Winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin, especially when temperatures are at extreme lows like we have been experiencing! Cold dry air can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin. This is due to reduced humidity levels in the air which result in increased moisture loss in the skin. Indoor heaters exacerbate the problem by additionally robbing skin of its moisture. In severe cases skin can become so dry it cracks and bleeds and rashes may also develop.
Here are several helpful tips to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and protected this winter!
Hydrate - Add water every way you can, internally and eternally!
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day although be sure to avoid beverages with caffeine as they are diuretics.
Use hydrosols (plant based waters) as much as possible in your skin care routine to add water directly into the skin. Try Evan Healy's Lavender Hydrosol or Belle Aura's Floral Radiance Facial Steam.
Use a humidifier at home to increase the amount of moisture in the air.
Make sure to apply your moisturizer onto wet skin, the moisturizer will trap the water and force it to be absorbed into the skin adding an extra boost of hydration!
Avoid hot showers as they will further dry out the skin.
Restore / Protect - A critical aspect to winter skin care is ensuring you maintain your skins protective barrier.
Ensure you are moisturizing daily, multiple times if needed. Try Evan Healy's Blue Chamomile Day Moisturizer
Use deeply nourishing products that contain healthy oils like Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil. Adding healthy natural oils back into your skin will help restore and maintain the healthy protective barrier and prevent skin from drying out when exposed to harsh elements. Use deeply moisturizing products such as Belle Aura Nourishing Facial Oil, Belle Aura Sweet Almond Eye Oil, Belle Aura Whipped Shea Body Butter, Belle Aura Shea Lip Balm, and Lavender Myrrh Nail and Cuticle Oil.
Use a gentle cleanser that does not strip away skins natural oils. Try Belle Aura Rose Geranium Cleansing Oil or Evan Healy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk.
Cover skin as much as possible when outdoors
Exfoliate - Be sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead flaky skin, this will keep skin soft and glowing. It also allows for better product penetration so that those amazing healthy oils to seep into the skin and restore the protective barrier function. Try Belle Aura Cucumber Oatmeal Facial Scrub, Belle Aura Coconut Lip Scrub, and Belle Aura Dead Sea Salt Scrub.