Of all the mistakes you can make winter skin care mistakes that cause dry, irritated skin may be the worst. Having a routine of natural products sets you up to combat dry skin. These tips give you step by step guidelines to use at home. There are remedies for sensitive skin that will have you glowing.
The winter months are here in the northern hemisphere. That means dry skin and fly away static hair if we don't implement the right self care routines. It's simple to make a couple of additions and keep your skin looking great all winter long.
Stay Hydrated
I feel like we are told constantly to drink enough water during the hot summer months, but the same goes for dry winter months. You need to be getting enough fluids to keep your skin hydrated.
Especially if you love your caffeine. Since caffeine acts as a natural diuretic you may be losing hydration the more caffeine you consume. Make sure you are also getting plenty of water and caffeine-free tea to combat the loss of fluids.
I love this Takeya Glass Water Bottle with a silicone sleeve. It has a convenient carrying handle and the cap seals really well.
Warm Showers
I know it's really tempting to take a hot shower to warm up during these cold months, but that is the worst choice for keeping your skin hydrated. It is much better to take a warm to lukewarm shower so you don't deplete your skin of moisture.
If you are experiencing oily hair it's also a great idea to end your shower by rinsing your hair and scalp is cool water. This will help to close the oil glands so your scalp doesn't over produce oil.
To keep fly away, static hair at bay I like to run some Now Solutions Jojoba Oil through the ends of my hair either after I've showered or the next morning when my hair is dry. It keeps my hair soft and smooth while also keeping static under control.
Always Moisturize
For your face I suggest starting with a moisture rich serum such as the Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum. This light weight layer will boost hydration and antioxidant protection. Don't forget to moisturize your neck and chest!
Then I like a hydrating moisture lotion such as the Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream for at night or the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion for during the day. For an added boost of hydration I also like to use the Counter+ No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil over my moisturizer. It smells amazing and leaves my skin looking dewy and feeling flawless.
For my body I'm a huge fan of the Acure Seriously Soothing 24 Hour Moisture Lotion. It soaks in and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. I also really like Everyone Lotion in Lavender and Aloe. It's really soothing for dry winter skin. The big pump bottle lasts the entire season too.
After I shower I gently pat my skin dry. I apply facial moisture routine first and then moisturize my body. If I'm experiencing really dry elbows or knees I will add some coconut oil on those areas.
Exfoliate
Don't forget to exfoliate. I know it's tempting to skip this step since we are spending our time bundled up and no one's seeing our skin, but exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells and keep your pores clear.
It also helps keep your skin smooth, bright and helps you to better absorb the moisturizer you're applying. My favorite facial scrub is the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub. I use this once or twice a week without irritating my sensitive skin.
I really like Alba Botanica Hawaiin Body Scrub. It keeps my skin smooth and has a nice scent that is from essential oils. It reminds me of vacationing in Maui! I use this a couple of times a week.
Dry Brushing
I'm a big fan of dry brushing to keep your skin bright and your lymphatic system moving. Before I get in the shower I dry brush my body. I like this Premium Dry Brush because the handle allows me to reach my entire back. Then I just pull the handle off to make dry brushing the rest of my body easy.
I start at my feet and work up my legs toward my heart. Then I do my torso, arms and finally my chest toward my heart. I change up the amount of pressure I'm using based on how sensitive the skin in that area is.
Dry Hands and Feet
To keep dry hands and feet at bay I moisturize them before I go to bed. For my feet I love Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Soothing Chest Rub. Yes, I realize this is meant to go on your chest, but it is absolutely amazing on your feet.
One of the symptoms I have with my Hashimoto's Disease is dry, cracked skin on my heels. This rub has been amazing at healing the cracks and keeping my feet moisturized. It has a light scent that is very soothing.
After I've applied my moisturizer on my feet I put on cotton socks to hold the moisture in.
Next I rotate between using the Melting Body Balm (a heavier moisturizer) and the Hand Cream in Citrus Mimosa (a lighter moisturizer) on my hands. Both have been great for keeping my hands free from cracks during these cold, dry months.
Lips
Don't forget your lips! The wind and dry conditions can be really hard on the delicate skin on your lips. Be sure to put on a lip balm after you brush your teeth. I use this Badger Cocoa Butter Vanilla Bean Lip Balm and love it.
Their lip balms have a light flavor and scent. They are organic, gluten free and cruelty free among a long list of great attributes. It's an added bonus that they are inexpensive!
Sunscreen
I know it's easy to forget about sunscreen during the winter months, but it's still important. UV rays come right through the clouds overhead. We spend time and money taking care of our skin and one of the best things we can do to prevent premature aging is applying sunscreen daily.
I've used a lot of natural sunscreens through the years and I can honestly say Beautycounter's Countersun Mineral Sunscreen is my favorite. It doesn't leave a white film on my face and soaks in nicely.
It is very moisturizing so that works out really well during the winter months as an added layer of moisture on our skin. I follow my regular skin care routine and then finish with sunscreen.
It may look a bit oily for a few minutes, but will soak in and give you a lovely glow. After this I either leave my skin makeup free or apply my makeup.
