There is no doubt about it! Over here in the Pacific Northwest we are in full on winter mode. Windchill in the single digits and below; with all sorts of hail, snow and everything in between that can be expected on a normal winters day. The first thing I notice when the temperatures start dropping is a huge change in my skin. I feel like I have to work extra hard to keep it soft, moisturized and smooth! I wanted to share 7 of my favorite Winter Skincare tips with you!

1. Makeup is Skin Protection, Especially Ours :) (shameless plug)

Conventional makeup is chalked full of harsh chemicals that strip your skin of its natural oils and damage the surface layer of your skin. On the other hand, the right healthy makeup made from organic and clean ingredients can actually protect your skin against winter’s harmful elements. When you use a product like Araza’s All in One Coconut Cream Foundation, not only are you protecting your skin, but you are also nourishing and healing it with healthy ingredients like mct oil, a probiotic, healing clays and plant extracts. Make sure to use makeup with a natural SPF like ours (zinc oxide) as the sun can still be just as damaging in the winter months.

2. Consider Oil Cleansing

Over cleansing and certain conventional cleansers and soap can strip your skin of its natural oils causing more dryness. Oil Cleansing is when you use specific healthy oils to wash your face. It sounds counter-intuitive  but oil actually attracts oil. Not only will you cleanse your skin and remove dirt and makeup, your skin will also be able to retain its natural oils that balance, protect, moisturize and heal. Around here, we love using FATCO oil cleanser.

3. Use Extra Moisturizers and Even Intense Oils

The cold, dry weather sucks moisture from your skin. It’s important to start using a more intensive and restorative oil or heavy moisturizer to combat this problem. Before bed, rub our Citrus Illuminating Raw Beauty Oil, over your entire face and neck. This oil works to restore your skin’s natural balance, moisturize and heal all while you sleep.

4. Paleo Nutrition, add more fat

As the old adage says, you are what you eat. Eating healthy fats is absolutely essential to improving skin health and appearance. Make sure you are getting plenty of Essential Fatty Acids otherwise known as Omega 3’s and 6’s. These types of fat are found in avocados, salmon, olive oil, organic grass fed butter and ghee, avocado, flax, nuts, and seeds. Lacking EFA’s in your diet can lead to skin problems such as inflammation and dryness. Also, ditch the sugar, alcohol and excess caffeine! It only promotes inflammation and wrecks havoc on your skin.

5. Drink Water!

Staying hydrated is imperative to great skin health. Your skin is 64% water. When we are dehydrated, our skin becomes flaky, dry and tight. This actually promotes aging and dull looking skin. When it’s cold outside we tend to forget to drink water. Try drinking hot or luke-warm water with lemon to make it more palatable.

6. Cover Up

Keep skin protected and covered from the elements with Scarves, Gloves and Buffs. Exposing skin to harsh  winter conditions only causes damage.

7. Sleep/Stress

Sleep is when your body and skin regenerate itself. When you sleep, blood flow to the skin increases. This results in getting more nutrients and oxygen to your skin to aid in nourishing and repairing from the inside out. Have you noticed when you lack sleep you wake up with a dull complexion? Make sleep a priority this January. Try turning off all electronics an hour before bed and making yourself a relaxing cup of chamomile tea. Lack of sleep can also stress your body out, disrupting your hormones and elevating cortisol levels. Stress hormones can cause breakouts, inflammation and a rather dull/dry looking complexion. Try to be intentional about stress reduction. Set aside time each day to do something you find relaxing. You'll be shocked how much more productive and happy even a few minutes of de-stressing can make you!

I hope these tips help to keep your skin glowing and happy this winter!