Restore Your Skin For Spring

Spring will be here very soon. It is time to shed the overcoats, boots and gloves that protected us from the cold weather. But how well did you protect your skin? Dry, chapped skin is definitely out of season. When you put on your short-sleeved shirt, shorts and sandals, you want to make sure your skin looks as good as it can. Here are some tips to repair the damage just in time to bare your skin this season. Start now and your skin will be glowing in just a few weeks.

• Dermatologists say you should clean your skin
  gently with a soft washcloth and gentle cleanser. Not just your face, but your entire body should be handled with care.
• Bathe briefly in lukewarm water with moisturizing soaps. Hot water and harsh soaps strip skin of vital oils and can cause chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis to flare up.
  
• While your skin is still moist, lather your face and body with a gentle moisturizer. To get your hands and feet extra soft, apply lotion to seal in moisture and then put on spa gloves and socks to protect the skin.
  
• Drink lots of water to hydrate skin and flush out impurities. Try to skip the alcohol and caffeine which can also dry out skin.
  
• Don't skip the sunscreen. Everyone needs protection from the skin-damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Use sunscreen on your face and body everyday.
  
• Make an appointment for a facial. This will deeply cleanse and moisturize your face for a refreshing look.
  
• Eat the right foods. Take advantage of the bright red, yellow and green fruits and vegetables coming into season. They are rich in beta carotene, vitamins C and E with antioxidants that help protect skin cells from damage by the sun. And make beans, peas, olive oil and fish a part of your diet as well. These help to reduce wrinkles.
  
• Be good to your skin. Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes, avoid fatty foods and fried foods, reduce salt intake and avoid artificial sugars. Avoid bad skin habits such as staying up late, wearing makeup to bed or while exercising, smoking and drinking alcohol. They all compromise your skin.
  
• Chill out. Stress causes acne breakouts and flare ups of eczema and psoriasis and makes skin susceptible to disease.
  
• This spring, fly a kite along the beach, have a picnic in the park or relax on your deck and patio with a good book and a glass of lemonade. Your skin will thank you for it.