Loving Your Skin Through The Bitter Cold
Aelisa DieckmannShare
Natural Winter Skincare: The bitter chill of winter-when temperatures hover around 14°, like they presently are in my neck of the woods. These freezing temperatures do not just affect our mood; it can also transform our skin. If you are anything like me, the winter skin transformation can be downright unbearable.
That tight, itchy, flaky feeling isn't just uncomfortable—it can be painful when humidity levels plummet. If you're seeking relief through natural remedies rather than products filled with synthetic ingredients, you're in the right place. Because moving to Florida isn't in the equation right now, I began to seek alternative healing modalities. Come along with me... I will help you out.
Understanding Winter Skin
Winter skin issues stem primarily from two factors:
• Low humidity -strips moisture from your skin
• Harsh winds -damage your skin's protective barrier
When these forces combine, they create the perfect storm for dry, irritated skin that feels impossible to soothe.
Here are some ideas to soothe your skin that you may already have in your pantry.
Natural Moisturizing Solutions
1. Honey: Nature's Humectant Raw honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture into your skin. Its antibacterial properties also help heal any micro-cracks that might form in extremely dry conditions. The ancient Egyptians knew about the healing properties of honey. It is said that even Cleopatra used honey in her beauty routine. Look, now you and a queen have something in common...Your Majesty...
Quick Honey Mask: Apply a thin layer of raw honey (do not just use any honey, most are pure sugar/not real honey) to clean, damp skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel nourished afterwards.
2. Avocado: Deep Nourishment rich in healthy fats and vitamins E and C. Avocados provide deep hydration for winter skin. Make sure its ripe and easily releases from the pit.
Avocado Face Treatment: Mash half an avocado with a teaspoon of organic olive oil. Apply to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes before gently washing off. Use twice weekly for intensely moisturized skin.
3. Oatmeal: Soothing Relief
Colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries to calm irritated skin. It creates a protective barrier while gently exfoliating dead skin cells. Get it on Amazon in easy to use disposable packets. Easy, breezy. Here is a link to purchase individual colloidal oatmeal packets: https://a.co/d/5oYwSgs
Oatmeal Bath: Add a cup of finely ground oats to your bathwater. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Patting (not rubbing) your skin dry afterwards. Follow immediately with oil to seal in moisture.
Healing Oils: Your Winter Skin Allies
1. Coconut Oil: The Versatile Healer
Coconut oil is a fantastic all-over body moisturizer that melts on contact with skin, making application easy even in cold rooms.
Night Treatment: After showering, while skin is still slightly damp, massage coconut oil from head to toe. Pay special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Organic coconut oil is also a wonderful anti fungal property.
2. Jojoba Oil: (One of my favorites) Your Skin's Perfect Match
Jojoba oil closely resembles our skin's natural sebum, making it a great choice without clogging pores.
3. Shea Butter: Intensive Repair
For those painfully dry patches that need extra attention, raw, unrefined shea butter provides intensive healing. Try not to use refined shea butter as the natural healing properties have all been removed in the refinement process.
Overnight Hand Treatment: Work a generous amount of shea butter into hands, focusing on cuticles and any cracked areas.
Hydration Habits: Inside and Out
1. Lukewarm showers and baths. I hear my mother talking here. She always preached this to us and she was right. Hot water strips your skin's natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and limit bathing time to 10 minutes maximum. It really does make a big difference.
2. Hydrate (You know this)
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider keeping a humidifier running in your bedroom and main living areas to add moisture back into the air.
3. Filter It Out: Consider using a filter on your showerhead
For about $30 you can reduce chemicals and chlorine in your shower water. Water filters help remove unwanted chemicals in your everyday water that ruin your scalp, hair, nails and skin. Easy to install and easy to replace every six months or so. Well worth it for better hair and skin. Here is a link for one if you are interested https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QBZ5XWZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Maybe winter's gift is hidden beneath its harshness. To really slow down and rest, a call to self-care. The rituals of daily applications of these remedies can become a form of self-care. A time just for YOU.
Remember though, that healthy winter skin isn't about perfection but about listening to your body's changing needs. Nothing in this world is stagnant. Your skin may require different care as the winter continues to progress.
By embracing natural solutions for winter care, you are not just treating symptoms, you are participating in ancient traditions of working with nature. Nourishing and protecting yourself through every changing season.