Two-thirds of women in the northern hemisphere suffer from dry skin in the winter months. Harsh cosmetics,air conditioning, strong exfoliators and excessive bathing with strong detergents all result in loss of moisture, thus adding to the problem of dry skin.

Here are a few tips for how to take care of your dry skin:

• Avoid going from very hot to very cold environments.
• Keep rooms moist, especially in winter, by placing bowls of water by the radiator or use a humidifier.
• Avoid excess exposure to sun, and apply a good sunscreen to exposed areas of your skin.
• Get plenty of sleep, as cellular repair is at its best when you are at rest.
• Regular exercise nourishes and cleanses your skin from within.
• Choose a gentle alcohol free cleanser. If it is creamy then all the more better. Leave the cleanser on for a few minutes for it to work, before removing it with a cotton pad. Use gentle upward movements to prevent stretching the skin and encouraging lines.
• Avoid very hot water to wash your face.
• Use a facial mist or pure mineral water to freshen your face everyday.
• Always apply moisturizer to face and neck with light, tapping upward motions while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps to lock the moisture and stimulate blood circulation in your face, which means a brighter complexion.
• Once a week, use a facial mask to clarify the skin and remove dull, dry surface skin cells.

Diet for Dry Skin:

• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which have a diuretic effect and aggravate dry skin.
• Snack on sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts.
• Include plenty of oily fish in your diet. also try unrefined cold-compressed vegetable oils or omega essential oils. These oils can be used daily on salads and baked potatoes,or mixed into cold dishes.
• Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus are high in sulphur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.
• Avoid fried foods and animal fat which increase the production of destructive free radicals.