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This time of year can do a number on your skin; the combination of cold weather outdoors and warm air indoors leaves your hands and face and limbs feeling dry and, well, sad. Take five minutes to exfoliate and uncover a whole new you.
Exfoliating is a simple way to refresh tired winter skin; sloughing off the dead, dry top layer (eew) gives you a glow that no makeup can match. But you don't need a fancy cream or scrub to bring out the best in your skin -- a washcloth will do just fine.
[Review: London MakeUp Girl tries Nubo's Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser]
Be gentle on your face; wet a washcloth with warm (not hot) water and rub gently in small circles. If you like, you can add a cleanser or moisturizing soap, but don't overdo. Concentrate on areas that seem dry -- my cheeks are always an issue this time of year, as are my lips. Buff lightly with the damp washcloth, rinse, and then follow up with a soothing mosturizer. For really dry skin, rub on some Aquaphor or Eucerin. Don't exfoliate your face more than twice a week, though; too much rubbing will aggravate your skin.
[How-To: Natural Exfoliating Scrub at Always Already Beautiful]
Rough, chapped hands, however, can be exfoliated on an as-needed basis. If your hands are anything like mine, you may need to do this daily, in fact. For hands, choose a grainy scrub -- but don't feel like you have to invest in one specifically marketed for hands. Instead, choose a scrub that has both something gritty and something moisturizing in it. Wash your hands, again in warm water, and then cover them in the grainy scrub and rub, rub, rub. Pay special attention to kuckles and cuticles, which tend to dry out the most. Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub, $12.99 at Target.
[Review: Burt's Bees Exfoliating Body Bar at The Rest is Just Icing]
What about the rest of you, those vast expanses of arms and legs and shoulders? Take your grainy scrub into the shower with you and wash away the itchy dryness. Follow up with a creamy moisturizer -- I like Tree Hut's Almond and Honey Shea Body Butter -- to keep skin smooth and soft.
Susan Wagner writes about pragmatic fashion at The Working Closet and chic suburban living at Friday Playdate.
