Winter Skin Care Hacks
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Winter can be really pretty. There is something truly special about a fresh snowfall. But winter can also be dreadful and it can put so much stress on skin. I am sure you have heard to moisturize all winter long to help keep skin moist, but it goes deeper than just applying moisturizer.
The skin is our largest organ. What our skin is showing on the outside is an indication of what is going on inside, as well as how we treat it on the outside. Dry and cold weather can do 2 things, it can cause your skin to be dry and cracked and it can also cause an excess of oil. If you find yourself with extra oil on your scalp and face (as well as a little acne) there is a reason for this. Your skin is trying to over compensate for the lack of oil and moisture, so it over produces oil, which can lead to break outs. So while you may experience oily skin during the winter, it could actually mean your skin is dehydrated.
So what do we do about dehydrated skin? I am sharing my do's and don'ts below to help combat winter havoc.
You know that I am a big believer that what is going on inside the body will show on the outside (hair, skin and nails). So food is first for me in terms of taking care of my skin.
Water with fruit
Plain water is fine, but during the winter I add cucumbers and strawberries to my waters. Cucumber is super hydrating, and strawberries are filled with Vitamin C that helps to support beautiful skin. Of course, the water is key here. Your skin is made up of water, and when your skin is dehydrated, it is lacking water. Replenish dry skin by drinking more water during the winter.
Warm lemon water in the morning
Drinking warm lemon water in the morning is amazing for your skin and digestion. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C which helps to improve hydration and skin elasticity. Lemons are also great for detoxifying digestion which is beneficial for the skin (especially for breakouts)
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are filled with omega 3's which are so important for healthy skin and hair. Chia seeds also help to improve hydration. They absorb water and help regulate fluid in the body and they retain electrolytes, all of which is important and key for combating dehydration. I love adding them to my morning smoothie!
It is also important to take care of the exterior of your skin. It is so important to lock in moisture.
My personal rules that I follow when purchasing/using skin care products in the winter:
- Always check the ingredients and avoid any harsh ingredients/chemicals. The number one product I stay away from is alcohol. I avoid buying anything that includes alcohol in the ingredients list. Alcohol is usually the second ingredient in skin care products and it it the most drying. So be careful when buying a "moisturizing product" because it may contain alcohol as well as other drying ingredients.
- Avoid hot water when washing. The catch 22 when it comes to skin is that a lack of water dries out skin, but water is also the reason for dryness. Washing with hot water leads to dryness. I know it feels to good in the winter to take a hot shower or bath, but it is best to avoid the hot temperatures.
- Go for natural. This is also a great way to avoid drying chemicals in your skin care products. I am always stocking up on natural and organic oils.
Below are a few of the products that I am using during the winter:
Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil
When I wash my face in the morning, I use a facial oil. To avoid over washing and drying my skin out with water, I cleanse with a facial oil. Facial oils help to remove dirt but still keep the skin hydrated. At night, I will use this to remove any makeup and then I will follow with another face wash.
True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser
I love using a moisturizing cleanser. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean and free of dirt and makeup while still keeping me hydrated.
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil
This oil has been a game changer for the texture and quality of my skin. It also leaves my skin super hydrated!
100% Argan Oil (organic)
Argan oil is filled with Vitamin E which helps to improve water retention in the skin. Argan Oil is amazing for hydration! It has become mine and Bobby's favorite product in the past few years.
100% Rosehip Oil (organic)
This one works amazing during harsh weather conditions. Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids that help strengthen the cell walls, which in turn keeps them from losing water. This is my "go- to" skin care product. I also use it as an under eye oil because it works great for wrinkle prevention. Rosehip oil is also a natural exfoliant, which is important to remove dead skin cells (also key for improving skin hydration)
100% Jojoba Oil (organic)
Jojoba oil creates a barrier on the skin, which helps seal and lock in moisture. Jojoba is also antibacterial which is great for treating the skin of many different conditions like acne!
Cocokind MyMatcha Moisture Stick
I generally use this on my lips throughout the day. It instantly moisturizes your skin and lips. It contains coconut oil which is important for keeping skin hydrated. When choosing a lip balm, always choose an oil based balm for best results!
100% Shae Butter (organic)
I don't use this on my face (because I am prone to breakouts), but the skin on my body LOVES this! I melt it in my hands and rub it on my skin post shower. Bobby uses it on his facial skin once a week at night time (not acne prone).
True Botanicals Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
This scrub is the real deal. Getting rid of dead skin cell build is so important for fresh and hydrated skin. This scrub removes dead cell build up AND leaves your skin super supple and hydrated.
True Botanicals True Radiance Body Oil
This body oil does wonders for the skin. It improves the quality of the skin, calms the skin, and hydrates the skin! It includes chia seed oil which as I noted above is amazing for the skins hydration.
Wise Woman Herbals All Purpose Salve
I am obsessed with this. My naturopath doctor recommended this to me for dry skin. I LOVE it. It contains olive oil which helps to heal and hydrated cracked skin. I use this on rough areas such as elbows, knees and feet. I actually love to do a little reflexology massage at night using this salve!
I of course cannot talk about winter and dryness without talking about hair! As a hairstylist, I do think it is important to remind you how important it is to nourish your scalp and hair.
- Avoid over washing (even if your hair and scalp are oil due to lack of moisture). Try to go at least every other day of washing, more if possible). Let your hair create and take advantage of its natural oils to moisturize your hair and scalp.
- HYDRATE!! Using hydrating shampoos and conditioners. This is the time of the year where I switch from my volumizing products to nourishing and hydrating products. I love products like OWAY Moisturizing Hair Bath and OWAY Moisturizing Hair Mask.
- Stick to natural oils like argan oils for hair (I use on dry, styled hair for shine and moisture on my ends). Just like skin care products, avoid products that use alcohol as well as other drying or harsh ingredients.
- Brush at night. Using a natural bristle brush, brush from scalp to ends. This will help carry and oils from your scalp through your ends, which helps to moisturize your dehydrated ends (this is also my favorite tip for growing out your hair the healthy way).
How are you taking care of your skin this winter? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo,
Kimmy