Baby, It's Cold Outside
Bundle up and protect that delicate skin!! Last year we were giving dry skin the cold shoulder this year the weather has taken a whole new battle. Is your arsenal of products and strategy up for the challenge? You still want to follow the same rules of exfoliation, moisturizing and staying hydrated but following a stricter regimen. If you use active products like Vitamin A and Fruit Acids you can still use them but have common sense to avoid them if you are already feeling irritated from the elements or change the frequency if you are feeling too sensitized. Winter can be harsh which means dry, cold, windy air leaving the skin cracked, peeling, irritated, red and raw. A proper skin care regimen is a must. I share with you some reminders essential for your skin to survive and avoid winter damage!
Winter Skin Survival Tips
Turn down the heat and layer up wearing natural breathable fibers. The dry forced heat can really dry out your skin and body.
No control of the heat? Most of us know this too well living in New York! Get a humidifier- Moisture in the air will limit the amount of water escaping from your skin compared to a dry environment where water will be more readily drawn out of the skin.
Drink Water OR Coconut Water- Drinking water will help replace daily water loss and therefore help with hydration. Coconut water is super-hydrating and fortifies the body and skin with much needed potassium and electrolytes! Avoid dehydrating foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, other caffeine containing drinks, and alcohol.
Stay away from skincare containing harsh abrasives, chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance. Keep mineral oil, petroleum, and coco butter off your skin and lips. If your lips are cracked and dry look for products that contain shea butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil.
Keeping your face properly hydrated will mean adding a face oil or serum underneath your normal moisture cream to enhance it's richness or simply change to a richer cream. We want to enhance the NMF (natural moisture factor) in your cells. Fluid between the cells is imperative for healthy skin. It allows both what you are applying to be absorbed and waste to be expelled. It wouldn't be a bad idea to use a re-hydrating mask at least twice a week.
Change your shower routine-before the bath or shower dry brush. Dry brushing will not only remove all skin debris but it will also stimulate circulation and help flush toxins through the lymphatic system. Keep the bath or shower short and use lukewarm water. Be sure to exfoliate frequently (2-3 times x week). It will help remove the excess surface cellular debris that the dry brushing pulled up and keep your skin soft and smooth. A sugar scrub is more delicate this time of the year. Look for scrubs with butters and oils, not glycerin or chemical additives. Purchasing a shower filter would be a smart idea too. I finally made the switch for myself and what a difference this is making! Unfiltered water contains high amounts of chemical compounds such as chlorine and fluoride which alkalize water. Alkaline water severely alters the skin’s pH causing more dryness.
Consume a balanced diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables most of which contain enough water to contribute to hydration. The water from fresh fruits and vegetables is more easily absorbed by our cells than drinking water and so are the nutrients they provide. Supplement if necessary with the EFAs. If your diet is not meeting your needs by taking mercury-free fish supplement. For vegetarians/vegans, you can find several algae-derived Omega- 3/DHA supplements in the market. Example of foods rich in Omega-3: : salmon, cod, tuna, scallops, shrimp, halibut, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, mustard seeds, tofu, kale, brussel sprouts, collard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce and winter squash.
Be sure to get enough sleep which encourages regeneration of body cells and tissues. It helps the body metabolize free radicals, which accelerate aging.
Exercise -it increases blood flow to every single organ of your body including the skin and will always produce an improved complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.
Don’t skip the sunscreen. You may feel like you haven’t seen the sun in days, but harmful UV rays are still making their way through the clouds. Choose a moisturizer with sunscreen built in or layer up.
Seek out an expert for a professional facial and advice.
There is hope for your ailing epidermis this winter if you follow my simple survival tips and outsmart father frost.
Love & Light,
Claudia