see who can drink more water in the course of a day

Two of my co-workers often ask each other how much water the other has had and if one of them has had a higher number of bottles, then the other is off to the kitchen to refill and catch up! This is a great way to encourage each other and to motivate yourself. 

Water Every Hour

If you work an 8-hour day, have one glass every hour on the hour. When the work day is done your quota has been met.

Already dehydrated? Try this:

If you are already suffering from dehydration, try drinking a gallon of water a day for one week. You should notice an immediate improvement in not only your skin, but your overall mood.

First things first: a good hair conditioner is a good hair conditioner—regardless of scent. But we all love it when our hair products smell nice, don’t we? In addition to passing the smell test with its refreshing, sweet-yet-minty scent, this one leaves my hair silky-smooth and hydrated in spite of all the heat-styling and chemical processing I subject it to. I’ve tried (and loved!) other products from the Nick Chavez family and I have to say that, as amazing as all of them are, this is my new favorite. The condition of my hair has really and truly improved.

Another helpful hint for ladies hoping to maintain long, luscious locks: take it easy with the shampoo! At first it may seem weird, the idea of washing every other day or (gasp) once or twice a week. But I’m telling you, it’s really one of the best things you can do for your hair. I know the idea sounds all the more crazy if you’re an avid worker-outer. How can I possibly skip a day of shampoo when I’m covered in sweat? you ask. Just rinse your hair with water and apply a good hair conditioner like this one to your ends. Give it a few months and I guarantee you your hair will be shinier, softer and just better in general.

Did you receive Nick Chavez Ultra Shine Honey-Peppermint Conditioner in your Beautyfix kit this season? What did you think?

flickr user The Bees

Did you know that yesterday was a monumental day in the culinary world? One of the best holidays to occur all year? A day to rejoice and celebrate one of the most deliciously scrumptious foods there is. Yup, that’s right, January 24^th is National Peanut Butter Day! I know this is a day late, but I heart that gooey goodness so much that I think it should be celebrated all week long. Maybe I’ll even choose to celebrate all month long if it helps justify eating it by the spoonful at midnight. Not only is peanut butter delicious, but also chock-full of protein and healthy unsaturated fats which provide nutrients to the hair, skin and nails. But just remember—everything in moderation. Notice how I said “spoonful” in the singular tense? Oh, who am I kidding, we all know I have absolutely no self restraint!

Here is one of my favorite ways to celebrate National Peanut Butter Day and this glorious food:

The World’s Best Peanut Butter Cookies

½  cup granulated sugar

½ cups packed brown sugar

½ cup peanut butter

¼ cup shortening

¼ cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Step 1- Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

Step 2- Heat oven to 375

Step 3- Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.

Step 4- Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Step 5- Enjoy!

Our hands are constantly exposed to the harsh abuse of the environment, more frequently than the rest of our bodies. While we should always wash our hands frequently, the contact with water, soap and other every day chemicals can also cause dry and chapped skin. 

Here are some things you can do to restore aging hands:

Wear Gloves:

Not only is this helpful to keep your hands warm in the harsh winter weather, but wearing rubber gloves while cleaning, gardening or doing the dishes will help to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and keep them from drying out.

Moisturize:

This is such a simple step that makes a huge difference. After washing your hands, apply a lotion or hand cream. At night, try applying a hand cream that contains growth factors and promote new collagen formation.

Apply Sunscreen:

 Many people have a hereditary predisposition to Liver spots which are rounded brown or black, flat patches of skin. Although nothing can be done about the role heredity plays, excessive sun exposure should be avoided as this is another factor that can cause spots and discolorations. Protect your hands, just as you would the rest of your body by applying sunscreen with min. SPF of 15. If spots have already formed, explore the possibility of bleaching creams which can be applied to help fade spots and discoloration.

Heated Paraffin Wax Treatments:

Paraffin treatments are warm and the heat helps to increase blood supply to the treated area. A paraffin wax hand treatment both hydrates and smoothes the skin and can easily be done at home. This is especially beneficial in the winter months when hands tend to crack and be more dry. Paraffin helps restore the moisture content.

Manicures:

Try an age-defying manicure and if you don’t do it yourself, be sure to go to a reputable spa or nail salon with good sanitation to prevent any infections.

