My Winter Beauty Tips - How to Get Rid of Dry Skin
I've been talking to several clients lately who are experiencing severely dry and flakey skin. So, I wanted to offer some tips for skin hydration, especially during this cold and dry time of year.
Here are my top tips for soft skin and staying warm this winter:
INTERNAL CARE
Stay Hydrated Internally
The root of skin dehydration is usually a lack of internal hydration. It's extremely important to stay hydrated all of the time, especially during the winter when there is less of a desire for water and when skin tends to dry out. Drink fluids throughout the day - half your weight in ounces of spring water. If room temperature water is too cool for you, heat it up. Add a squeezed wedge of lemon. Lemon is also great for alkanizing the body and cleansing the liver. I drink hot herbal teas all day long. Try more moisturizing herbs in your teas like Irish Moss, Red Clover Blossom, Marshmallow Root, and Fennel Seed. For hydration - to only drink herbal teas, and stay away from caffeine. Caffeine will cause more dehydration Also, try adding raw ginger or a dash of cayenne to drinks or dishes to boost blood circulation and immune function.
Eat more Healthy Fats and Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Eating more healthy fats beautifies, plumps, and moisturizes your skin. It also warms your body from the inside out:
The best fat sources:
Grass-fed butter or ghee
Tallow
Fat from meat
Here are the best sources of plant-based fats:
Raw Virgin Coconut oil
Raw Oils like Pumpkin Seed, Camelina, Black Cumin Seed, Chia, FRESH - Hemp or Flax
for women: Evening Primrose, Borage
Raw Seeds like Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax seeds, Pumpkin, and Sunflower seeds
Raw Nuts, especially brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts
Olives and Extra Virgin Olive oil
Avocado
Get your Vitamin D
If you are not getting sun on your skin daily for at least 30 minutes, take at least 4000 IU or more per day. I needed to 10,000 IU when I lived in Seattle. If you are getting sun, still take 2000 IU per day.
Eat warming foods
True and lasting bodily warmth comes from eating the right balance of roots, herbs, and spices for your body.
In general, foods that take longer to grow are generally more warming than foods that grow quickly.
Some foods and spices that are warming include: squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, rutabagas, turnips, garlic, leeks, onions, cardamon, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, black or hot pepper.
In particular, focus on eating and drinking as tea:
ROOTS like Ginger Root, Astragalus Root, Burdock Root, Nettle Root, Marshmallow Root, Yacon Root, Dandelion Root, Carrot, Rhubarb Root, and many more.
BARKS like Cinnamon bark, Pau d' Arco, Slippery Elm Bark, and White Oak Bark.
SPICES like Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Anise (These support both intestinal and respiratory function). Also great are Chili Powder, Paprika, Cayenne, Turmeric, and Cumin.
SKIN CARE
Cleanse with care
Be very cautious not to cleanse skin too often or use a harsh cleanser. elaa cleansers are gentle and nourishing. During the winter, try cleansing no more than once per day. You can also try a mask or spray with a toner and wipe with a cotton pad instead.
Rehydrate throughout the day
Rehydrate skin frequently throughout the day with a hydrating mist, which will work even over makeup. I also reapply my favorite moisturizer, like Bee Beauty or Superfood Dream Cream several times per day.
Bathe with a beautiful bath soak
Moisturize after bathing
Make sure to apply nourishing moisture throughout the day, and especially after bathing when your pores are open and most receptive to moisture.
If you implement these nutritional and skin care practices into your daily life, you should see a reversal of your dry skin in no time. And you'll stay nice and toasty this winter. . .
