winter

Feet First

October 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Now that summer’s warmth is a distant memory and everyone’s sandals have been shelved, footcare often falls to the bottom of the beauty priority list. But even though your feet aren’t on display in winter, they can still take a beating. We asked Mary Lupo, M.D., a dermatologist in New Orleans, for advice on how to keep your feet in top shape through the cold-weather months— until it’s time for them to see the light again:

Feet aren’t usually exposed in winter, so what causes them to become cracked and damaged?
Heaters easily dehydrate the skin, and the hotter bath and shower temperatures people seem to like in winter can also be harmful to skin. There are fewer oil glands in the feet to protect them from drying out.

What is the best way to get rid of cracks and calluses?
Hands down: Theraplex FT Exfoliating Emollient. It’s a game changer! It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the dead, dried skin cells, hydrators for deep nourishment, and even a little menthol to deodorize.

How should we care for our feet on a daily basis now that the weather is cooler? Apply a skin-sloughing foot cream with glycolic or salicylic acid, then slip on a pair of socks on for at least 15 minutes. Even better, wear your socks overnight or do this routine right after you shower before stepping out for the day. It’s so easy and will keep your feet baby soft all year!

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

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Cold-Weather Cures

February 4, 2011 at 2:22 pm
By Eleanor Langston

Brrr! You don’t need Al Roker to tell you that it’s COLD outside in most states right now. (Californians, you are all lucky ducks!) In our February issue, we featured treatments to heal your toughest winter woes. Here are a couple of my favorite snow-day tips for looking radiant even when you’re freezing:

• If the skin on your body is parched, try this trick: Once you get in the shower, massage a cream-based cleanser over your skin when it’s dry, not wet. This step prevents the cream from getting too diluted, so that it’s more effective and hydrating. Rinse after about 15-20 seconds.
• To stop your makeup from caking, soften any cream-based concealers or foundations between your index fingertip and thumb before applying. The heat you generate will help it go on evenly. (Chilly temps can harden creamy makeup products.)
• No tropical vacay in site? After applying a peach cream blush to your cheeks, pat a little above each eyebrow’s arch, then blend. This will give your face a little sunkissed glow and warmth.

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Favorite Find Friday: Korres Lip Butter

January 7, 2011 at 9:17 am
By Fitness Magazine

On my last day as an intern at FITNESS last summer, beauty director Eleanor Langston pushed a handful of Korres Lip Butters into my hands. “You have to try these; they’re a beauty editor favorite,” she said.

She didn’t mention they were addictive! Since then, I haven’t left the house without a tub of the rich, buttery formula in tow. The product is perfect for winter lips in need of moisture. And, the tinted shades add just the right touch of shine for both every day and special occasions. You can even dab a little onto your cheeks for a natural flush of color. I love Wild Rose — the sheer, deep red is gorgeous — but there are six other great colors to choose from at just $10 each. What are your go-to winter lip products?

— Catherine Q. O’Neill, contributing blogger

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Hands On

November 17, 2010 at 7:21 am
By Fitness Magazine

It’s no secret that the cold months leave our hands feeling dry and brittle. Brutal wind and bitter temperatures cause them to crack and flake, a look that will never be in style. Hand model Christina Amber has represented top national brands like Sally Hansen, Jergens, Nivea, Neutrogena and Maybelline; and has stood in for celebrities including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Ripa, Natalie Portman and Mia Hamm. Here, her secrets for keeping hands looking fresh and youthful during the winter months:

• Always keep a moisturizer with you to reapply throughout the day. Try Dermelect Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Treatment. The 4 ounce container makes it super compact and easy to tote on-the-go.
• Think gloves! Gloves protect your hands from the cold winter weather, and are just as important indoors. To protect your skin from damaging chemicals, wear a pair while doing housework!
• Avoid washing your hands with hot water, which opens pores and dries out the skin: Wash with lukewarm water instead.
• Limit use of harsh antibacterial soaps, which can also leave skin dry and brittle. Instead, look for formulas with hydrating and nourishing ingredients.

How do you keep your hands in top shape?

-Nina Ramadan, beauty intern

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Fall for Soft Skin

September 13, 2010 at 4:30 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Fall is just around the corner, and that means dryer air—and skin. Time to bolster your defenses by making a few small tweaks to your body care routine. In the shower, switch to a creamy hydrating body wash, like  Aveeno Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash, which moisturizes as it cleanses.

When you step out, pat dry with a terrycloth towel. Patting dry, rather than vigorously rubbing, helps your skin retain more moisture. Then wrap your hair up in a terrycloth towel to keep it out of the way (and reduce drying time). Apply a thick lotion all over to lock in hydration, like Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion. Extra credit: To get a subtle tan while you moisturize, try Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Lotion, which is laced with self-tanner that builds up over a few days. Sayonara, scaly skin!

-Kari LaPrade, Beauty Intern

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