The harsh cold of the winter months can weather our skin, hair, and nails into recession if we don't take extra protective measures. We can quickly develop damaged, dry, aged skin this time of year. Much of the surface moisture is being stripped by dry frigid winds and we usually drink less water when the temperature is low, so our skin and its appendages tend to wither and crack. 2010 entered roaring with rough weather in much of the northern hemisphere and it's not even mid-winter yet. Let's take the opportunity to strike a fair deal with our bodies by protecting our all important skin right now!
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and performs many vital functions for our survival. It regulates our temperature, keeping us hovering around 98.6 degrees Farenheit. Temperatures below 95 and above 104 are considered life threatening. The skin provides sensation, respiration, excretion of waste, and protection of the body from injury and bacteria. It has a built in lubrication system which secretes oil(sebum) allowing the skin to remain elastic and flexible. The health of the skin is determined by nutrition(what we eat and drink) and external care.
First we begin by cleansing and protecting the skin. We should change our skin care products and regimen with the seasons similar to how we change our diet. Winter demands more protection and milder cleansing because of the diminished moisture in the air and in our bodies at this time. Wash the face in cool water and a mild moisturizing or black soap. Avoid hot water for the face as this is very drying. If you shower, I know you're going to use hot water, but cool down in lukewarm at the end of the shower. This will close the pores and stimulate the immune system.
Use a gentle toner on the face like witch hazel or refrigerated distilled water. You can also make an herbal toner from peppermint, chamomile, calendula, jasmine, or lavendar. Just take a tea bag or loose bulk herb(one tablespoon) and steep in 8 ounces hot water for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, store in glass jar or bottle, and refrigerate before use on skin. Discard after ten days.
I prefer to use natural oils on the skin instead of creams or lotions. You can be certain to get more nutrients from organic substances which balance the skin, feed the cells, and encourage improved hydration more than synthetic products any day. To make your skin soft, supple, and smooth, my favorite winter lipids for the face are jojoba, vitamin E, grapeseed, castor, and coconut. Olive oil is great too, however, I prefer this oil for the body. It is a great benefit to use essential oils with these to increase the efficacy of the skin treatment. Try a couple of drops of lavendar, neroli, geranium, or rosewood in a quarter coin sized amount of oil and apply to face and neck in an upward, outward motion. If you use vitamin E, make sure to purchase the natural form labeled 'd-alpha tocopherol'. Do not select 'dl-alpha tocopherol' by mistake.
Lips need extra care. Burt's Bees balms are super moisturizing or Carmex works well for chapped kissers. I've tried so many formulas over the years, but I have to admit, nothing works as well as petroleum jelly... Yep-good old Vaseline! I slather some on top of my lip balm if my smackers are dry or if I'm out in the cold for a while.
Carrier Oils
For the body, enjoy a silky smooth soak by adding 2 cups of plain milk to your bath water. The lactic acid in the milk will help to dissolve dry, ashen skin to reveal a soft moisturized result. It will also help to relieve itchy skin problems associated with winter weather. Another remedy for dry scaly skin is a salt water bath using sea salt or epsom salt. Add a few drops of Lavendar essential oil and Tea Tree oil for soothing antiseptic action.
Hands and feet take the brunt of the attack from winter. Extremities require extreme care. While you're all cuddled up with your lovie-poo, be careful not to draw blood while playing footsies! Prevent the crusty dusty syndrome with a daily foot massage of a moisturizing herbal ointment made of nurturing shea butter, lavendar essential oil, and grapefruit essential oil, then throw on the socks. Hands get the benefit by default, but remember to wear gloves. One of my clients is a lovely 72 year old lady whose hands look plump and pretty far below her years. I asked her if she had a secret to young looking hands and she said: "Vaseline and gloves".
Liquid oils are great for restoring hands and feet to their summer soft best too. Make sure to gently blot excess oil with a paper towel or napkin.
Pure Golden Shea Butter
Try some of these winter skin remedies and get a Nu skin naturally!
