The snow is falling, the fire is crackling and you’re all cozy with a glass of wine and fuzzy socks ready to indulge in a new book- sounds like perfection. Wait, winter isn’t all it’s cracked up to be (pun intended) when it comes to your skincare routine due to the lack of humidity in the air, dry heat and cold air. Here are some tips to help you avoid dry, cracking dull skin over the winter months and have you feeling your best self.

1. DON’T OVER EXFOLIATE

During the dry, cold winter season our skin needs some extra TLC and its natural oils that get stripped away when you exfoliate too often lead to thirsty uneven skin. Cut down the number of times you exfoliate your skin in winter months and be sure to include an oil as the next step in your routine. Exfoliating more frequently in the summer however helps to prevent oily uneven skin pigment. 

One great option is Eminence Stone Crop body oil with its combination of stone crop and arnica makes this lightly scented oil ideal for massage, hand and foot treatments or daily moisturizing. Another must have in your collection is Indie Lee De-stress body oil that will hydrate and tone skin with luxurious nourishing blend of Jojoba, Grape Seed and Marula Oils. Ensure to apply these oils directly after the bath or shower when your skin is still slightly wet. 

 2. HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Yes, we hear it all the time- drink more water. But rather than trying to cram it all in after the end of the day- try and start your day with a 1 litre of water- even add some lemon to help kickstart your metabolism. 

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider Be Well’s omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

Tip- get into the winter habit of drinking 500ml of warm citrus water when you get home each day. Take time to reflect on the day and begin the evening hydrating rituals. 

 3. SPRAY PLEASE!

Toner spray is your new best friend during the winter. Think of toner as your go to accessory for the next few months. Once again Eminence carries a great option for your toner needs with their Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. It's a refreshing facial mist that employs stone crop juice to improve hydration and heal dry skin. 

Toners should be applied morning and night, immediately after cleansing. Applying a toner when your skin is still slightly damp allows for its active ingredients to absorb more efficiently. Pro Tip- toner can be used throughout the day to hydrate skin, soothe dryness or set your makeup.

4. NO NEED TO DRAIN

Leave your bath water in the tub for a few hours or even overnight and benefit from the humidity the bath evaporation will create in your space. During the winter months the air lacks humidity and this is a simple and easy way to add some to help hydrate.

No need to skip your bath routine in fear the hot water will dry out your skin. By adding the right products to your bath you will be helping moisturize your skin. Let the warm soothing wrap of vanilla and lemongrass in Ancient Oat Hydration Crush envelop you. Distilled pure chamomile essential oil illuminates the bath in a creamy floral lather. Luscious hydrating rice milks and ground organic oats feed dry skin while calendula flowers release their sweet gift. Another winter warrior bath soak is our newest Mineral Milk Bath with Vanilla and Coconut.

Placing a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, is also a great idea for the nights you don't take bath. Your skin will thank you in the morning.

5. DIY TIPS 

In a pinch and need a quick fix and do not have any products on hand? You can still take care of your skin (and hair) with items from your pantry to help soothe and moisturize dry winter skin.

- Apply coconut oil to dry, cracked lips to moisturize. 

-Make a hair mask with banana, avocado, coconut oil and mix in a blender and apply to hair.

-Target dry patches of skin with olive oil, cooked oatmeal paste

- Make a face mask with natural moisturizing ingredients like yogurt, honey, olive oil, bananas etc. Form into a cream and apply for 10-30 mins