13+ TIPS FOR DRIER SKIN MONTHS
by Angie Uhle
Is your skin drier than normal?
As the seasons change, our bodies and skin change too. These changes can be damaging to our skin.
What you need to know is that it is about WAY more than just the products you are using. Though certain products can make or break a skincare routine, you must think more holistically to keep the skin hydrated and emulsified.
Here are some tips for keeping the skin healthy during the colder months.
HERE ARE MY 13 + TIPS FOR DRIER SKIN
13 is actually my lucky number;)
#1
Limit shower time + temp
Better yet, limit the temp AND alternate the warm with cold to get that lymph flowing. I know, I know… it feels amazing taking a nice hot shower, especially when it is chilly outside. But hot water IS damaging to the skin.
#2
Use a humidifier
Keep the air inside from being too dry. I also LOVE to use an aroma diffuser ( the ones where you can add water + beautiful essential oils).
#3
Cover Up
Be sure to cover as much of your exposed skin while you are outside to prevent overexposure to the wind and the cold.
#4
Keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum
OK,OK,OK… don’t shoot the messenger😉 Sad but true, drinking alcohol can lead to inflammation, dehydration, depletion of nutrients and increase your risk of Rosacea.
#5
Hydrate properly
It’s not just about drinking more water. Get more plant foods into your daily food and drink routine. Eat more veggies and add some chia seeds to your foods and drinks. For more tips on how to do this check out the book Quench by Gina Bria😊 This book was a game changer for me. I highly recommend it!
#6
Get more movement
True, getting out and getting some movement is very helpful to get your circulation and lymphatic system flowing. But getting more blood flow and lymphatic stimulation in your face, by doing massage and other modalities, is not only crucial for the health of you skin, but can drastically help to keep your skin hydrated from within and allow for proper nutrient delivery. For more information about this check out this blog post. When the lymph is stagnant and your body has a difficult time getting white blood cells to where they need to be to fight infections, your skin on the other hand will not get the proper blood circulation and nutrients delivered to it. Our skin is the first protection against the outside world, but the last to receive nutrients. To learn how you can create that flow for yourself and some excellent age benefitting techniques, book you Pro-Aging Virtual Facial here.
#7
Dry Skin Body Brushing
I am not a huge fan of using a dry brush on the face. HOWEVER, a daily 5-minute body brushing will help you skin look and feel better! It helps to exfoliate, and stimulate both the circulation and when using a softer bristle brush, you also highly benefit stimulating the lymphatic system. There is a different technique to be used for each of these purposes. Get your Beginner’s Guide to Dry Brushing and learn how.
#8
Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are a good way to get rid of dead skin and clogged pores. It’s so difficult to find the perfect body scrub. But to be honest they are SO easy to make! I created this Guide for you, so that you can have, almost, endless combinations for your perfect body scrub. No sense in wasting a ton of money on them. Most of these ingredients you already have in your kitchen!!! Try these endless possibilities by creating your own perfect homemade body scrub to get that wonderful glow. Get your DIY Body Scrub Ideas HERE.
#9
Keep your body skin nourished
Now that your skin is glowing from the scrub let’s keep it that way and seal in that goodness! Use something that contains fatty ingredients like Shea Butter, Cocoa butter or Olive oil. You can apply them straight or if preferred, use a thick balm or body butter that contains these ingredients.
*Note, right when you get out of the shower and your skin is nice and moist…this is the best time to apply the oils, butter, balms. Kinda like using a toner before you apply your moisturizer, which if you feel the urge you CAN sprits your body too with your hydrating toner before application of the product. Applying while your skin is still damp, help to lock in the moisture. Feel free to spritz and re-apply throughout the day if needed and especially right before bed!!!
#10
Switch to an oil, balm or lotion cleanser
I personally prefer Oil Cleansing all of the time. I have been doing it for years and will never go back to any other way of cleansing. My skin has never been more balanced and less congested!!! Regardless, whichever method you choose, switch to less irritating cleanser and more emollient cleanser. One to try NH’s Balancing or Nourishing Oil Cleanser. My golden rule is NEVER use a cleanser that will strip the skin’s natural protective layer. How would I know, do you ask? If after you cleanse and the skin is dry from removal, if your skin feels tight or dry, it’s a good sign that your product is stripping your skin’s lipid barrier. Gel cleansers tend to do this, but other cleansers can as well because they use surfactants - detergents, yes you heard that right, detergents to give you that squeaky clean feeling. And in all of my years of experience… that squeaky clean feeling is the last thing you want for a healthy skin. If you want to learn more about this process check out this blog post about cleansers.
#11
Make sure your toner does NOT have alcohol in it
Toners are an extremely important step in a healthy skincare regimen. Yet, sadly, it’s also one fo the most frequently skipped steps. NEVER skip the toner step! Of course we want to make sure that is does not have alcohol in it, and some even have more of those surfactants. So learn to read those labels, dear! For more information on toners, and the process of how and why… you can check out this blog post on toners. If you want a beautiful facial mist that is tried and true, that has soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Try NH’s Balancing or Nourishing Mist. Make sure your skin is thoroughly drenched (even press it into your skin) before moving on to the next step😉
Learn HOW you can sleuth out those ingredients you are using, check out this freebie, Anatomy of an Ingredient Label.
#12
Switch to a more emollient Balm, Cream or Moisturizer
A Balm is my preference. I love balms and if you make sure you have your skin well hydrated by really pressing that toner into the skin before applying (you can even add a spritz or two of the toner into the balm before applying, your skin will be nice and hydrated and have lots of emollience. SIDE NOTE* If you spritz the balm with the toner - this IS a moisturizer right in your hand. The only difference is that you didn’t need the emulsifiers, preservatives and the stabilizers to keep the formulation stable 😘 One to try (it’s a best seller!) NH’s Calm Balm. Good for most skins, GREAT for dry and sensitive skin - Plus…it smells divine!
In some climates, or for some individuals, it may even be necessary to add more emollience to the skin to help seal moisture into the skin. Because whether inside or outside, the dry air can cause water to evaporate, which contributes to over-dry winter skin. You can use a balm over a moisturizer. OR overtop of your moisturizer or balm, you can also apply a very light amount of pure organic jojoba oil. According to Rachael Pontillo, “ Jojoba is a liquid wax that does not feel greasy or heavy, or suffocate the skin like petroleum jelly or mineral oil. It is also unlikely to clog pores.” Some other great options available are evening primrose oil, borage oil, and argan oil, just note that each oil has benefits for different skin types, so make sure you choose one that is right for you. That said, in my experience, most people skin is good with Jojoba Oil.
#13
Extra protection for the eyes, lips and nose
Some, people may get drier around the eyes, lips and nose. Though this is a step not everyone will need. It can be helpful. You can use the Jojoba oil to apply to those areas too. You can also try something like NH’s Nourishing Lips. I personally add it to my lips daily all the time, but when I need a little extra love, I will also put it around my lips and my nostrils (like during a cold). Some may also be able to use it under their eyes, I would only recommend if you have a tendency to be on the drier side.
I hope this gave you some insight into some things you can implement that maybe you wouldn’t have thought of before. Here’s to your beautifully nourished and hydrated skin 🖤
XOXO,
Angie