Winter weather is not fun for the skin. Cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air, which then steals moisture away from the skin every second of every day. Without immediate care, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding, and harsh winter wind makes the problem worse. Indoor heat further robs the air of moisture, as do hot showers or frequent baths and harsh cleansers.
Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin. While there is nothing wrong with washing just with water, we suggest stepping up the routine with some natural alternatives and beauty routines that have proven to be effective over the centuries. Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. This helps not just with a clean face but as an added benefit also ensures that your skin remains hydrated, moisturized and free of any bacteria, while you sleep. Even doing these 5 minute hack, once a week can help your skin keep looking firm and toned.
Maybe you ditched conventional moisturizers years ago, or perhaps you’re exploring more natural options. Natural oils for moisturizing should be an integral part of everyone’s natural routine. Instead of using conventional moisturizing products that contain dangerous and even carcinogenic chemicals, essential oils are all natural and more effective. Particularly if you have eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up.
Choose your moisturizer carefully. You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine. Find a moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "nonclogging" oils, like rosehip oil, pomegranate oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in the winter months. Try natural moisturizing oils, as they’re made with natural, hydrating ingredients like lavender, tea tree, jojoba, and more, which help soothe dry, itchy skin.
Drier areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing oil like pomegranate oil at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning.
Essential oils like lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil, mixed with a proper natural carrier oil like argan oil, make a good moisturizer and toner for the skin. Sometimes referred to as “liquid gold”, argan oil is loaded with vitamins A and E and is truly a gift of hydration to the skin and hair. You can use natural oils every day in addition to the cosmetic products. You may use argan oil to balance the hydration, jojoba oil to remove the makeup, and rosehip oil to keep the skin looking firm and healthy. Rosehip oil is well-known in the beauty world for its moisturizing and restorative properties. Because winter months can be drying, using a heavier oil at night, no matter your skin type helps moisturize the skin. Rosehip oil is a bit thicker than the other oils and absorbs very quickly. Botanical oils are highly concentrated with antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants work to repair the skin barrier and antioxidants can help prevent drying and reverse free radical damage.
They are also more cost effective — one bottle of your favorite essential oil can not only nourish your skin, but it can help to reduce stress, alleviate pain and fight skin infections as well. Plus, essential oils are all natural, which means they are free of dangerous chemicals and better for the environment too.
One of the quickest ways to up the decadent factor of your skin care routine—and to give your skin the moisture it craves—is by incorporating high quality facial oils as an easy and effective part of your skin care ritual to keep your skin looking fresh, radiant and nourished – and anything but greasy.
Natural oils penetrate into the deeper levels of the dermis – and that’s why people have found them so effective. These oils are also made of ingredients that act in a similar way to the skin’s sebum layer and moisture barrier – reinforcing the skin’s protective layer, and providing protection from free radicals and pollution while locking moisture in. The all natural oils also balance the skin during temperature fluctuations and humidity. They also help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss by creating a natural protective barrier on the skin.
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