Winter Skin Care

Fight Winter Dry Skin...and Win

By Arvette Hammar

Preventing and Healing Winter Dry Skin Naturally

Fall is in the air and winter is around the corner.  Cooler weather can lead to dry damaged skin if the proper steps aren't taken to protect delicate skin.  As the weather turns cooler we tend to layer on clothing and skin is covered up and for the most part left to fend for itself.  We turn on our furnaces and light our fireplaces which suck the moisture from our skin and homes.  Cold windy weather strips our skin of its moisture as well.  Oh and those hot showers and baths we use to take the chill off – dry our skin out too.  So, while we're working on a new winter moisturizer line – here are a few tips to keeping your skin moisturized and healthy this winter.

Hydrate
Drink lots of fluids. Keeping your insides hydrated will take you a long way in keeping your skin from drying out.  We tend to not be as thirsty in the winter as the warmer seasons of the year, but your skin loses moisture even when you’re not sweating and needs to be kept hydrated.  Remember to avoid caffeinated drinks which can be diuretics making you lose more fluids.

Hot Showers and Baths
Limit hot showers and baths to 10 minutes.  Although those hot baths and showers feel glorious on a cold morning or chilly evening, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils.  Instead go for a warm short shower or bath and gently pat the skin dry.

Soaps & Detergents
Harsh detergent soaps will normally strip your skin of its natural oils, but even overuse of natural soaps can be drying in the winter.  Use soaps with emollients like Coco Butter, Shea Butter and Castor Oil to help skin retain moisture. Limit the frequent application of soap to the areas that really need it (the “hot” spots) – application of water will clean most areas adequately (yes, I know this goes against everything we have ever been taught).

Avoid products with synthetic perfumes, deodorants and antibacterial ingredients as well as skincare products containing alcohol.

Soak
Soak in a lukewarm bath with an essential oil blends that balance out oil production and are anti-inflammatory.  Lavender, geranium, rose, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood and neroli all have skin regenerative properties. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory for cracked and damaged skin.  Apply a few drops of your favorite blend with a scoop of colloidal oatmeal (better in cloth bag or tea ball for easy removal) to soothe and soften dry itchy skin. Try our ITCH RELIEF Bath Soaks

Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dry skin and allows moisturizers to penetrate and skin cells to regenerate. Salt and sugar scrubs are excellent 1x – 2x per week or loofah and other in bath “scrubbers” are great for an one stop bathing/exfoliating experience every day.

Use Moisturizer
Use moisturizers often, especially after hand washing and bathing.  Whether you’re a naturalist or not – use something.  Products with low water content and higher oil content will last longer and protect your skin more.  Don’t forget your lips, face, ears and feet.

Body Butters are excellent for dry skin as their main ingredients are usually thick rich moisturizing butters like Shea, Mango, Coco and oils like Olive, Almond and Coconut.  Apply to especially dry areas before going to bed and cover with socks or mittens for overnight improvement.

Use Sunscreen
UV rays are still present in cooler temperatures – so apply at least a SPF 30 sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Don’t forget your face
Your face and lips are not protected from winter elements with clothing, so protect them with sunscreen, moisturizers and lip balms to keep them hydrated. 

Turn Down Your Thermostat
Dry heat robs your skin of it moisture – Turn down your thermostat at night before going to sleep to limit the drying effects while you sleep.

Use a Humidifier
Add a humidifier to your home to put back moisture in the winter months.  There are many models and sizes out there to fit your needs including cool mist and warm mist humidifiers.  Humidifiers can take you a long way in reducing winter dry skin and sinus issues.  Another low tech method is to fill a sink or tub full of water – but if you're in California’s current drought conditions – that would probably not be the best use of resources.

*Remember to clean humidifiers often to limit bacterial growth

Clothing
Wear breathable clothing, sweat trapped against you skin under clothing can make you itch.

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