In our Tips for Natural Winter Skin Care: Part 1, we talked about the importance of caring for your skin. And we included a gentle recipe for a Lavender Oatmeal and Honeyed Olive Oil exfoliating scrub/mask to handle the first of four prevention steps you can take in the cold and dry months: EXFOLIATE — HYDRATE — PROTECT — REPEAT.
So today, let’s cover the rest.
HYDRATE
Water
It’s a given that you need to drink plenty of good quality H20 during winter, just as you would any time of year. No need to overdo it, but be mindful as it’s easier to overlook when the weather is cooler. Kick off each day with a glass of warm lemon juice water to start you on the right track. And minimise alcohol and caffeine which can be dehydrating. {The easiest way to know if you’re drinking enough water is by your urine. Assuming all’s well with your kidneys and bladder, the darker it is, the less hydrated you are.}
Essential Fatty Acids
While water is important for normal body function, it’s the good oils of the essential fatty acid kind {EFAs} such as omega-3s that will really help keep your skin hydrated and clarified. EFAs are building blocks for the cells in our bodies with anti-inflammatory effects and there’s growing evidence they contribute to keeping skin moisturised, smooth and healthy. Be sure to include good quality oily fish, raw seeds, nuts, avocados and flaxseed oil in your diet in winter.
My best food intentions are sometimes waylaid by long, busy days, so I take care of my omega-3 needs with Young Living OmegaGize³™ liquid ocean capsules. They also provide CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and Vitamin D-3. We often get less sun on our skin and hair in winter so the Vitamin D-3 helps combat that, too. Three supplements rolled into one!
Humidify
A humidifier is a super-easy way to add moisture back into the air so that your environment itself is less drying — therefore easier on your skin.
Moisturise
After exfoliation, apply a gentle but rich moisturiser to hydrate from the outside. Your summer/spring moisturiser might not give the extra protective layer you need in autumn/winter. Look for ones with plenty of non-clogging oils like avocado, primrose and almond oil. And look for products containing humectants which attract moisture to your skin, such as glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids.
The women in my family love Young Living’s entire natural skin care range — as do I {and it has to work harder on my weathered male skin!} Not only are the products free from the undesirables like sulfates, propylene glycol and parabens, but they are enhanced with authentic essential oils to help the uptake of nourishing good oils and cutting-edge inclusions like the exotic orchid petals in their A•R•T Beauty Masque. {Click here for help with ordering.}
It’s easy with much of our body wrapped in woollens to forget to moisturise all over — but don’t, or you’ll be wishing you had when spring comes. Pay extra attention to your heels, elbows and hands, and you can go for something with over-the-top richness in these areas.
PROTECT
Rug up with scarves and gloves, and keep your lips soft and protected with Young Living Cinnamint ™ Lip Balm {with wolfberry seed oil for mega-hydration} or look for one that’s made from beeswax and natural good oils.
REPEAT
I don’t think you need any explanation for this step!
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
Of course, skin isn’t the only thing we need to take extra care with during winter. Why not subscribe to our emails down in the footer below so you don’t miss out on any of our tips for beating the winter blues that can come along in various shapes and sizes.
