The Winter Road by Otto Knirsch, printed by Currier and Ives
We all know that lovely old Christmas carol....
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping at your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.”
~ The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole 1946
We love the crisp snowy days, the festive scents and sounds, the heartwarming bonhomie and the smiles that seem to be on everyone’s lips......But what we don’t love are the effects winter can have on our skin.
Cold, whipping winds and dry indoor heat join forces in the winter to deprive your skin of its moisture, leaving you with scales, flakes, more visible wrinkles, itching and discomfort. Severe cases can even cause painful cracking and eruptions of skin rashes like eczema.
Moisture doesn't just make your skin look younger and healthier, it provides a protective barrier. When this barrier is stripped, you're more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections as well as friction that can cause irritation and further drying. Aside from environmental changes, factors like age, genetics, smoking, health conditions and hot showers can contribute to dryness. Areas of the body with the fewest oil glands, like the lower legs, tend to dry out the fastest. Luckily, changing your hygiene habits and the products you use can make a difference in just a few days.
Here are some helpful tips for you to stave off those horrible winter skin blues.
Shower in lukewarm water. It's tempting to luxuriate in long, hot showers and baths when the temperatures drop, but hot water is hard on your skin, stripping it of its natural oils. That doesn't mean you have to start taking cold showers, but it would help to keep the dial closer to body temperature than to boiling.
Choose gentle, natural moisturizers. Many common ingredients in lotions and moisturizers, including petrolatum and silicone, are not ideal for your skin and can actually exacerbate dryness over time. Plant-based oils like borage, cocoa butter and jojoba help maintain a protective barrier over your skin, and many have additional benefits, like assisting in cell turnover.
Moisturize while your skin is still damp. When you emerge from the bath or shower, take a moment to apply your lotion or body cream. The moisturizing ingredients in the lotion will help seal water into your skin, helping it stay hydrated longer.
Exfoliate on a regular basis. Help your body shed the dead skin cells that can build up visibly when your skin is dry. Use a gentle exfoliant like a loofah or a body scrub made with sugar, salt or other coarse ingredients to buff your skin to a soft, smooth finish.
Drink lots of water. If you're dehydrated, your skin will look dryer and saggier than it really is. Drinking more water can definitely help plump skin up and make it healthier, but it won't make a difference in the outer layers of the skin, so it's not a cure-all.
Consider using a humidifier. Adding moisture back to the parched air in your home will also benefit your skin, hair and mucous membranes.
Don't forget the sunscreen. We tend to associate sun protection with warm weather, but it's just as easy to get a sunburn in February as it is in July. Slather it on, and you'll prevent damage and dryness.
I leave you with this lovely Yule blessing and all my warmest wishes for the holiday season!
May you be filled with serenity on this the shortest day and longest night.
May whatever despairs or sadness you carry be burned away by the returning sun,
for every period of darkness there will be one of light.
May you be surrounded by loved ones and laughter,
May your home be filled with joy and warmth,
as you rejoice in this festive season.
May you take some time for yourself,
to reflect on days both past and future,
May you find peace in the beautiful quietude of Winter.
Love,
Brittany
