Winter Skin Rescue! 5 tips for healthy hydrated skin
Ah yes, it’s winter children. Skin feeling a little dry? Itchy? Irritated? I’m here to help!
With the climate change, its never a bad idea to change to more moisturizing products. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic change, no, no, save the drama fo’ yo’ mama. It can be as simple as adding a moisturizing serum to your daily routine, or apply a moisture mask once a week for an extra boost. Another helpful option is to try switching from a foamy cleanser to a creamy one.
Are you ready?! Here goes.
1) WATER! WATER! WATER!: I know it can be a bit more of a challenge to drink water during the winter months (at least I know it is for me), because it’s bit cooler. So we stick to our tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. Let me remind you, tea, coffee and hot cocoa ARE NOT WATER! Seriously though, I cannot tell you how many clients ask me for skincare advice because their skin is dry, or blemished, or both, and then they reveal to me that they drink like 4 coffees a day, and very little, to no water at all! Oh your poor kidneys. You may or may not know this already, but tea and coffee are diuretics. They make you pee. They make you pee more fluid than you actually take in when you consume them. Meaning, THEY DEHYDRATE YOU! The human body is roughly 70% water, it only makes sense to replenish, and flush that water as often as possible. In theory, it is best to drink, in ounces, at least half your body weight in water. For example, you weigh 120lbs? Dink 60oz of water a day. Here’s a tip: Sweetleaf makes liquid stevia supplements in different flavors. You can add a few drops to make your water a lil more appetizing.
2) HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Essential Fatty Acids or EFA’s, can be very useful for treating dry skin. Many skincare lines brag about having EFA’s in their products. What is better that putting EFA’s on top of the skin? Incorporating them into you diet! EFA’S are found in nuts, almonds, walnuts etc. (raw nuts are always best). Or you can can take supplements, such as, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, or borage seed oil. EFA’s have been PROVEN effective in treating many skin conditions, from eczema to acne. This is where I buy mine. I find Vitacost has the lowest prices out there.
3) CREAM BLUSH, EYESHADOW, AND LIP TINTS/STAINS: I am bringing cream makeup products back! Why? Well, I am really into gorgeous natural make up, that doesn’t look like makeup. Why you ask? Because your real face is beautiful, you were born with it, and you may as well show it off! Am I right?! Cream products are also great for winter because they hydrate the skin. Powder products only accentuate the look of dry skin, and in general, they accentuate fine lines and flaws, in dry, or mature skin. My new favorite obsessions are 100% Pure Lip and Cheeks Stain in “Cranberry”. These guys go on sheer and blend beautifully. Plus, they use all fruit and veggie pigment to color their products! Cool! I’m also loving NARS, cream eyeshadows. “Maracaibo” is my color of the moment. I love that you can apply both a sheer wash or intense color with these. An because they’re cream, no accentuating dryness or flaws! Score.
4) HYDRATING SERUM/MASK: A hydrating serum, is a great way to boost moisture levels in your skin during the winter months. It’s the worst when your skin feels tight, or god forbid starts flaking. Then you swear you start to see new wrinkles form right in front of your eyes (as you hear the shower scene music from Psycho start playing in your head, oh wait, you don’t hear that…? ). Just slap it on before you apply your moisturizer. My personal preference is Hylunia Night Treatment. 100% natural, vegan, fragrance free, paraben free, everything bad free! It like a drink of water for my skin, and I it heals those dry spots up like magic! Also, for a quick fix I like Aveda Intensive Hydrating Mask. It’s a little more budget friendly, and you can use it as often as you like, to treat dry and overexposed skin. The base is aloe vera, so it has magnificent healing properties, and it has a slight just hint of rose. Lovely.
RAW HONEY MASK, HONEY: I cannot even begin to tell you the many healing properties of honey. More specifically, raw honey. Raw honey gives amazing results when as a facial mask. It is super hydrating, full of beneficial B vitamins, it contains enzymes which help exfoliate flaky skin, plus it has antibacterial properties which aid in healing blemished skin, and really just gives the skin a beautiful glow. Did I mention budget friendly? Ooh chile, you better get on down to your local health food store, like now! Please make sure you get raw honey. It still contains all it’s enzyme and nutrient goodness, whereas pasteurized honey does not, because it’s been heat treated.
Well, my loves, I hope these tips are helpful. As always, I’m happy to answer your personal skincare questions, so feel free. Also, if you would like to add anything, or share your own winter skin rescue tips, I always love to try new things myself! Much love to you, and happy holidays!
xo
-D
