Naturally Soothe and Protect Winter Skin {Lifestyle Medicine | Ayurveda | Beauty}

Use these natural strategies to soothe and protect winter skin with lifestyle medicine and Ayurveda! Avoid dry, wrinkly, and tight skin this winter.

Dry, flaky, cracked and itchy winter skin plagues many. Between the cold wind outdoors and the dry artificial heat indoors, our skin is under continuous assault all winter long. 

Our skin is an important organ and barrier against the outside environment. Is is also a key way that we keep moisture inside to stay hydrated. When dry air zaps moisture from the body, we can suffer from the woes of irritated winter skin. 

Fortunately, there some key lifestyle habits for maintaining healthy, moist and comfortable winter skin while enjoying cozy days indoors and exciting outdoor winter activities!

 

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Natural Strategies to Soothe & Protect Winter Skin

Shower & Bathe with Care to Avoid Winter Skin

A long, hot shower can feel great on a cold winter day, but the heat can strip the skin of natural oils and lipids, inflaming dry winter skin.

• Limit shower time to less than 10 minutes in lukewarm water and consider skipping full bathing on days you are not particularly dirty or sweaty to preserve your natural oils. 
• It is also important to consider the irritating chemicals which are common in municipal water. Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride and other harsh chemicals can irritate and inflame sensitive winter skin. We also absorb these chemicals through our skin into our entire bodies. To avoid exposure to chemicals in your bathing water, install a whole house or shower water filtration system. 

 

Remember the Winter Sun for Healthy Winter Skin

Many slather on sunscreen and wear a hat to protect the skin from the sun all summer long, but how often do you consider the potential harm from the sun’s rays in the winter months? 

Although UVB radiation decreases at northern latitudes in the winter, aging UVA radiation does not.

Snow and ice can also intensify the sun’s rays, putting you at risk of UV damage during outdoor winter sports. In fact, the sun can pack a double punch in the winter since snow reflects up to 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, leading to an increased risk of damage as you are often hit by the same rays twice.

Additionally, winter activities are often done at higher altitudes, where UV radiation exposure increases 4-5 percent with every 10000 feet above sea level.

 

To safely enjoy the sun while preventing overexposure and damage even in the colder months, there are some important considerations. 

• Since winter cold and wind can be harsh on the skin, use a non-toxic broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that includes moisturizing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, pomegranate oil, shea butter and sesame oil. 
• Sunscreen may not be the only answer. Emerging research suggests that sunscreens may not protect against the majority of skin cancers, and many contain chemicals and toxic ingredients. To avoid too much sun exposure, there are some less toxic and more effective steps you can take. Just like in the warmer weather, use clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade as the best protection against sun damage.

 

Oil Up to Soothe Winter Skin

Keeping the skin moist and hydrated can also prevent excess dryness and irritated winter skin. Opt for gentle, natural fragrance-free oils and moisturizers that replenish your skin with the moisture lost in harsh winter conditions without causing further irritation.

• Before you shower, gently exfoliate the skin and do a warm-oil massage. Abhyanga or oil-massage is an Ayurvedic practice that nourishes the body and soothes the mind. It is especially balancing in the cold, dry winter months and can be incorporated into your routine for restorative self-care. Continue your massage in the wetness of a warm shower to allow the oil to penetrate deeply into the skin. Wash where needed gently without scrubbing. When you exit the shower, dab yourself off to allow the oil to absorb into the skin. 
• You can also protect your skin and keep fingers warm by rubbing warm sesame oil on your hands and feet before heading outdoors in the cold.
• For deeper moisturization of cracked, peeling, or scaly skin, a few drops of argan oil can be added to a thick moisturizing cream to promote healthy collagen and boost antioxidants.

 

Stay Hydrated From the Inside Out for Healthy Winter Skin

Hydration of your skin starts from the inside out. Skin contains approximately 64 percent water, so adequate daily water intake is important for healthy skin. Studies show that drinking 2.25 liters (9.5 cups) of water every day for four weeks altered skin density and thickness while drinking 500 milliliters of water (about two cups) per day increased blood flow to the skin.

When the skin lacks adequate hydration, it can become dry, tight, dull, and flaky. Dehydrated skin is less resilient and more prone to wrinkling and sagging. 

Adequate hydration is also essential for healthy functioning of your lymphatic system. Lymph fluid is about 95 percent water and becomes thicker and less fluid when you are dehydrated. In fact, one of the most common causes of lymph congestion is dehydration. Poor waste removal in the lymphatic system can contribute winter skin issues including cellulite, water retention, and itchy and dry skin.

• Stay well-hydrated by sipping warm purified water throughout the day to help keep your lymph flowing well. Avoid sugar-laden soft drinks, processed juices, sports drinks, and alcohol, which add an additional metabolic burden on the body as well as excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Warming organic teas are a great option for warming up and keeping your body hydrated. Green and white teas also contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients can protect your cells from damage and slow the breakdown of collagen.

Take these simple steps to protect your skin and keep it healthy all year round!

Do you have stubborn skin issues that arise in the winter?

How do you care for your skin in the winter? 

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Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. These are products that I use and should not be considered medical advice.

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