by Sherina Jamal,
During the colder months of the year, skin is exposed to harsh temperatures, dry air and wind chill. Along with this, exposure to indoor heating can cause further dryness and skin irritations. Most skin types experience dryness during the winter, however more serious skin conditions – such as skin scaling, redness and mild to severe eczema – can also occur.
What is Dry Skin? Dry skin can be explained as skin that has low levels of sebum production. This condition can be short term or can be a more severe long term issue which is more challenging to correct. Winter weather is a common culprit however other issues such as frequent use of hot water, certain medications, chemical based skin care, and also lack of internal hydration can create dry and also dehydrated skin conditions
Here’s how you can help banish that dry skin – naturally
Feed The Skin with Super Foods Just as our internal systems require a range of nutrients and vitamins, skin care that incorporates quality super foods can aid in repairing and restoring dry skin.
Fresh Seaweed, olive oil and other omega rich oils, berries such as Acai, natural butters, specific anti-oxidants such as green tea and grape seed, and stable vitamins such as E, A and C from natural sources. In addition natural enzymes coming from fruits such as pineapple can be highly beneficial in dissolving dry/dead skin cells and repairing the skin.
Other active ingredients that have shown to treat dry skin conditions include; Hyaluronic acid, pure essential oils such as lavender, and plant based carrier oils such as sweet almond, jojoba and apricot kernel.
Internal Hydration – Drinking one to two liters of water daily is a key to keeping skin hydrated from an internal level. If you tend not to like plain water try spa waters. Coconut water has also shown to have a wide range of health benefits and is a great way to replenish nutrients in the body while keeping the internal system hydrated. Chose coconut water that is free of any added sugars.
Other tips to prevent dry winter skin:
- Exfoliate up to 3 times a week using a scrub that has been created with gentle natural grains.
- Avoid use of very hot water.
- Incorporate natural skin care that contains specific super foods to restore and renew the skin.
- Avoid the use of cleansers and soaps that have been created with synthetic detergents such as sodium laurel sulfates.
- An indoor humidifier can be very beneficial in prevention of dry and dehydrated skin during the winter season.
Sherina Jamal is the founder of Ancient Secrets Inc and creator of the Beauty Through Balance spa line
