How to save your skin during winter
The cold is here and that is a nightmare for our skin. Have you ever noticed that during winter your skin can get dry, flakey and itchy? Most people just apply a lot more moisturizer during this time, but is there a better way?
What happens and why?
During winter, cold air and indoor heating can strip the moisture from our skin and pores, as they contain less moisture than warm air. In addition, as we get older the production of our skin’s natural moisturiser drops, meaning we need to do even more to protect it during winter.
Incidentally, the cold also has the same effect on our hair, making it rough and dry.
It is important to look after our skin, because it plays a big part in keeping us healthy by regulating our body temperature and protecting us against germs.
How can we keep our skin healthy?
There are a number of things you can do, besides applying excessive moisturiser to save yourself from dry, flakey and itchy skin.
- Avoid harsh soaps
Harsh soaps can dry out our skin even further. Instead, use soaps containing ingredients like:
- Avocado butter – a great source of omega fatty acids
- Sweet almond oil – a rich source of vitamin A, D and E
- Honey – not only is it a great antibacterial but it retains water which is great news for your skin
- Exfoliate regularly
Your skin naturally exfoliates itself, but sometimes it needs a hand. When you exfoliate regularly you remove the build up of dead cells that cause itchiness. It also makes way for new cells to come through. Afterwards, use a natural oil based moisturiser to add a layer of protection to the skin.
A great exfoliation to try is dry sand and a carrier oil (e.g. coconut or olive). Mix together and rub on your skin then, rinse off in the shower. It leaves your skin feeling amazing.
- Take shorter showers
A hot shower is amazing during winter, but staying under the hot water for too long strips additional moisture from your skin. Try to keep the temperature down and the showers shorter.
- Use a humidifier
Put some moisture back in the air by using a humidifier in your home or office. Not only will it help your skin but it will also help you breathe easier.
- Drink lots of water
You may not feel like it, but it is equally as important to drink a lot of water in winter as in summer. The loss of moisture needs to be replaced, so keep the water intake up. If you don’t want to drink plain water, then infuse it with fruit or cucumber. It tastes great!
- Eat well
On your next trip the supermarket load up with foods that are full of nutrients, antioxidants, omega-fatty acids and vitamin C. This will help make your skin glow as well as produce proteins that protect it.
- Dress well
Sounds easy enough, but really make sure you cover up when you go outside into the cold air. The less your skin is exposed to the winter air, the healthier it will be. This includes wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes whenever possible.
What if your skin is already irritated?
If it’s too late and you are suffering, why not trying adding some olive or grape seed oil into your bath to reduce irritation. Alternatively, you could add a cup of whole milk as the proteins and fats can soothe rough skin. Afterwards, moisturise with a small amount of coconut, avocado or olive oil.
Have you tried these methods? Do you have another solution that you use? I’d love to hear from you.
Julie Lewin – a world renowned Medical Intuitive started her journey in the art of intuition in 1984. She appeared in four episodes of the TV show “The Extraordinary” which was syndicated to 22 countries. She’s a published author, two x Amazon #1 Bestseller and has a Bachelor in Metaphysical Science. Julie won the Our Internet Secrets Business Builder Award 2013, has founded a charity, and runs transformational retreats. JOIN our VIP membership program.
