Posted by: RawGuru in organic raw skin care on
Nov 8, 2010
Winter can be a challenging time for the skin. Combine icy cold temperatures, wind, and other harsh outdoor elements with low humidity indoor heating and the skin can become dry and dehydrated very rapidly. Dry, flakey, or chapped skin is no fun but can be prevented or remedied with a few simple natural skin care tips. The two most important steps to include in a winter skin care routine are regular exfoliation and hydration.
With increased dryness there is often a buildup of dead skin cells that occur, making it harder for moisture and hydration to penetrate into the skin. So the first step in keeping the skin hydrated is regular and effective exfoliation to remove those dead skin cells. This step alone will help remedy dull looking skin, and take care of excess flakiness. For the body dry skin brushing works amazingly well and has the benefit of increased circulation and lymph drainage. For the face try an organic enzyme peel mask, gentle scrub, or make your own from ingredients like organic sugar crystals, aloe gel, and honey. Once dead cells are removed from the skin it is better able to absorb moisture. If there is a hardened layer of dead skin cells many products meant to moisturize will be ineffective and can build up and clog the pores. Try to make a routine of exfoliating at least 2 times per week. I absolutely love the skin care line ARCONA for their effective, natural and cold processed exfoliating products that do wonders. Their raspberry resurfacing peel is a fruit based enzyme peel that can be used once a week or so to give the skin a deeper exfoliation. This particular peel is great too for evening out skin tone, dissolving impurities in the pores, and giving the skin a beautiful healthy glow! The best thing about this peel is it smells edible, like cherries and raspberries!
During the winter most people’s oil glands are less active, which greatly contributes to dehydration of the skin. The skin’s natural oils create a lipid barrier that is incredibly important for the overall health of the skin. This lipid barrier keeps water locked deep within the skin and prevents moisture from evaporating. Using natural organic oils on the skin during the winter can make a world of difference. Try adding organic cold pressed sesame, macadamia nut, or olive oil to your bath water. The warm water will help the oils sink into the skin. Your skin will feel incredibly soft and there wont be the need for a separate moisturizer afterwards. You can also try applying the oil after a bath or shower while the skin is still slightly damp. Coconut oil also works great for the entire body. For winter time it can also be a good idea to use a richer oil that has a higher melting point such as cacao butter or shea butter. Warm these oils in the palms of your hands, and apply to the skin generously. Since cacao and shea butters remain solid in cold temperatures, they stay on the skin longer and create a better barrier against the cold.
