⠀⠀

If you live in a cold climate as I do, then you know that your skin really suffers in the winter months.  From dryness, to irritation, to itchiness/tightness and flakiness......

It is not fun!!

.....But after living in Boston for over 27 years ( Yes! 27 years. I still can't believe it myself!)  I learned few tips to keep "winter skin" under control. 

Tips to combat dry skin in winter:

1. Don’t use very hot water when showering. I know! I know! I am guilty of this but seriously, very hot water is very drying to your skin. And honestly, this is the one rule/tip that I often break....

2. Mix your favorite oil with your face moisturizer or apply it on top of your moisturizer to lock the moisture in. Our camellia oil works great because it is very light, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you looking oily/greasy

3. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. I seriously don’t know how I lived without a humidifier before.  Heating dries the air in the house so much and a humidifier adds moisture back in the air. Your skin will seriously thank you

4. Apply face oil on your face, hands, and cuticles (even your heels) before bedtime. I highly recommend that you leave an oil bottle on your nightstand ; )

5. Keep your skincare routine simple and minimal. Avoid harsh chemicals that strip your skin and make it more susceptible to get dry and irritated from the wind and cold air. Avoid anything that contains SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate) as it is a skin irritant for a lot of people - it strips your skin from its natural oil and can cause dry skin. It is a common ingredient in foaming products like shampoo and face cleansers

6. Use a face mister throughout the day to keep your face hydrated. I love our organic rosewater spray and reach out for it throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated and to soothe irritation caused by the dry air⠀

7. Use body oil instead of body lotion! Body lotions are made primarily of water! So instead of lathering a body lotion that is full of chemicals, why not just retain the moisture that's in your body.  Apply a body oil on your wet skin after showering ( the key word here is WET skin) to retain and lock the water and moisture that is in and on your body. Your skin will feel silky smooth all day long. Click this link to get my simple DIY body oil recipe 

8. Take a daily fish oil supplement ( there are vegan options as well).  Fish oil is full of fatty acid and will help hydrate dry skin and nails from the inside out. It personally has made a huge difference for me. 

9. Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days! You need to protect your skin from the sun year round. You might be tempted to skip sunscreen in the winter but the reflection of the rays on snow is very strong and can cause sunburn and skin damage, which will lead to premature aging and not to mention skin cancer. 

10. Finally, drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside out. If you don't like plain water, you can infuse it with fruits, cucumber or mint, or simply add few drops of orange blosson ( my favorite and only way to drink water!).

There you have it! Now, if I can only find a way to keep myself warm in the bitter New England cold......

Please share your own tips in the comments