Every year we lament our dry, rough, scaly winter skin. Here are some of my favorite tips on how to keep your glow year-round:
1. Water. Most women have heard that you should try to consume 8, 8 oz. glasses, or about two liters per day. According to the Mayo Clinic, "no single formula fits everyone." Know your body.
2. Omega-3 Fish Oil. When I first started taking these softgels, I noticed that they gave my skin a dewy sheen. Read about the benefits of this miracle oil here. My favorite brand: Nordic Naturals. If are a true vegan and like to avoid fish products like I do, try a flax oil supplement instead.
3. Exfoliate. There is no better way to relieve dry, itchy, winter skin. For your face, I am a fan of the drugstore classic. For your body, try Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, or make your own.
4. Cream Body Wash. Soap is drying, so switch to an organic cream body wash to retain moisture in colder months. Try Avalon Organic's Olive and Grape Seed Bath & Shower Gel.
5. Humidifier. One of the most damaging aspects of winter weather is not actually the cold air outside, but the dry heat that we pump inside our homes. If you are fortunate enough to have an AprilAire humidifier built into your heating system, make sure the humidity is adjusted to the proper levels for the temperature. If not, get a small portable humdifier to use in your bedroom while you sleep.
6. Serious Moisturizer. In the winter, we have to step up our body moisturizer. I like to layer an organic body oil under a thicker moisturizing lotion before slipping on my socks at night. I like Dr. Hauschka Blackthorn Body Oil (which also helps with the appearance of stretch marks!), or even more natural - pure virgin 100% coconut oil (another post on this soon!) Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion is another favorite.
7. Extra Zzzz's. Go to bed one hour earlier than usual and you'll be fresher in the morning. Our skin needs sleep to repair itself.
8. Take a Cold Shower: Ok, not a cold shower! But not a hot one! As tempting as it may be to warm up from the frightful weather with a nice, long hot shower....beware! Hot water is extremely drying to the skin. Instead, try to get used to warm shower, then warm up with a hot towel fresh from the dryer when you get out.
9. Pucker Up: First of all, don’t lick! Your saliva will dry out your lips, so avoid licking them. Icy winter wind can do a number on our lips, so make sure to keep your pucker moist at all times. Burt's Bees makes a beautiful product that gives you just a kiss of color and pearlized shine on top of all the benefits of their world famous 100% natural lip balm. Check out all of the delicious Lip Shimmer color choices here. If you need more soothing power for already damaged lips, exfoliate by gently rubbing a moist washcloth over your tips, then slather on coconut oil or some Smith's Rosebud Salve. This cult-favorite, multi-purpose lip balm does wonders to soothe dry lips. Added bonus? It also calms and heals irritation and soothes the sting of minor burns. Keep it in your purse all winter to rub on dry elbows or cracked cuticles.
