Niff Tips by Jenni: November 2009

Niff Tip #16: 8 November 2009

Cold Weather Skin Care

Ah, fall. While the weather may be mild now, it is only a matter of time before your skin starts drying up faster than the last remaining leaves left on a lonely tree branch. There is nothing worse than that constant itch, soreness, or unsightly red skin that comes with colder weather. There are a few things you can do, though, to combat this seasonal battle of the epidermis vs. the elements.

      1.    Exfoliate: If your skin is already naturally dry, don’t exfoliate more than 2-3 times a month. Average skin should be exfoliated about once a week. This process helps slough off any dried and dead skin, keeping your body soft, smooth, and clean. I love the Neutrogena Body Clear Scrub applied with a loofa sponge- and this cleanser is gentle enough to use more than once a week. For a good, full-body scrub down, try the St. Ives Collagen Elastin Body Polish. Find a mild body wash for daily use that won’t dry up your skin. Try something without as many chemicals, such as Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash or Burt’s Bees Milk and Shea Butter Body Wash.

For the face, you’ll want a gentler exfoliant. Try the Aveeno Positively Ageless Warming Scrub. The warming sensation keeps the exfoliation process kind and calm. If your skin is sensitive or you don’t like the feeling of tiny grains rubbing against your face, try a mask. Alba’s Papaya Enzyme mask is a gel like substance with powerful enzymes that break up and dissolve impurities.  (If you haven’t ever used an enzyme mask or peel, don’t keep it on too long for the first few times you use it, especially if you have sensitive skin.) For morning and night face washes, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Facial Wash is amazing for troubled skin. Also try Alba’s Coconut Milk Facial Wash for a soothing, creamy cleanse.

      2.    Moisturize: Lotion should be part of your daily routine, however in colder weather it is a routine must. For daily moisture, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen provides great hydration and SPF protection. (You need it year round, people!) Something thicker and creamier is great for night, like Palmer’s Coco Butter Formula.

Your daily face lotion should contain an SPF of at least 15. Just because you aren’t sun bathing by the pool side doesn’t mean you aren’t getting any rays. And when there is snow, you get a double reflection of sunshine. Stick with Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 for non-greasy, all-day facial care. At night, using a thicker crème or lotion is good, especially since your skin dries out when you sleep. Alba’s Jasmine and Vitamin E Moisture Cream is fabulous and it smells amazing. Around your eyes add some Vaseline or Burt’s Bees Beeswax and Royal Jelly Eye Crème to keep them from drying out from cold weather and daily eye-makeup.

The hand, feet, elbows, and knees are usually the greatest areas of grief (At least for me!).  Keep some hand lotion in your purse or car at all times. The Eucerin Plus is great because when you are out and about in the cold weather you always have an intense repairing lotion that provides instant relief and repair.  Using a thick lotion, such as Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème, before bed is a must. Get hand care kit, like L’Occitane’s Cozy Hands Set, that provides fabulous hand lotions and gloves to wear while you snooze. For extra-dry or problem areas, try Vaseline or Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment for intense care and moisturizing relief.

      3.    Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for hydration. While coffee, tea, and juice are fine in a balanced diet, they should never replace your H2O intake. Start your morning with a glass of water to rehydrate from your 8 hour sleep. Buy yourself a reusable water bottle to tote to work or class. Having water accessible and next you will be a constant reminder to drink up.

4.    Eat Healthy: During cold weather we often reach for the comfort foods. Stay away from foods high in sodium and sugar which cause dehydration. Stick with high-antioxidant fruits and veggies, like broccoli and pomegranate. Stick with low fat dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese. Fish, raw nuts, and avocados offer great healthy oils and fats. And, of course, green tea is as just amazing to drink as it is for you.

5.   Cover up: Make sure you are wearing gloves, warm socks, and long sleeves to protect your skin from the elements. Yes, you have an excuse to go clothes shopping all for the sake of your health… you’re welcome.

Niff Tip # 15: 1 November 2009

November 1, 2009: Sweater Care

Now that the weather is getting chillier, sweaters are becoming a staple item in most people’s wardrobes. As much as I love sweaters, there are times when I simply hate how much work they require to keep looking good and staying comfy. So, I decided to do a little research and share my findings with you!

Sweater Issues Solved:

     1.    Pilling: Those little balls of fuzz can be a nightmare to get off. Get a De-Fuzz-It pilling comb and de-fuzzer to help keep your sweaters in pristine condition. The hooked side of Velcro also works for a quick fix.

     2.    Stretched Out Cuffs: Check out this video from RealSimple Magazine, on how to shrink up your stretched out cuffs and necklines.

     3.    Snags: Another fabulous video from RealSimple Magazine shows how to fix those annoying little snags.

One of my favorite memories of my old roommate was when she accidently dried her 100% wool sweater. Luckily, one of us had a teddy bear so her accident wasn’t a complete waste. But, really, washing sweaters is one of those actions you approach with trepidation if you don’t really know what you are doing. Here are some guidelines from the world’s most famous Domestic Goddess, Martha Stewart:

Washing & Drying your Sweaters

You will need: Tape Measurer, Gentle or cold water wash laundry detergent, 2-3 clean, colorfast towels

     1.    Before you wash your sweater, measure it in these four places:

a.    Shoulder to shoulder

b.    Length of the sleeve

c.     Across the bust line

d.    Across the bottom edge

     2.    Place your sweater in cold water and detergent, gently swishing and squeezing the suds through the sweater. Let soak for 3 minutes, and then drain the water. Rinse sweater with clean water until the water running out of the sweater runs clear. Carefully press out all the excess water from the sweater. *

    3.    Carefully lift the sweater unto the dry, colorfast towel. Pat the sweater into shape and roll up the towel, pressing it down to remove excess water from the sweater. If your sweater is particularly thick and heavy, you may have to do this step a couple times with a few more towels.

    4.    Lay the sweater on another dry towel, and reshape per your previous measurements. Allow your sweater to air-dry on the towel for several hours.

    5.    When your sweater is dry, fold it carefully. Place it face down and fold one sleeve straight across towards the opposite shoulder and then repeat with the remaining sleeve. Fold one side of the sweater in, so that the corner of the sleeve is in the center of the sweater. Repeat with the other side. Fold the bottom up to the top.

* Personally, I thoroughly clean out my kitchen sink and wash my sweaters in there. You can use a really big bowl or a shallow Rubbermaid bin, too.