Winter Skin Care Secrets

Cold winter air, low humidity and indoor heating can all really take a toll on our skin during the winter months. There are certain things you can do (or not do) to help keep your skin moisturized and soft through the next few months that are affordable and in many cases include easy fixes with ingredients right inside your kitchen pantry.

The first thing and perhaps the most important to remember is to moisturize your skin often. It’s always good to have lotion handy throughout the year but even more so during cold winter months when your skin will need it most. To help you remember to moisturize, keep lotion at your desk, in your purse and on your sink. You know how you wash your hands incessantly during the winter months to prevent form getting sick? The soap and water will dry out your hands so having lotion conveniently placed by the sink is a good idea. While you may not be worrying about pedicures during winter months, don’t forget to moisturize your feet as well! Feet can be neglected but can suffer dry skin as well as cracked heals. Put lotion on your feet before bed then put on a pair of cotton socks to help keep feet soft and moisturized.

Aside from moisturizing with lotion, there are other adjustments you can make that will help. For instance, you can use a humidifier to help add more moisture to the air in your home. To prevent from having the harsh, cold winter air ravage your skin, create a protective barrier for your skin with a winter hat, scarf and gloves. As great as a hot shower can feel to help warm you up at the end of a cold winter day, this is only going to dry your skin out more. Try to keep showers as short as possible and keep the water temperature lukewarm, not scalding hot. As soon as you get out of the shower, moisturize from head to toe while your skin is still damp to help lock in the moisture.

To find a natural moisturizer that works for you, there are a few things you’ll want to look for like humectants like glycerin and alpha hydroxyl acid, which attract water and help hydrate skin. Shea butter is a great ingredient to help dry skin, its thick and creates an added layer for protection, and coconut oil contains useful antioxidants and Vitamin E to soothe irritated dry skin.

If you have oily skin and are afraid to moisturize, don’t be! Even people with oily skin need to moisturize their skin, just look for an oil-free moisturizer and be sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. No need to spend tons of money on fancy exfoliators, use what you have at home by mixing baking soda with water. Baking soda has antibacterial properties which helps fight dry skin and is a great exfoliator that will leave your skin glowing. Check out our DIY masque to help hydrate skin that features nothing but lemon, plain yogurt, banana and honey!

Factoring in diet and the nutrients our body absorbs is also a large part of keeping your skin moisturized and healthy. First, be sure you are drinking plenty of water! Especially if you’re enjoying hot caffeinated beverages all day long, which will dehydrate your body and your skin. There are also certain nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A, E and C that will do wonders for your skin.  Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish, avocados, walnuts and flaxseed – these will help moisturize skin. Vitamin A can help heal irritate skin and vitamin E and C contain antioxidants to help fight off free-radicals like sun exposure and pollution. Look for vitamin A in foods like leafy greens, spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes, vitamin C in fruits and vitamin E in nuts and seeds.

Before you throw your hands in the air this winter surrendering to dry skin, try these tips and all natural DIY face treatments to help you make it through the next few months. You can also check out these useful articles we found on natural skin moisturizers from Delighted Momma, Great Beauty Team and Simple Home Made.