10 Tips to Keep Your Skin Happy this Winter
National Winter Skin Relief Day is celebrated annually on January 8th, serving as a reminder to prioritize our skin's well-being during the harsh winter months. As temperatures drop and indoor heating dries out the air, our skin becomes susceptible to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. This day underscores the importance of giving our skin the extra care and attention it requires, emphasizing that proper skincare is both essential and worthwhile, as we only have one skin with no second chances.
Tips to keep your skin happy this winter…
1. A Soothing Bath
Taking a soothing bath can not only soothe dry skin, it can relax your muscles, encourage mindfulness and even help break up congestion from common colds.
Enhancing your bath with specific additions can provide a luxurious and beneficial experience for your skin. When incorporating these additions into your bath, it's essential to consider your skin type and any sensitivities you may have. Enjoying a well-prepared bath can be a rejuvenating experience, benefiting both your skin and overall well-being.
Here's a deeper look into some of these additions:
Oats provide soothing relief for dry skin and rashes. It helps skin to maintain its natural moisture barrier while keeping pores free of impurities.
Place 1 cup of uncooked oats in hot water with ½ cup honey for five minutes, then add this under running water to your tub. Placing the oats in a muslin drawstring bag makes for easier clean up (don’t want to ruin your relaxed mood with a clogged drain). Soak for 10 - 15 minutes.
Honey, which is full of antioxidants, will help repair your skin when added to your bath. It is also naturally antibacterial, helping keep any acne-causing bacteria at bay.
Add 2 Tbsp of raw honey to a running bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add 1 Tbsp baking soda for your final 15 minutes.
Lavender calms, soothes, and relieves stress. Adding a few drops of this essential oil to your bath can help relieve itching and irritation, since it works to purify and detoxify skin.
Add 6 - 8 drops of pure lavender essential oil under running water or add the drops to a capful of milk or Epsom salts before pouring into the water to help disperse the oil more efficiently.
Adding other essential oils can provide other benefits depending on which oil you choose. Eucalyptus relieves muscle and joint pain and is soothing for a cold. Ylang ylang fights depression. Citrus essential oils provide antioxidant properties.
5 - 8 drops added to your bath will provide their benefits while avoiding irritation or increased.
Epsom salts is a naturally occurring mineral compound. When dissolved in warm water, it absorbs into your skin replenishing magnesium levels in your body, which often get depleted when you’re feeling stressed. Epsom salts can also ease pain and inflammation and help relieve sore muscles.
Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to warm water for 5 minutes before you get in. Be sure to soak for at least 12 minutes to reap all of the healing benefits. You can also add ½ cup coconut oil for extra moisture.
Coconut Oil provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits while smoothing and moisturizing skin. It’s also a natural source of vitamin E which helps repair and keep skin looking firm, healthy & youthful due to its antioxidant properties.
Baking Soda is a natural exfoliator that helps keep knees, elbows, and heels soft, smooth, and free of buildup.
Mix 4 to 5 Tbsp of baking soda in a warm bath allowing it to dissolve. Soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Lukewarm Shower
Hot showers can strip skin of its natural oils and lead to inflammation, causing skin cells to swell, dry out, and crack. Stick to lukewarm water to prevent your skin from drying out.
3. Gentle Exfoliation
Incorporate a gentle exfoliation into your regimen. By doing so, you can effectively remove accumulated dead skin cells that contribute to a dull, flaky appearance that make your skin feel rough and dry. Using a mild exfoliant won't strip the skin's natural oils or cause irritation. Exfoliating once or twice a week can promote cell turnover, allowing moisturizing products to penetrate more effectively and leaving your skin looking refreshed, smooth, and radiant. Remember to follow exfoliation with a rich, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and support your skin's barrier function during the winter months.
4. Pat Dry
After showering or bathing, gently pat your skin dry using a soft towel to minimize irritation and inflammation, as rubbing can exacerbate these issues.
5. Moisturize
After drying yourself, use a moisturizer while keeping the bathroom door closed to maintain the humidity level, promoting ideal hydration for your skin. Applying a hydrating body lotion can help preserve moisture and protect your skin from the dryness, flakiness, and itchiness caused by cold temperatures and environmental factors that strip away our skin's natural oils.
6. Natural Balms
Using a dab of a botanical-based balm, such as Unpeeled Body Balms, on especially dry areas can work wonders to moisturize and rejuvenate environmentally compromised skin. These nourishing salves can promote cellular hydration and regeneration. It acts as a protective shield while still allowing your skin to breathe, safeguarding your skin from the damaging effects of harsh environmental elements.
7. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet effective way to combat the harsh effects of cold weather. Proper hydration not only supports overall health but also ensures that your skin remains moisturized and supple. By nourishing your body with adequate water, you help maintain the skin's natural barrier function and prevent dryness.
8. Eating Hydrating Foods
Incorporate hydrating foods rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants into your regular diet, such as avocados, nuts, and berries. These foods can further enhance your skin's resilience and radiance during the winter season.
9. Use a Humidifier
During the winter, indoor environments often become dry due to heating systems, which can exacerbate skin issues. To counteract this, consider incorporating a humidifier into your home or office space. By introducing moisture into the air, a humidifier helps create a more balanced environment that is less harsh on your skin. This added humidity can prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry and can also alleviate symptoms associated with dry indoor air, such as chapped lips and irritated sinuses.
10. Lip Balm
The delicate skin on our lips is particularly susceptible to dryness and chapping. To protect and nourish your lips, incorporate a hydrating lip balm into your daily skincare routine. Opt for a lip balm that contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax, which can help create a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions. Regularly applying lip balm throughout the day, especially before going outside or spending extended periods in heated spaces.
As winter kicks into high gear, National Winter Skin Relief Day reminds you to give your skin the extra care and attention it needs during the winter, maintaining healthy, comfortable and happy skin all season long.
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