Winter is just around the corner and it comes with lots of holiday cheer and good times. However, winter is really hard on one of the largest organs in our body- Our Skin!

The winter weather has a way of pulling moisture out of our skin due to the dry air and drying out even the most supple skin.  But, how do you combat dry skin this winter???

Skin That is Dry Itchy and Tight Feeling

Skin moisture is key if you want to avoid excess and premature wrinkling, discoloration of the skin (dark spots), and itchy scaly skin. 

Dry Skin Can Increase The Look Of Wrinkles

In sensitive places like your face, you want to use specific moisturizers that quench your skin without blocking your pores and causing skin issues such as acne breakouts.

Below are a few steps you can take to start protecting your skin-NOW!

Take WARM, not Hot Showers/Baths- The one thing I love more than chocolate is long hot baths in the winter. But that is actually the opposite of what you are supposed to do in the winter. The high temp water will actually over-dry your skin. Instead, it is recommended that you take a warm bath when it is frigid out.

Protect Your Skin- Make sure that you protect your skin when you go out in the cold weather. Avoid materials that irritate your skin. If your favorite sweater is of a synthetic or wool material that makes you itchy, wear a naturally breathable material underneath such as cotton.

Coffee Actually Dehydrates The Body! Don’t Overdo it This Winter…

Make sure to drink water

In winter we are less likely to drink water, which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. Take proactive steps by making sure you drink enough water daily. Many doctors recommend 8 glasses a day, which can be a lot for some people. Just make sure you have a water bottle close by during the day and take sips often.

If water is not your thing, substitute for tea or fruit-infused water. No, coffee is not a substitute for water- coffee is a diuretic and can make your skin look dull and dry if consumed excessively.

Which Creams/Oils Are Best For My Skin???

As far as moisturizers are concerned,  I believe natural is best. Try to buy products that boast ingredients derived from natural or organic sources for all-over body moisturizing. For face, moisturizers look for ingredients such as vitamin C, ceramides, Hyaluronic, and evening primrose oil as well.

Some of the oils below are incredibly moisturizing and can help you retain the natural oil on your skin…

Shea Butter- is an emollient that helps trap and retain moisture in the skin (exactly what we need in those winter months. It is recommended that you use moisturizers a few minutes after drying off from the shower.

Shea Butter also has Linoleic acid which is a natural anti-inflammatory property in the skin and helps retain skin moisture

Coconut Oil- The high-fat content in coconut oil combined with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it ideal for dry skin. It is solid at room temperature and is more of a liquid consistency when warmed. It is also comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores. A win if you have acne-prone skin anywhere on your body!

The best type of coconut oil to use is unrefined cold-pressed for your delicate skin.

Avocado Oil- Avocado oil, like shea butter,  also contains Linoleic acid which helps the skin retain moisture and is naturally anti-inflammatory. It also contains vitamins C, K, and folate.

Avocado oil can also reduce signs of aging and wrinkles! For more on this Click HERE.

For more tips, check out what the Academy of Dermatologists has to say about dry skin.

Did you know you can make your very OWN natural moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and moisturized this winter? Check out the amazing video below!