Winter Is Coming!

We know winter can be rough on skin, so we’ve put together a list of ways to keep your body soft, smooth, and beautiful during those cold, dry winter months.

1. Hydration is key!
Windy, dry, cold days wreak havoc on our complexion. Skin feels tight and dry, and can even get irritated, scaly, and itchy.
Be sure to keep skin moisturized by applying face cream both in the morning and at night – and if you need to, apply throughout the day as well.
We also recommend skipping any astringent cleaners – these dry out skin and strip it of essential oils and minerals.

2. All-over cover
Cracked elbows, rough knees, scaly legs, dry arms – you’re more than just a pretty face! Don’t forget to treat the rest of you, too. Use a mild exfoliant on your entire body to slough off dry skin and then immediately follow with a good cream or body oil to trap in moisture and keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and happy.

3. On the inside too!
Don’t forget to keep your body quenched on the inside as well, by drinking plenty of fluids during the cold winter months. Whether it’s your favorite herbal tea or plain old water, keep drinking to stay healthy and hydrated on the inside and out. Be sure to eat right, too, and include more vitamin-rich and naturally-fatty foods in your diet for an extra boost to your immune system, and to keep your skin vibrant and healthy.

4. Short, lukewarm showers
Sure, we all want to luxuriate under a hot shower for hours after a freezing-cold day, but heat dries out your skin and all that water strips your skin of essential oils. Keep it warm and brief – five to ten minutes, max. Then apply a liberal amount of body lotion and snuggle up under a thick blanket.

5. Touchy touchy!
Avoid rough, cracked hands by applying hand cream throughout the day. Choose one you like and keep a small tube in your bag for an on-the-go moisture boost. Our secret: Put some on before wearing gloves – the warmth and fabric will increase absorption, keeping skin hydrated longer and your hands softer to the touch.

6. Tough as nails
Nails need help during winter as well. They can grow thin, weak, and brittle. Give them a boost by applying a few drops of olive oil to both your nails and cuticles before bedtime. A coat of clear polish will keep them protected from the rough environment.

7. Happy, not chappy
There are tons of lip scrubs out there to slough off chapped skin and keep lips kissably soft, but here’s our little secret: While brushing your teeth, give your lips a good brushing as well (yes, with your toothbrush!) to keep them clean, soft, and smooth. Follow up with lip balm or lip oil, to keep them soft and moisturized – even under lipstick, which can often dry out lips during the day.

8. Love your feet
Woolly boots, wet socks, sweaty feet – none of these do our feet any favours. Give your tootsies a good scrubbing in the shower, and slather on some good old foot cream, especially before going to bed. A thick, warm pair of socks will aid absorption and keep ‘em moisturized even longer during the night.

9. Avoid hairy situations
Snowflakes on your shoulders? Or is that your dry scalp saying hello? Winter is a great time to switch to a dry-scalp shampoo. We also recommend massaging some olive, coconut, or vitamin E oil into your scalp for extra moisture. Comb a few drops through limp, brittle hair as well. And avoid the blow-dryer this winter.

10. Shun those sun rays
Sure, those sunny days are few and far between, but even on the cloudiest day, daylight equals sun. And sun rays are still harmful to skin, no matter what the season. Keep that sunscreen handy and use it daily before heading outside.

Got any more useful winter tips to staying fit and fantastic? Leave a comment below and share with the whole community!