Top 10 Natural Care Tips For Winter Skin

What is Winter Skin?

This time of year, skin can be dry, red, rough and raw. Itchiness and irritation are common. Winter is a good time to change up our skincare routine to help our skin stay healthy and glowing.

In general, dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t hold in enough moisture and can be caused by a combination of things such as the use of harsh detergents, frequent bathing, certain medical conditions or aging. Winter weather exacerbates the problem of dry skin because of low temperatures and low humidity.

Here are my top 10 tips for taking care of winter skin naturally. 

1. Use a humidifier. The water content of our skin tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. Cold outdoor air doesn’t hold as much moisture and therefore has little humidity. Even if you spend a lot of time indoors, heated air also has low humidity. We run a woodstove in our home, so it’s especially important. A humid environment will make your skin very happy!
2. Use hydrating skincare products. Our hydrosol and toners are a good choice for spritzing the face and body. Hydrosols are often overlooked, must-haves to hydrate skin and bring a healthy, glowing complexion. We want to help replace some of the moisture being lost.
3. Use nourishing facial oils. The idea is to seal in the hydration we just applied with our water-based products. Facial oils can give protection from the elements, such as wind and extreme cold. Evening Primrose Facial Serum is ideal to win the battle over dry skin and if you're looking to help prevent premature aging.Mountain Rose Facial Serum is deeply nourishing and moisturizing
4. Wear protective clothing. We wear a coat and gloves, but how often to you cover your face to protect it from the cold? Wrap a scarf around your face when you go out. Even when exercising outdoors – wear a buff.
5. Hydrate from the inside out. Drink more water. Some find this hard to do when it’s cold outside. Too much caffeine and alcohol can also contribute to dehydration. After your initial caffeinated drink, stick to water or herbal tea and keep a water bottle nearby.
6. Avoid hot showers and baths. Hot water dissolves the natural protective barrier that keeps skin hydrated. If that isn’t doable for you, then be sure to follow up with a nourishing body oil immediately after bathing to seal in moisture. Directly after showering smooth a few drops Evening Primrose Body Oil over wet skin. Massage the rich fluid of Mountain Rose Body Oil into thirsty skin.
7. Exfoliate. This helps remove the top layer of dead skin cells that look and feel dry. Exfoliation with a clay mask also prepares the skin to receive those nourishing oils.
8. Get rid of SLS in your products. Sodium Laurel Sulfate and other harsh detergents can strip the skin of beneficial oils leading to dry skin. All Mountain Girl Essentials facial cleansers are made without harsh surfactants.
9. Use products with humectants. These are substances which draws moisture to the skin. For example, Mountain Girl Essentials bar soaps have naturally occurring glycerin, a humectant. 
10. Use lip balm. Give your lips some love by applying lip balm before going outdoors. Keep one in every pocket and purse.