Being in cold weather

I was in Shanghai for four weeks (Nov 16 - Dec 14, 2008).

It was winter season.

After three days stayed there, I started to feel my body changing because of cold weather. Of course, I'm from tropical country and then must stay in four-season country for almost one month!

My skin started to crack, causing some small wounds in some parts of my body. The skin on my fingers was dry. My face broke out and my lips were dry too, they were tight, I had trouble to smile.
Even my scalp got dry and it's like I was having dandruff. The problem was: I brought wrong type of clothes and I didn't bring all the moisturizer I needed just because I was very concern about my baggage weight!

So at the first weekend when we had time to go to down town, I and my colleagues dropped by at Watson’s. My boss recommended some items to be used. I bought several types of moisturizers:

Neutrogena Oil Free, RMB 199, it’s for face moisturizer

Pantene Shampoo with Milk Protein, for my dry hair

Vaseline Intensive Care for Dry Skin, 200 ml, RMB 53

I had my sunscreen cream and lip care from Jakarta (both from The Face Shop, Korea), so I didn’t need to buy new ones. I also brought my Cocoa shower cream from The Body Shop, it has natural cocoa oil to protect the skin from dryness.

Every time I wash my hands or my face, I apply hand cream or face moisturizer afterwards. Then when I felt my lip care worn off, I apply some more.

Now, after done my research in internet about how we take care of our skin in cold weather, here are some tips I can share with you:

• Limit your time in the shower, and bathe in warm rather than hot water, since hot water can strip your skin of moisture.
• Use a body wash instead of bar soap, which can often be too harsh; pat, don't rub, yourself dry; and apply a moisturizer liberally when the skin is still moist.
• Choose the right moisturizer. Moisturizers work not by putting water into the skin, but by slowing the natural loss of water from the skin. Look for one that's both thick and mild.
  
• But for your face, remember to use an oil-free lotion in order to minimize clogged pores.
• Avoid harsh ingredients. Use thick, creamy cleansers if your skin is regularly dry or a foaming gel if your skin is oily.
• Always apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin, including the face, tops of ears, and backs of hands, and use a lip balm to prevent chapping.
• It's important to increase your intake of water and other fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee, which can have a diuretic effect.

For you who's from tropical country, I hope this tips help you when you are traveling to cold countries.

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