Simple tips for Winter skin health
My Winter fantasy…..
Winter skin health is all about preservation, and maintenance of the lipid-barrier, which is a beautiful, protective mechanism that seals our skin cells with Fatty acids, Ceramides and cholesterol. When this gets depleted due to harsh temperatures, wind, hot water, heaters, and stripping skincare topicals, our skin suffers with water loss, sensitivity, inflammation, and ultimately slowing down of cellular functioning. Here are some of my go-to tips to prevent the aforementioned winter skin symptoms
Switch to oil cleansing. Oil cleansers preserve the rich lipid barrier of the skin, preventing skin sensitizing. The type of oil greatly depends on your skin and its natural sebum levels, by my go- to's are jojoba (most similar to our skin), grapeseed (antioxidant rich and hydrating) and sunflower seed oil (high in linoleic acid which is great for more congested pores)
Give skin soaking a go! this easy and free skin remedy saturates the skin cells with water. My dear friend in New zealand (also a skin wizard and Dermaviduals pro) swears by skin soaking, you can learn more on her page here
Our skin cells are dependent on the nourishment and building blocks from the foods we eat, and in winter we need to pay extra attention to EFA'S (essential fatty acids). Remember that moisture barrier? The cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides are made from broken down fats in our daily food intake. Make sure you are eating (slowly, always take the time to chew chew chew for better nutrient absorption) plenty of healthy fats like pasture-raised egg yolks, grass -fed butter, avocados, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, ghee, and high quality (local if possible) animal protein.
Watch your water temperature, stick to room temp water to avoid drying your skin out, and I always recommend to wash your face after you shower, and not during!
Lastly, lean into the slowness and coziness of winter. This is our time to rest, heal, and hibernate. I am sleeping in extra these days, and finding ways for gentle movement to support my lymphatic system!
