Winterize Your Skin Radiantly: Inside and Out
Our skin definitely takes a toll during the winter and sometimes we feel that we don't look our best. It can become dry, cracked, irritated, red, and itchy not to mention pale. However we don't have to wait for summer for moist glowing skin, we can have it now naturally. Here are just a few useful skin tips I have found beneficial this time of year.
Drink up!
It is not just the dry outside winter air, but it is the heaters of our offices and homes that are drying out our skin. Just because you are not sweating doesn't mean you are not losing water. So aim for at least 64 oz (8 glasses) of water a day. Make sure to add an additional glass for every cup of coffee or alcoholic beverage you imbibe as they increase the deficit. If ice-cold water gives you chills, then have a nice cup of herbal tea or hot water with lemon.
Fish oil
Getting our daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids helps to bring down inflammation and oxidative stress as well as providing nourishing oil to our skin. Also if you choose cod liver oil, your skin will benefit from Vitamin A, D and E. Aim for about 1000-3000 mg per day.
Moisturize
This is probably a no brainer, but you want to make sure you moisturize at least twice a day especially after washing. Changes in temperature, air flow, and humidity pull water away from skin and reduce barrier integrity in the winter. So we need to create a barrier to decrease water loss.
Choose an all natural store bought brand or make your own lotions or salves using almond, coconut, or jojoba oils. Add a couple of drops of rose geranium or helichrysum pure essential oils. Another great choice is to use calendula or comfrey infused oils, which help heal the skin. Click here for my DIY skin cream recipe.
Don't over wash
Washing once a day is plenty otherwise you are stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Also be careful not to be too abrasive as this can further irritate the skin. Gently pat dry skin with a soft towel and use gentle cleansers. I particularly like cleansing milks.
Golden Veggies and Fruits, Dark Green Leafies
Not only are they in season, orange and yellow produce such as winter squashes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried apricots and dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, and chards are loaded with Vitamin A and C. Vitamin C protects skin from drying and is needed for collagen production. Vitamin A supports proper skin cell growth. Don't forget to add oil to your veggies as Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. Another bonus is most of these vegetables are liver supportive aiding detoxification making you less prone to break outs.