Skin Care Tips for Cold Weather

​Hello Winter! 
Ready or not, here in Ohio we are in the thick of it with snow, ice, and crazy-cold temps! If there's ever a month where we need moisturizers and gentle cleansers, February is it! Here's a few tips for keeping your skin soft during the harshest time of the year.

​Skin Care Tips for Cold Weather

• Drink water! This is always our first tip, because true hydration is from the inside out. It's also easily overlooked. For a nice pick-me-up, I like putting a splash of lemon juice in my water. If you are buying bottled water, look for water with added electrolytes for an added boost. In the cold months, some people enjoy drinking hot water too.
• Remember that although long hot showers or baths can feel fabulous, they dehydrate you as well. Not only do you perspire in a hot shower, but the hot water can also strip your skin of its protective barriers that contain special proteins and fats that lock in moisture.  If you indulge in those long soaks or steams, remember to drink some extra water and apply beneficial oils to compensate. 
• A great time to moisturize is right after that shower or bath. Try applying our Body Oil Blend while your skin is still warm and moist for a silky-smooth feel and a healthy glow. It contains all the good stuff -- jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and lanolin -- for long-lasting moisturizing power.
• Exfoliate to remove those dead skin cells for a fresher look. Our Sugar Scrub can be used to refresh dry facial skin, along with other dry areas such as heels, elbows and legs. Our scrubs are effective moisturizers as well. We keep our sugar scrub right in the shower so it's easy  to use. Another handy exfoliating tool is a pumice stone -- perfect for those stubborn heels!
• Let's talk about our hands. Between the cold air outside and the dry heat inside, they really need some TLC in the wintertime. Keep some bottles of Body Lotion nearby to reapply several times throughout the day. I keep one in each bathroom, one by the kitchen sink, and one on my nightstand. Our pump applicator makes it super-convenient to use.  Also, keep a travel-lotion in your bag so you aren't without lotion when you really need it.
• Try using dish-washing gloves when washing dishes, scrubbing and cleaning, or any task that involves water and your hands. Keep them under your kitchen sink (mine are clipped to the inside of my sink cabinet) so you always know where they are and you can easily access them. This will save wear-and-tear on your hands and nails.
• Switch from detergent to soap for more gentle skin care. Detergents can be effective cleansers, but they also strip your skin of its natural oils. Take a look at the ingredients of your hand wash or body wash. If it's a liquid cleanser, chances are good that it's actually a detergent, not true soap. Detergents have synthetic and harsh ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, and sodium cocoyl isethionate. True soap is made of natural ingredients such as plant oils or animal fat, and it helps maintain your skin's moisture. So although detergents might be great for cleaning dishes and clothes, they can irritate and dry your skin. We offer both Bar Soap and Foaming Soapthat are made with plant-based oils. Our most gentle soap is our Olive Oil Bar Soap.
• Is lotion not enough for your hands? Are they cracking, splitting, and still feeling rough, even with applying lotion? Lanolin is extremely effective in moisturizing and healing dry and cracked skin. It's all-natural and has been trusted for centuries. We offer Pure Lanolin in a larger size and a small travel size. The travel size is perfect for applying to your fingertips and trouble spots on your hands. It can also be used as a lip balm. Several light applications of this product can make a huge impact on the condition of your skin.
• If you're noticing dry or tight skin on your face, try applying Pure Argan Oil to your face. It's non-comedogenic which means it won't clog pores or make your skin oily. It's a top-notch moisturizer with incredible benefits, including increasing skin elasticity. It's perfect for applying to those areas of concern on the face. Our roll-on applicator is great for use on the lips as well. 
• Did you know that your lips don't have any oil glands? Keep them moisturized with Lip Balm, Lanolin for Lips and Fingertips, or Argan Oilwith the roll-on applicator.
• Explore options that work for you. We offer a lot of great moisturizers such as Shea Nut Butter Sticks and Lotion Sticks that are a more natural product that is also easy to apply and easy to transport. Find what works for you and your lifestyle!

Stock Up for Winter + Coupon CodeThis is the perfect time to stock up on those winter skin care essentials for your family. Use the coupon code WINTER to save 20% on all orders over $50. Try some of our new products or maybe just some new-to-you products and see how great your skin can feel! Or choose some special items for Valentine's Day. We keep things as natural and fresh as possible, so you know you are getting high-quality products that are effective, gentle, and fabulous! Keep warm and cozy at home while browsing our website. We've added a lot of new products lately (Lanolin for Lips and Fingertips, Fragrance Mists, Bath Bombs, Argan Oil, Natural Shampoo, Hair Conditioner) so we're sure you'll find plenty of products that you'll love. This coupon code is good through February 2019 only on our website marthasbathandbody.com. ​