Winter Skin Care
During the months of summer we concern ourselves with taking care of our skin, however, winter skin care is just as important. Furnaces blowing, bright sunshine, and cold days combine to dry out our skin.
Bathing in Winter
One of the best beauty tips I received when I was struggling one winter with excessive dry skin came from my physician. He suggested that when I was finished showering, to use my hands (not a towel) to wipe the water off my legs, arms, face, tummy and back area. Next, he told me to apply lotion to my skin immediately after exiting the shower. This beauty tip works like a charm for me. It's my backup plan when my skin gets excessively dry - which is usually during the winter. (You may also like our article on Common Causes of Dry Skin.)
Exfoliate (removing dead skin cells)
When your skin is covered with dead skin cells, these cells prevent moisturizers from penetrating deep into the skin. The dead skin cells act as barrier between your moisturizer and fresh skin.
To naturally exfoliate, you will need a physical agent like cosmetically ground walnuts, apricot hulls, or a natural enzyme that eats dead skin cells.
Natural enzymes are found in foods such as pineapple, papaya, milk and yogurt. Milk, with its fatty acids, gently removes dead skin cells which is the main reason for milk-bath's popularity.
Exfoliate with sea salt and olive oil
To create an easy and inexpensive natural exfoliant to use in the shower, mix 3 tablespoons sea salt (fine grain) with 1 – 2 teaspoons olive oil. Use a shower mat to prevent your feet from slipping in the shower.
- While in the shower, rub the salt mixture on your skin in a circular pattern to remove dead skin.
- Rinse well.
- Moisturize your skin with your favorite lotion within two minutes of leaving the shower to trap moisture into the skin.
If you have a favorite essential oil, a few drops can be added to the sea salt mixture.
Exfoliate with sugar and olive oil
Mix sugar with a few drops of olive oil together in the palm of your hand, and then rub your face and lips gently in circular motions, keeping the mixture away from the delicate area of the eyes.
Rinse well and follow immediately with moisturizer for your skin type. Unless your skin is sensitive, try adding a few drops of lemon.
Actually, I like using this recipe all over my skin. (For more home beauty recipes click here)
Natural face mask: You can create natural face masks at home with combinations of oatmeal, honey and water; or, avocado with honey. Gently apply your mixture to your skin, let it rest 20 minutes, and then rinse your skin well. (You may also be interested in our section on Home Beauty Recipes )
Natural face moisturizer: Pat a few drops of honey on your face after cleansing, but while the skin is still damp. Your skin won't be sticky with such a small amount of honey mixed in with the water that is left on your face.
Honey Soft Skin
Add 1/2 cup of honey to warm bath water to moisturize your skin. According to the National Honey Board "... honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains
moisture. This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of moisturizing
products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners."
Eating fatty acids for skin care
Yes, something that you already do on a regular basis if done correctly can change your skin.
For example, to help your dry skin, include foods in your diet that are rich in fatty acids such as salmon, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and nuts.
Seek medical advice
If dry skin doesn't respond to conventional moisturizing, what may look like dry skin may also be eczema; an allergic reaction; or any number of skin conditions that require medical attention. Therefore, if dry, itchy, red, peeling, or an unusual and/or unexplained skin condition exist, a person should make an appointment with their physician. The problem could be more than just dry skin.
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