beauty addict

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Top hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty gurus answer your questions.

Q: How can I combat rough arms, elbows, and legs this winter?

Rough, chapped skin is simply caused by a lack of moisture. During the winter, the dry air makes moisture evaporate faster, and dehydrated skin cells shrink and separate, causing cracked, rough skin. To avoid this, invest in a humidifier, and don’t over-wash, since the soap and hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. If you like to stay in the bath until you resemble a wrinkly prune, just remember that it’s a sign of dehydration. As a rule of thumb, warm showers and baths that are less than 20 minutes long will keep your skin hydrated. After showering, pat your skin dry, instead of rubbing it.

In addition, exfoliating once or twice a week is essential because it rids skin of dead cells and allows it to absorb moisture more effectively. If your skin’s still looking scaly, you may want to try a professional microdermabrasion treatment or a lactic- or glycolic-acid peel. Beyond that, invest in lotions with naturally hydrating ingredients, such as avocado or honey, and moisturize immediately after you get out of the shower and before you put on your clothes to lock in moisture. Since elbows and knees may look drier than the rest of your body, slather them with cream and slide a pair of fabric bands over them. You can make them yourself by cutting up a pair of socks, old long gloves, or leg warmers.

With nearly 25 years of experience, Joyce Carboni is the founder and director of the Skinsational Skin and Body Spa in Carlsbad, California—a fully staffed beauty sanctuary that provides guests with a luxurious escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Photo credit: Kateryna Govorushchenko

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