Wellness & Beauty Blog

As the temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, the combination of cold winds, indoor heating, and lower humidity can quickly strip moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling dry, tight, and dehydrated. But don’t worry—keeping your skin hydrated throughout the winter months doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 5 simple, natural tips you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft, smooth, and nourished all season long. 1. Hydrate from the Inside Out One simple way to lock in moisture is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Not only does hydration help to plump up the skin, but it also helps to flush out toxins that can lead to dryness and irritation, Winter often calls for warm drinks, but many teas (like black and green tea) are diuretics. Opt for hydrating herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus, and add a slice of orange for an extra dose of skin-loving vitamin C.   2. Reduce exposure to hot water  Although a hot shower might feel comforting in the cold weather, it can actually strip away your skin’s natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers short—no more than 10 minutes. For extra hydration, finish with a quick rinse of cool water to seal your skin’s surface. Shower in warm rather than hot water. Wear gloves when washing dishes. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing.   3. Use a humidifier  Indoor heating can dry out the air, which in turn dehydrates your skin. A simple and effective way to counter this is by using a humidifier for just a few minutes each day. It adds moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated. For an added touch, you can include a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, which not only create a calming atmosphere but also provide additional benefits for your skin. 4. Exfoliate Gently  To keep your skin glowing, exfoliate once or twice a week using a dry brush, or toxin-free, gentle exfoliator. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to work more effectively without irritating sensitive winter skin. However, harsh exfoliation can irritate and dry out your skin even more. Some of our favorite gentle ingredients for exfoliation include kaolin grains, ground oats, sugars, and even ground coffee.   To dry brush, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush and brush in long, sweeping motions towards the heart. Start at the feet and work your way up the legs, then move to the arms. Finish with a gentle brush over the abdomen in a clockwise direction.   Facial dry brushes come in softer bristles and used by gently brushing at the top of your head and moving down to the neck. For an instructional how to video on how to dry brush, visit our tutorial here.   5. Use Gentle Skincare Products  Our skin is constantly exposed to chemicals and toxins that can strip our essential skin barrier. When this skin barrier is disrupted, our skin may become dry, itchy, irritated, and sensitive.  To protect the skin barrier:  Use gentle, nontoxic, and chemical free products (including artificial fragrances)   Layer products in your skincare routine. Oil cleanse with natural oils to avoid disrupting the outer skin layer. Oil cleansing simply involves using pure oils and then rinsing with a damp washcloth. It will gently remove makeup, soothe sensitive skin, and reduce breakouts- all without stripping your skin's natural barrier.  Tone with an alcohol-free toner to restore skin pH. Target specific skin concerns with a non-toxic, non-irritating serum. Moisturize with a nourishing moisturizer or cream to lock in hydration. Protect your skin from UV rays to prevent sun damage.   Keeping your skin moisturized during winter doesn’t have to be difficult. By incorporating a few natural, nourishing habits into your routine, you can protect your skin from the harsh elements and keep it soft, hydrated, and glowing all season long. Stay cozy and take care of your skin!

  As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the golden tones of autumn, it's not just your wardrobe that needs a seasonal shift—your skincare routine deserves a refresh, too! The change in weather can affect your skin, and adjusting your regimen is key to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion.    Here’s some simple steps you can follow to keep your skin happy as the seasons change:   1. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer  As the air becomes cooler and drier, your skin may start to lose moisture more quickly. The lightweight moisturizers that your skin loves during the summer might not be enough to combat autumn's drying effects. Now is the time to introduce a richer, more emollient moisturizer into your routine.  Look for creams or balms rich in nourishing ingredients like organic tallow, and jojoba oil. These natural oils are skin identical and not only provide deep hydration but also create a protective barrier that locks in moisture, keeping your skin soft and supple throughout the day.  2. Incorporate a Gentle Exfoliant  With the cooler weather, your skin’s natural cell turnover can slow down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your weekly routine can help slough off those dead cells, revealing the fresh, glowing skin beneath.  Choose gentle exfoliants with natural ingredients like kaolin clay, oatmeal, salts, or sugars. Remember, gentle is the key; over-exfoliation can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it even more prone to dryness. Some with skin sensitivities may do better with kaolin clay and oatmeal vs salt and sugar.   3. Hydrate from the Inside Out  While your skincare products play a significant role, don’t forget the importance of internal hydration. As the weather cools, we often forget to drink as much water as we do in the summer, but staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and glow.  Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, like soups and stews rich in vegetables, and consider sipping on herbal teas that not only warm you up but also provide your skin with additional antioxidants.  4. Pamper Your Skin with a Weekly Mask  Autumn is the perfect time to introduce a weekly mask into your skincare routine. Masks that are rich in natural clays and honey can help draw out impurities, tighten pores, and infuse your skin with nutrients.  Consider a DIY mask using ingredients like raw honey and yogurt. Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while yogurt is soothing and nourishing.   5. Nourish Your Lips  Don’t forget your lips—they can be one of the first areas to show signs of autumn dryness. Opt for one that is deeply hydrating and protective. Many commercial lip balms contain parabens, fragrances, and artificial pigments that can dry out your lips instead of moisturizing them. This is why you often feel like you have to apply repeatedly. Look for non-toxic balms and butters made with tallow, beeswax, and shea butter to keep your lips soft and moisturized.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Keel (@pretty_farmgirl)   Some of our PFG fall favorites that you can use in these steps are:  Fresh Face Cream  Blue Beauty Cream  Tallow + Honey Cream  Vanilla Bean Body Butter  Lavender Vanilla Body Butter  Wild Rose Cleansing Grains  Pure Peal Powder  Raw Honey + Sugar Face Polish  Coffee Scrub  Wild Rose + Honey Probiotic Mask  Farm Girl Lip Butter    Click here to view all of our fall favorites.