5 ways to save your skin this winter.

Shockingly cold winds. Chapped lips. Dry skin. That’s what winter is made of! Here in New York, the weather has been bone chilling; the kind where it almost feels like wearing pants doesn’t matter because the cold air just slips right in (I must get the Uniqlo Heattech leggings everyone is raving about!). But most of all, the moisture is constantly being stolen from my skin.

Are you having a similar experience?

It’s said that keeping the skin adequately moisturized is the key to maintaining it’s youthfulness. So I have been on a mission to figure out a way to keep my precious epidermis in better shape.

Here are some really awesome winter skin care essentials and practices that I’ve discovered and they have been game-changing.

1. Dry brush daily. Ah, this is my favorite thing to do before I get in the shower. Dry brushing is the practice of brushing your skin–sounds weird but it’s amazing. Starting with the ankles and moving up the legs in an upward motion, then to the abdominal area in a gentle circular motion, then to the arms, chest, neck, and back–all brushing towards the heart. This pattern mimics the natural flow of the lymphatic system which inspires improved circulation in all areas of the body. Benefits also include sloughing off dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of cellulite, rejuvenating the nervous system, and more! Note: it’s important to be really gentle as you brush and to avoid any sensitive areas.

2. Exfoliate your face 1-2 times per week. My forehead and the skin around my nose and mouth have been incredibly dry. No matter how much I moisturize, flaky skin seems to always emerge. SO proper exfoliation has been a total lifesaver. The reason I only do it once per week is because I don’t want to continually disrupt the protective outer layer of skin on my face. If you do that too much, you become more susceptible to breakouts.

My exfoliation protocol: I take one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and mix it with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Then I take the mixture and apply it to a clean dry face in gentle circular motions. Let sit for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water using a damp washcloth to remove any excess. I usually continue with the washcloth in soft circular motions to slough off any additional dead skin cells. Pat dry and apply a good moisturizer immediately. This is a good one.

If you’re not feeling adventurous enough to make your own exfoliant mixture, I recommend this Ren product.

3. Avoid super hot showers. I know jumping into a hot shower is the most comforting thing to do after getting tossed around in the winter tundra, BUT it is simply not good for your skin. When the skin is exposed to hot water for more than 10 minutes, it’s natural oils get depleted leaving it much drier than it was when you got in. I’ve found that the best thing to do is shampoo and wash up in warmish water and end the shower with a quick shot of hot water to warm you up.

4. Moisturize with oil. In the winter time is crucial to use skin care products that are not harsh on the skin. I’m talking about chemicals, alcohols, and other synthetics that can be found on your moisturizer’s ingredient list. Oil may sound counter intuivite since we’re taught it clogs our pours, but it is actually the perfect moisturizer for any skin type, even acne prone skin. Plus it strengthens the skin’s protective barrier which is especially helpful this time of year. I’ve been using a homemade moisturizer for my face and Neem oil for my body.

My friend Diana was kind enough to make me the most amazing homemade combo of coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. It smells amazing and my skin has been glowing ever since I started using it! Neem oil is something I’ve been using for years and it not only keeps my skin feeling supple and soft, but also fights inflammation–something my sensitive skin needs!

5. Drink lots of water. The cold weather combined with the heat inside our homes is constantly stripping moisture from your skin. Plus, we tend to drink less water all together because it’s cold and we crave warmer drinks. All together this means that we’re much more likely to be dehydrated in winter. And dehydration leads to lack of moisture from the inside out. So it’s important to keep drinking lots of water throughout the day. If cold water is a big a deterrent for you, drink warm water with lemon. It tastes good and the lemon is a natural anti-inflammatory.

What have you been doing to keep your skin moisturized and glowing this winter? What’s been your biggest struggle? I want to hear from you, so please share your experience in the comments below.