Say Goodbye To Dry Skin

If you’re reading this, chances are that you too suffer from dry skin (especially) during the winter season. As the temperature drops down so does our natural production of oils in the body. My skin is normally on the drier side already so this is something I battle with every year. Anyone else can relate to the itchy feeling of the skin under the clothes? Previously I would spend money on all the products promising to hydrate and nourish and even though I forever LOVE body butters and lotions they only work to a certain degree. Trust me when I say that no cream can fix skin lacking moisture on the inside.

5 tips to nourish your skin inside and out

1. Water - you’ve probably heard this one hundreds of times yet you still find it challenging to stick to. This proves itself even harder during the cold winter months when we don’t feel as thirsty as we do during hot summer days on the beach. Start your day with a big glass of water before you do anything else which will wake up your digestive system. To keep me hydrated inside out during the day I find carrying a water bottle everywhere I go is the best reminder. If you can, drink it at room temperature to make it feel more soothing.

2. Exfoliate - this might sound a little counter productive. Why should I scrub my skin when it already feels itchy and dry enough, you ask. Well, this is exactly the reason why to do it at least once a week. You can use body scrubs or dry brushing, they both do wonders when it comes to removing the dead skin cells and clearing dirt, oil and residue from the pores. It also helps the body rid itself of toxins and increases blood circulation and production of collagen to give you the brighter and dewier look you love. My favourite is a coffee scrub before a shower followed by self massage with hydrating body oil or butter.

3. Less alcohol - alcohol dehydrates our body. Period. It’s a fact that is especially hard to face during the holiday season, special occasions and anytime between Friday to Sunday. This one though is a game changer for me. I try to stick to max couple of glasses of wine on the weekend and no alcohol during the week if possible, especially in the winter. If I overindulge I can see it on my skin (especially my face) literally the next morning. I also find that red wine is definitely harder on my body so I swap it mostly for white which I find lighter. Just like everything else, it is a habit that can be broken. You can get used to having a cup of tea to unwind at the the end of the day just as much.

4. More healthy fats and oils - don’t be afraid of fats, especially the healthy ones. These naturally lubricate our joints, and bring warmth to our bodies. We need this extra oleation to nourish and protect us from the drying natural elements. My go-toes are avocados, nuts, chia, flax and sunflower seeds, sesame, avocado and coconut oil.

5. Cooked warm meals - my love for salads and raw foods in general goes down with the decreasing temperature outside. Hot soups, stews, nourishing cooked whole grains, sweet root vegetables and steamed greens will keep you warm and happy. Salads are still great but instead of making them my main meal, they become more of a side dish. When it comes to smoothies, I still enjoy them couple of times a week, however my body doesn’t crave them at this time of year and I listen to it.