While we love cozy, cool-weather days and crisp, refreshing air…there’s one thing about fall and winter that we can certainly do without. Any guesses? Think itchy. Think irritated. Think rough. Think…dreaded dry skin. We’re guessing you can do without this seasonal woe, too?
While our *preferred* remedy may be packing up the kids and escaping to warmer, more humid climates…let’s be real. Between work, school, errands, and holidays with family…well, you get the picture.
To stay on top of the game, we’ve rounded up a few tips below.
HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION
We can’t say it enough. But it makes sense! When the air is dry, the air you breathe is dryer – contributing to less water in your body.1 Even if you don’t feel hot, sweaty, or thirsty, moisture-loss in winter is just as much of a concern as it is in the summer. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. When your body is dehydrated, skin suffers – internal organs pull rank and command water first, leaving skin out to dry.
If you want something more soothing, try herbal, non-caffeinated tea throughout the day. Rose and marigold are both known for their moistening properties. A little dash of honey can’t hurt either.
DRY BRUSHING
Have you heard of dry brushing? We’re a bit new to it too, but hear us out. The benefits are great, especially for dry skin. Even if it sounds a little weird at first, a regular practice of dry body brushing can help shed dead skin cells and encourage new skin renewal – an important practice for your largest organ. Grab a brush specifically for dry brushing, and brush upwards in circular motions, starting at your ankles. The goal is to always brush towards your heart. Along with shedding dead cells, dry brushing also helps jumpstart blood circulation in the mornings, and stimulates nerve endings in the skin. All great things. Give it a go!
LIMIT HOT SHOWERS
As much as it feels good on frigid winter days – super-hot showers can actually contribute to drying skin out. Try to keep showers to 5-10 minutes, and use warm water instead. We recommend switching to a hydrating body wash during colder months, like our JĀSÖN® Moisturizing Herbs Body Wash, Soothing Aloe Vera Body Wash or Smoothing Coconut Body Wash. Don’t forget to immediately hydrate skin after bathing. It’s important to lock in remaining moisture before it’s too late. Read on to learn about some of our favorite methods.
SKIN OILS
Soothing skin oils can be incredibly effective in hydrating and nourishing dry skin. If you haven’t jumped on board with oils, let us help dispel a few rumors. Oils easily absorb into skin, especially when it needs the extra moisture. Oils also contain beneficial fatty acids that help to create a barrier between skin and the environment, helping to slow down dehydration.
We recommend picking up a bottle of Vitamin E Oil, like this one. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E is known to deeply hydrate skin, and even help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’d like another option – a jar of virgin, organic, unrefined coconut oil in your bathroom can be a great go-to post-shower. We like unrefined best, as it hasn’t been heat-treated and stripped of essential nutrients.
If you’re more interested in sticking to lotion, pick up one with ingredients that will really hydrate, like coconut and cocoa butter.
TRY NEW RECIPES – AVOCADOS, COCONUT, SALMON, CELERY, EGGS
And lastly, get creative in the kitchen. Add skin-nourishing foods to your diet throughout the fall and winter to help provide skin with the nutrients it needs to stay hydrated. Avocados, salmon, olive oils, and nuts all contain beneficial fats and antioxidants known to help keep skin happy2. Here’s one you may not know – celery and cucumber contain silica3, which helps boost moisture and elasticity, while nutrients found in eggs can help to prevent dehydration in skin.
We’d love to know your favorite tips as well! Send us a message or comment on one of our social posts with thoughts: @JASONSince1959