If you’ve never used any of the wonderful formulations Kelly Teegarden Organics has to offer, well, you’re in for a treat. (I’m a huge fan of The Royal Healthy Body Lotion.) And the story behind the brand is quite an inspirational one. After battling cancer, Kelly wanted beauty consumers everywhere to have access to products free of chemicals and potentially harmful ingredients. Her eponymous line—featuring an array of products for the face and body—utilizes natural ingredients and natural preservatives only.

As for the eye cream, along with soothing rose and cucumber, it contains essential oils, rosemary, horse chestnut and calendula. Dark circles and puffiness don’t stand a chance! It also works to smooth stubborn lines and wrinkles, imparting a plump, youthful glow. I like it so much, I carry it around with me and re-apply throughout the day. It’s a great antidote to the dry weather California gets this time of year. As soon as I smooth it on, I notice a difference—it’s a great pick-me-up for my delicate eye orbital area, which is quite prone to dark circles and puffiness.

Did you receive Kelly Teegarden Organics Vitality Rose and Cucumber Eye Cream in your Beautyfix kit this season? What do you think about it?

Several of the moms around the office have solemnly sworn that the Mustela products are among the best they have used on their babies—particularly when it comes to curing pesky diaper rashes and cradle cap. After reading all the rave reviews on DermStore (Mustela has 19 Shopper’s Choice products!) I settled on sending my friend the Mustela Newborn Set. For only $38.61, the set includes Foam Shampoo for Newborns which prevents and heals cradle cap, PhysiBebe to cleanse  the face and diaper area, Hydra-Bebe Body Lotion, Vitamin Barrier Cream to prevent diaper rash and Dermo-Cleansing Gel , which is a soap-free cleanser for the baby’s hair and body.

Even though my friend is destined to be one of those impossibly adorable, cute pregnant women who never even sets foot in the maternity section (think Miranda Kerr), I also sent the Mustela Stretch Mark Cream. With 50 reviews and an average of five stars, it seemed like a no brainer!

I have very dry skin, because of this I have to be careful with soaps and scrubs. I need them to exfoliate but still be gentle. I like scrubs that are sugar based to prevent stinging. That’s when I found LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub.

It is a great exfoliator that leaves a wonderful warm vanilla fragrance on your skin all day. The oil leaves my skin so smooth and soft. I am so amazed that this is an exfoliator and moisturizer all in one. A little bit goes a long way. I even applied this scrub after shaving; unlike most salt scrubs I didn’t feel any tingling or stringing.

This all-natural body scrub buffs away dead skin cells taking care of rough areas. The coconut oil serves as a conditioner instantly absorbing into your skin making it effortlessly smooth. I love sweet fragrances, formulated with Pure cane sugars this sweet scent gently exfoliates while your skin is protected by Vitamin E and almond oils. This addicting scent combines Vanilla, Rose and Citrus. LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub rinses off so easily, it leaves an oil combination on your skin, but once you get out of the tub and dry off, all you are left with is softness. Even with my dry skin there was no need to use lotion after bathing. 100% natural, this amazing scrub is free of parabens and sulfates. If you’re looking for a wonderful scrub exfoliates and hydrates your skin. LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub is just right for you!

Experiment with your look

Now is a great time to introduce a new look you’ve wanted to explore. Perhaps it is a subtle change, like finding a new fragrance as your signature scent, or trying a new hair-do/style/color.  Trying new beauty products can help spruce up your routine as well. There are so many great new products that can help simplify your beauty routine and enhance the look you are working to create.

You’re sexy and you know it

Treat your body right this year and remember what goes inside shows on the outside. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, this will give your skin a healthy glow. Eat healthy foods, take a multi-vitamin every day and exercise at least 3-4 times per week for 30 minutes each time. All of these things will help improve your circulation/overall health and the benefits will show in your beautiful skin. Lastly, be confident, walk with good posture and smile, these things are so easy to do and extremely beneficial.

Don’t skimp on skin care

Your skin can make or break your look and overall confidence. Work hard on doing things that will benefit your skin, leaving it radiant and youthful.  Exfoliate your skin at least 1-2 times a week, moisturize daily and include an SPF for protection. Spoil yourself with a face mask once a week. This not only helps with relaxation, it’s like giving your skin a present! You will be relaxed, refreshed and your skin will be radiant. 

 Quit nasty habits

It’s never too late to stop a bad habit. Smoking, biting your nails, pulling eyelashes, over excessively twirling your hair these are all things that you should file in the past with 2011. Try finding something new and healthy to substitute this act. Perhaps it’s chewing gum, or going to yoga or doing something different with your hair. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference.  

What are some of your beauty resolutions for 2012?