Winter Proof Your Skin

Winter is a wonderful time of the year - holidays, warm fires, crisp air, and for many, fresh fallen snow.


However, the colder temperature and lower humidity affect the condition of your skin and hair.

Following are some suggestions for protecting your skin and hair during this time of year:

1. Because the skin on your hands is thinner than in other areas of your body, it needs some extra protection and care. After washing your hands dry them thoroughly and use a good moisturizer. Wearing gloves while outdoors will also protect them and keep your skin soft.

2. Hidden from view by warm clothing during winter, elbows, knees, and feet are usually forgotten until spring. Clothing and boots can cause friction that creates a buildup of thick skin. A good exfoliation with a natural loofah sponge or sugar/salt scrub, followed by a rich lotion or moisturizer will remove any problems here.

3. Sunscreen, usually a staple in summer is just as important in winter. Sun reflecting off snow and ice can actually give you double the sun exposure. So remember to wear sunscreen while enjoying outdoor activites!

4. Avoid licking your lips as this will cause them to become dry and chapped. A good lip balm is what is needed here. If you get a bad case of chapped or cracked lips, use some vaseline or vitamin E oil before bed, and you should be good to go in the morning.

5. Winter winds and low humidity are also hard on your hair, and using a rich, deep hair conditioner is important to restore moisture to your hair.

6. One way to keep your skin in great shape is getting a massage. You don't have to go to a specialist for this: just get out your favorite massage oil and ask a family member to give you a quick massage. Then relax and enjoy the experience and the benefits.

Here is a list of some of the best natural beauty ingredients available for winter skin and hair care:

Baking Soda - can be used as a deodorant, bath powder, or tooth whitener. Mixed with water, it helps remove residues from hairstyling products, making your hair clean and shiny.

Oatmeal - Finely ground until powder-like, oatmeal make a great cleanser for your face and body: just add the powdered oatmeal to water to form a paste and massage into damp skin. Three to four tablespoons added to a warm bath is also good for winter skin.

Citrus Fruit - contains citric acid, which kills bacteria on the skin. Also, the fresh scent is a known energizer. Rinse your hair with lemon juice mixed with water when you hair is dull and tired.

Honey - can be used as a facial mask, or hair conditioner, and it's one of the best natural moisturizers. For best results, make sure you look for honey marked 100% pure.


Olive Oil – Can be used on a cotton ball to remove make up and as a moisturizer within the first five minutes after your shower or bath to get the most benefit! Also a tablespoon added to your bath works wonders as well.

More tips and recipes to care for your skin are available at Southern Pine Soaps!

Enjoy your beautiful skin and hair this coming winter!

What to do?

Hey ladies!  I was thinking about Valentine's Day and got to wondering....

What would different people want their significant other to do for them or give them for Valentine's Day?  I thought this could be a very thought provoking and interesting question to pose to you all.  So please leave a comment and tell me.   Would you want a romantic dinner out on the town?... a massage?....a special quiet dinner at home?... chocolates?