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 Rachael Severino is an 11th grade student at Sachem North High School in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work. |
| Cold, dry temperatures, mixed with ferocious winds, can [and will] quickly dry out your skin, so it’s best to keep hydrated and healthy at all times. Your body will naturally hydrate itself if you’re leading a healthy lifestyle, but nobody’s perfect. To make up for imperfections in daily habits try little things that make a big difference. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, change sheets/pillowcases weekly, take vitamins, and get eight hours of sleep nightly. Winter is harsh, so even with a healthy daily routine, your skin will need a little extra TLC. Wash your face twice a day to remove oil build up, dead skin, and all the dirt and germs you accumulate throughout the day. Your wash and after-wash should follow this order: soap (I recommend anything with shay butter; black soap and coconut soap are also excellent choices), cleanser, exfoliator (twice a week at most), toner, and moisturizer. During these crueler weather months, you should consider swapping for a richer moisturizer, perhaps one that repairs damage, as it will offer you healing as well as resistance to future dry skin. Dry skin tends to be roughest from mid-September to mid-April. The perfect remedy to this is Mario Badescu’s’ facial spray. I use the rosewater spray, applying it every morning and night, along with whenever my face needs a boost. This spray instantly cools irritated skin, revitalizes dry skin, and sets makeup. It’s a fantastic product year-round. There are other variations from which to choose, so find your favorite. Along with the rose-mist, I recommend facial masks. I try to apply one at least twice a week this time of year. This may sound expensive, but really isn’t. In the winter, limit using clay masks too frequently. While deep cleansing, they are also drying. Limit these to once or twice a month. However, I suggest sheet masks, especially cucumber or others that promote dewy skin. They are about to become your new best friend. They may be as inexpensive as .99 cents and can be found at Target, Ulta, or CVS. You will thank me later. Yes, the skin on your face is important, but so is that on your body. People tend to dedicate their time to ensuring dewy, fresh, facial skin, but forget the rest of the body (which is also covered in tender skin). In the shower, use a soap that heals damaged skin and protects from future dryness. If you shave, try a men’s razor for a more precise, less expensive shave. Instead of using soap or shaving cream, try hair conditioner or coconut oil. They soften and protect skin while you shave, a generally drying activity. Following the shower, remember to moisturize! Use shay butter infused lotion, and apply it at least once a day. Moisturize religiously! On a final note, animal cruelty-free brands with natural products always work best. They keep your skin happy while you keep the animals and Earth happy. Enjoy the softness! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 