Introduction.

The changing seasons have a major impact on the condition of your skin. When the temperatures drop and winter rolls around, many people struggle with keeping their skin soft and vibrant. Cold air, lack of sunshine, indoor heaters drying out the air, hot showers, indulging in holiday drinks and sweets… there are so many factors that can cause your skin to become lackluster. Here are a few tips that I give my clients to keep their skin looking its best during the winter months.

1. Make sure to moisturize daily.

Your skin is more sensitive during the cold months because of exposure to the elements. The air is drier, and as a result, so is your skin. It is always important to moisturize, but especially so in the winter. I recommend both morning and evening, after cleansing your skin, to apply a moisturizer. I love using face oils, and personally will use a little extra Holy Grail Face Oil to keep my skin moisturized and healthy looking. I even put some on before going out to give my skin a natural glow.

2. Don't use harsh cleansers.

Since your skin is naturally more compromised during the winter, I suggest taking a look at the ingredients in your cleanser to make sure they are not contributing to your dry skin. Certain ingredients tend to strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Common culprits include sulfates (usually listed on the ingredient panel as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS), benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and artificial fragrance (often listed as ‘fragrance’). If you are experiencing dry skin and your cleanser contains any of these ingredients, it may be beneficial to switch to something else.

I am a huge fan of oil cleansing and often recommend my clients use a non-comedogenic oil to cleanse with. If you need suggestions, I just wrote a blog post on non-comedogenic oils which you can read by clicking here. Alternatively, I would recommend using our Fountain Of Youth Cleansing Clay. I formulated this cleanser with a blend of carrier oils that eliminate clogged pores and restore your skin's barrier, combined with Kaolin clay to gently polish your skin’s surface, Apple Cider Vinegar to combat microbes, and a blend of essential oils that tone and deep clean your skin. The result is perfectly cleansed skin that feels soft and moisturized, never dry and tight. It’s best to use in the evening, and in the morning, I like to use warm water and a washcloth.

3. Practice gentle exfoliation.

When your skin is dry, the natural process of shedding dead skin cells slows down. By gently exfoliating your skin, no more than once or twice per week, you can keep your skin’s surface smooth and free of dry, flaky patches. This will help your moisturizer penetrate better, and keep the surface of your skin free of microbes. I love to use organic sugar as a facial exfoliant because the grains of sugar are smooth and will not abrade your skin. Simply sprinkle a bit into your palm and mix with your cleanser or an oil. While popular for the body, avoid using salt or coffee grounds as these can cause micro-abrasions and irritate the delicate skin of your face.

4. Use a facial steamer.

Steam is a great way to add moisture back to your skin. You can purchase a facial steamer online; just type ‘portable facial steamer’ into your search browser and there are many great options in all price ranges. This makes for a luxurious treatment that you could do daily, but I usually suggest once or twice per week for about 10 minutes a session. Some even have chambers to add essential oils to turn it into an aromatherapy treatment as well.

If you do not have or wish to purchase a steamer, you can boil a pot of water on the stove, pour it into a large heat-safe bowl, and sit with your face over it to get the benefits of the steam. It works even better if you drape a towel or cloth over your head to keep the steam container. Just make sure to be careful and not get too close to the water.

5. Hydrate with electrolyte water.

Most people do not drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. During the winter, indulging in salty treats and a few extra holiday cocktails can leave you more dehydrated than usual. Chugging a large volume of water is not necessarily the best way to rehydrate though! When you drink too much water at once, you can dilute important blood electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These electrolytes are essential minerals that keep you hydrated and allow your body to function correctly.

Instead, when I feel dehydrated, I prefer to fill up a big glass jar of water at the beginning of the day and add either an electrolyte packet, or a pinch of sea salt, and slowly sip that throughout the day. This keeps your electrolyte levels balanced and your body hydrated, which translates to healthy-looking skin. A good rule of thumb is to aim to drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight as your daily goal.