Face to Face with your Face

My friend and esthetician Gail Nelson has been tackling this problem, helping clients with all sorts of skin issues for 35 years. So, I sought out her advice. Nelson says winter weather, especially this winter, has hit our faces hard. She offers six tips to get our faces back to normal.

First, a cool mist humidifier in our bedrooms. The harsh winter air and wind, combined with central heating and fireplaces deplete moisture from our skin. And, as the weather warms up a bit, consider getting a microdermabrasion or mild chemical peel.

Nelson says, "moisturizers won't work unless we get rid of that layer of dead skin and get that cell turnover."

She also recommends a vitamin D supplement. That's not only good for our skin but our bones too. Next, she adivses that we stay away from too much caffeine.

"Stay hydrated with water," Nelson says. "For every glass of wine you drink, drink three glasses of water."

She also recommends, "upping your moisturizer." Choose one with more emollients.

Finally, she says, "Don't hestitate to look into serums with collagen and oxygenation that will fill the new cells you create after you renew your skin."

Gail Nelson is an esthetician with Creative Hair and Spa here in Omaha. She also advises that we get a consultation before beginning a skin treatment.

Those of you with chronic or severe dry skin problems should see a dermatologist for an evaluation.