Winter is a beautiful, natural changing of seasons. However, with colder, drier air comes necessary adjustments in skincare routines. If you have noticed a change in the condition of your skin when the seasons change, know that it is normal! Thankfully there are many natural ways you can keep your skin hydrated during dry winter months.
Hydrating Your Skin from the Inside
You knew this was coming! The first and most important way to hydrate your skin is, of course, drinking water. I recommend that my clients log the amount of water they drink every day—often people overestimate how much they are consuming. There is even a fun tracking app called Plant Nanny that reminds you to drink, and rewards you by growing adorable plants! Get it for Apple devices, or get it for Android devices.
I also love to infuse my water with fruits, herbs, and even essential oils, making it fun and appealing to drink more water without adding any yucky ingredients. There are endless combinations!
Hydrating Your Skin from the Outside
Olive Oil
This oil is one of the most versatile and effective oils. It is somewhat thick and contains a hefty amount of saturated fats. These fats are excellent for both hydrating the skin and for filling spaces in the cells. It also has antimicrobial properties that help it to heal cellular damage to the outer layers of your skin. Additionally, olive oil is anti-inflammatory, so that makes it a great oil for healing and soothing cracked or flaky skin.
Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, and so creates a layer of protection for the skin. Coconut oil can be easily mixed with other oils to deliver their properties as well. When an oil is used in this way, it is said to be a “carrier oil.” Coconut oil’s gentle, natural compounds make it possible for you to use it consistently without having to worry about dosages and amounts within specific periods of time. I personally love adding frankincense oil to coconut oil when using it as a moisturizer. Frankincense is widely known for its beautifying compounds! Get the frankincense I use here.
Honey
Honey can be an excellent way to go to prevent dryness and gain a healthy layer of skin that can withstand the elements more easily. The most effective honey trick is to add it to coconut oil. This powerful combination of antioxidants and saturated fats has become a stand by for dry skin sufferers. Sometimes I will mix honey and avocado together and make a yummy facial mask too!
Cleansing with Micellar Water
It’s safe to say that during the course of an average lifetime, most people probably see hundreds, if not thousands of skincare products. Many of them are made by unnatural means that can cause damage or discomfort after prolonged use. If you have sensitive skin, or you are strict with yourself about what kinds of products you will use, then that reduces options. Fortunately, micellar water is easy, natural and gentle way to help cleanse your skin.
More Tips for Maintaining Supple Skin
Some small changes in your daily habits can make a huge difference for your skin. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help provide more moisture and hydration to your skin during the cold, winter months.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Cloud coverage and cold weather are deceptive—you still need to protect your skin! During the day, the sun is out and the UV rays can harm your skin whether it looks and feels sunny or not. Make sure you never leave the house without sunscreen on, whether you use a sunscreen under your makeup, or you switch to a face moisturizer that has SPF in it. Either way, you are helping to protect your skin, which is going to help you keep it hydrated. Healthier sunscreen options include the brands Sunscreen and SPF Rx.
Don’t Forget About Your Lips
Your lips are an area of your skin that you might not pay much attention to (until they get chapped of course—then the discomfort is all you notice!) Their natural moisture is dried quickly in the winter, but you can keep them healthy and moisturized with some good lip balm. I recommend using Burt’s Bees or EOS lip balms. Again, wear it every day just like with sunscreen, even if you don’t currently have any problem with your lips to keep them from becoming dry and cracked.
Have a Good Cleansing Routine
Basic skin care should still follow in the winter months. Whether you live in a mild or colder climate, the climate change will affect your skin. Wash your face twice a day, though you might want to switch to a gentle cleanser since your skin will be a little more sensitive than in other months. Also make sure you are using a moisturizer on your face twice a day. Remember to research your skincare products and only use ones with non-toxic ingredients. One of my favorite cleansers is RENU Advanced Gentle Refining Cleanser. Your skin will feel healthy and silky smooth every time you cleanse your face.
Don’t Use Hot Water
When you are washing your face, avoid using hot water. If it is too hot, it will strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dry skin. If it is cold in your house, the last thing you want to do is shock your skin with ice cold water. Instead, try a lightly warm or lukewarm water.
It can seem like a hassle to change up your routine every time the seasons change, but I know it’ll make a big difference in keeping your skin soft and supple during dry months!
Do you have a go-to skincare routine for the winter? I’d love to hear what works for you in the comments!