When the seasons change, so should your skincare regimen. Next upcoming season: Winter. In Arizona, the biggest beauty woe experienced during the winter time is dry skin. Luckily, there are plenty of natural and holistic ways to hydrate and replenish your skin.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated.
First and foremost, the key to beautiful, healthy skin is maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. It’s important to nourish your body from the inside out. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy, processed sugar, wheat, gluten, soy, processed vegetable oils and processed foods. Instead, indulge in seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits, high quality fats, organic animal proteins and non-glutinous grains.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
Apply safe sunscreen year round, not just during the summer time. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays, which may cause skin cancer. Refer to the EWG's Sunscreen Guide for toxic-free, organic sunscreen creams. Still not convinced that wearing sunscreen is important? Read this article by Hylunia.
Take shorter, lukewarm showers.
Another way to glowing, soft skin is taking quicker, lukewarm showers. I know, it’s tempting to take a long, hot shower, especially with the colder weather. However, hot water and longer showers make your skin more prone to dryness by stripping away natural oils. Plus, it’s also good for the environment and cuts back on your water bill.
Exfoliate weekly.
Avoid scaly, flaky skin by exfoliating once or twice a week. Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells, which allow moisturizers, face masks, serums, cleansers, etc. to more deeply penetrate into the skin. In a way, exfoliation optimizes the effects of face and body skincare products. Exfoliate with natural scrubs (e.g. sugar, salt, activated charcoal) or enzymes (e.g. greek yogurt, papaya, citrus). Also, dry brushing your body before you take a shower is another natural and effective way to soften and smooth skin.
Moisturize generously.
Moisturize after taking a shower or cleansing your face. This helps keep your skin soft and supple. Apply products that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients such as rosewater, olive oil, coconut oil, aloe, chamomile, calendula, hyaluronic acid, and seaweeds.
Naturally, taking proper care of your skin helps your skin retain moisture longer as these colder months approach us. To recap, 1) be sure to eat a balanced diet and to stay hydrated, 2) apply broad-spectrum safe sunscreen, 3) take shorter, lukewarm showers, 4) exfoliate at least once a week, and 5) moisturize with an emollient cream.
Skincare is an involved practice, and it takes time to establish healthy habits and routines. Incorporating holistic nutrition is one of the most beneficial ways to keep younger looking skin. Everyone’s regimen is different, so there is a little trial-and-error involved. Take the time to speak with a natural Skincare Practitioner who will know how to help you pick the best products and diet for your skin type. A career in aesthetics may be for you, if you enjoy helping others and understanding the intricate processes of skincare. Experience SWINA for your educational journey, where caring is natural!
Sources:
http://www.more.com/beauty/skincare/skin-care-tips/7-dry-skin-remedies-straight-desert
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/20/t-magazine/how-to-fix-winter-skin-kristina-holey.html
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/natural-dry-skin-care
