Winter skin stress? Get your glow back!
Here are five ways to help you with dry winter skin:
- Water, water, and more water! Cold weather and artificial indoor heat can leave your skin feeling dry and chapped, so be especially kind to your skin during the winter months. Increased alcohol and caffeine consumption not only dehydrate your skin, but may also irritate existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and acne. Remember that one cup of a caffeinated drink cancels out one cup of water, so don’t forget to drink extra water when consuming caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Aim for two litres a day!
- Get moving! Even if you can’t hit the gym before your holiday party, make sure you get some activity, whether it is dancing in your bedroom or skipping a rope for five minutes! Getting even 20 minutes of exercise a day will help increase your circulation and lymph flow so that your blood will transport the proper nutrients to your skin and carry toxins away.
- Catch some Zzzzzz’s! They don’t call it beauty rest for nothing! The most common signs of sleep deprivation show up as puffy bags under your eyes, fine wrinkles, rough skin texture, and overall decreased brightness. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble falling asleep right away, try to wind down a hour before by reading a book or having a cup of chamomile tea.
- Increase your intake of antioxidants and other nutrients. The stress of the holiday season can quickly deplete your body of many vitamins and minerals. Good quality supplements can help keep your skin fueled with the nutrients it needs to keep it looking radiant. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and B Complex will boost collagen and help keep skin clear, while omega 3 fish oils can help decrease inflammation and make your skin look soft and supple. Consult with your Naturopath to see which supplement and dosages will benefit you the best.
- Stick to a regular skin care regime. Make sure to cleanse every morning and evening and apply a moisturizer based on your skin type. Cleansing is crucial and should be done even if you are tired! Our skin acts as the perfect barrier and is constantly affected by aggressive external factors, such as pollution or cold. This is why it’s essential to use a mild exfoliate twice a week to remove dead cells that clog pores. The end result? Glowing skin that will last all through the holiday season!