Stay Hydrated, Supple & Glowing

Winter elements can take a toll on skin. Cold conditions and indoor heat are stressful for skin and increase aging factors, causing dehydration, chapping and dryness on the skin’s surface and in the deeper dermal layers.

There are a number of ways to counter harsh winter elements to keep skin soft, hydrated and radiant and measures to defend against pre-mature aging factors.

Natural over Synthetic Ingredients

Plant-based ingredients nourish and hydrate skin. Petroleum ingredients do the opposite. Look for cleansers and moisturizers that contain skin-beneficial oils for healthy, natural moisture that the skin can absorb and retain. Avoid products that contain harsh synthetic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which strips the skin of essential moisture and natural oil causing dehydration, chapping and dryness. Petroleum ingredients tend to sit on the skin preventing skin from breathing and imbalance skin’s natural physiological function.

Cleanse gently

Soap and cleansers for the face and body lift dirt and debris, which is a skin-renewing practice, though products with harsh surfactants and petroleum ingredients strip skin of its natural moisture and oils and have a dry, damaging effect on skin.

Look for soaps and cleansers that contain good quality oils (which make facial cleansers and shower gels more nourishing and are saponified to make soap) and gentle surfactants derived from ingredients such as sugar to achieve gentle yet effective cleansing action without robbing the skin of vital moisture.

Moisturize Generously Before Bed

Our skin renews and regenerates itself more actively while we are at rest. Generously moisturizing the face and body before bed will give skin a chance to absorb and utilize hydrating and skin-healing ingredients.

Exfoliate Regularly and Kindly

Use a gentle yet effective exfoliator to remove dry and dead skin cells and to increase cell turnover for a brighter more luminous complexion. Products that contain natural exfoliates such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and glycolic ingredients renew the skin by dissolving the intracellular glue that binds dead skin cells together. Look for products that contain active levels of ingredients but that are balancing and aren’t too harsh for delicate winterized skin. 

Turn Down the Temp

Although there is little as pleasurable than a piping hot shower, hot water strips the skin of moisture. Turn down the temp to preserve your skin (and some energy in the process!).

Moisturize while Still Damp

Apply facial creams and body moisturizers while your skin is still slightly damp to increase absorption. As your skin dries it will act like a sponge to drink in hydrating ingredients.

Chlorine-free Bathing

Installing a shower filter will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy by removing chlorine from the flow, which is extremely dehydrating for skin. Filtering out chlorine from the spray of a shower will also protect your lungs from breathing this chemical and improve the quality of your indoor air overall.

Drink Deep and Up Omega Oil Intake

Deep hydration begins within. Drinking an ample amount of water will help keep your body hydrated and your skin will show it. Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon to balance the pH of your body, for an extra boost of antioxidant vitamin C, and for a burst of bright flavor. Omega oils are also an essential factor for healthy hydration on a cellular level. Essential Omega 3 and 6 are an intrinsic part of every cell membrane in your body, which is a critical element for cells to be able to absorb and retain the good stuff and expunge the not-so-good stuff. Flax seeds and flax oil, pumpkin seeds and oil, avocados, cold-water fish, and olives are all delicious sources of skin beautifying Omega oils so up your intake of these foods for a hydrated glowing complexion.