Have Dry Winter Skin?
Pay attention to the ingredients in your moisturizer
Year round, look for glycerin, fatty acids and shea butter, which work to keep moisture in your skin. In the winter, add anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, arnica extract and lavender to the list. “They work to reduce redness and irritation during colder months,” says Lee. Can’t bear to part ways with your regular moisturizer for a season? Make it more emollient by adding a small amount of Aquaphor or shea butter.
Take smarter showers
Avoid perfumed, deodorant and antibacterial soaps—they contain alcohol, which can dry out skin. Instead, opt for a fragrance-free soap or moisturizing body wash, and keep your shower short. “Frequent hot showers or baths can strip your skin of natural oils,” says Lee. “Limit them to no more than 10 minutes, then pat dry.” Apply lotion while skin is still damp.
Adjust your cleaning routine
Gel or foaming cleansers can be too harsh for winter months. “Consider changing to one with a creamy texture,” Lee suggests. Also worth adding: a corrective serum with hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid. JoElle SkinCare Vitamic C + Collagen Antioxidant Serum ($75) is formulated with a concentrated dose, along with fruit acids to increase collagen production.
Soothe itch with a soak
Ease the discomfort of especially itchy, dry skin by adding one cup of baking soda to a bathtub of warm water and soaking for 30 to 60 minutes. Pat dry after, and seal in the relief by sleeping with a humidifier in your room.
Pile on the almond oil
This inexpensive, all-natural remedy is an excellent source of Vitamin E, and a great lubricator for dry skin.
Don’t skimp on sunscreen
It’s still essential, even if you don’t see daylight much during this time of year. “Skin will survive any climate change better when it isn’t being damaged by the sun,” Lee
explains.
Add fruit to your diet
“Dry skin can mean a deficiency in essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, B and E,” Lee notes. “Consuming fruit or dry fruit regularly can help replenish these vitamins and treat dry skin.”
JoElle Lee’s skin care services and products are available at Citrine Salon & Spa, 6931-D Arlington Road, Bethesda; 301-656-8220; www.citrinesalonandspa.com. For more information, visit www.joelleskincare.com.
Statement Studs
Accessorizing is tricky in the winter—most jewelry will be covered up by coats, and dangly earrings get caught in scarves and clothes while removing layers. Consider cluster earrings. They’re closer to the ear so they won’t catch on clothes, and their stylish sparkle brings attention back to your face.
- Temple St. Clair Diamond and Gemstone Cluster Earrings, $3,250 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase and saksfifthavenue.com
- Dusty Quartz Crystal Cluster Earrings, $29.50 at J.Crew at the Chevy Chase Pavilion and jcrew.com
- Moonlight Stud Earrings, $39.50 at Banana Republic at Westfield Montgomery mall and bananarepublic.com
- Les Néréides Wild Roses Earrings, $109 at pinkmascara.com
earring photos all courtesy
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
Westfield Montgomery mall adds Lululemon Athletica and Microsoft to its growing roster of stores. … Along the Friendship Heights shopping corridor, Marshalls opened in the former Loehmann’s space on Nov. 8. Nearby on 44th Street NW, posh new nail salon Varnish Lane plans to start accepting appointments the first week of January. They could go fast, thanks to waterless, chemical-free services, iPads and upscale polish choices from Chanel, Deborah Lippman and more. … In downtown Bethesda, Bethesda Fine Stationery on Miller Avenue is the latest spot to browse note cards and correspondence sets. You can also create custom invitations for weddings and events. Women’s boutique Madeline closed its doors at the end of November after a 24-year stint at the Shops at Wildwood.
The Right Fit
Who says you have to look shapeless in colder weather? Stay warm and chic by dressing to flatter the natural shape of your silhouette. Chevy Chase wardrobe consultant and boutique owner Julia Farr walks us through the best sweater styles for five body types—and offers a few tips for women of all sizes.
Julia’s Sweater Advice for All Body Types:
- The sleeve seam on any knit should hit at the top of the shoulder.
- The most universally flattering style? A fitted open sweater that extends to the top of the hip.
- Instantly add polish to an unstructured knit by layering a crisp white blouse underneath.
Sarah Zlotnick (zlotnick.sarah@gmail.com) is a DC-based fashion and lifestyle writer.
