Winter Skin Rescue: Chemical-Free Tips to Combat Dry Skin
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!