Happy New Year to everyone! I am currently in Budapest and am having an amazing time with friends and family. The weather in Budapest right now is cold, cold, cold. I have noticed that my skin is definitely feeling the harshness of winter and the additional drying effects of all the heaters. During the winter months, we need to provide our skin with a little extra TLC, because all the elements of winter can cause extra dryness and dehydration. In addition, we tend to drink less water because the cold temperature oftentimes makes us feel less thirsty, which can lead to dehydration. Since water is the primary composition of our body, we need to pay extra attention to our hydration. Dehydration may cause a slew of problems and affect the way we look and feel.
Even with regular treatments, dehydration may be counterproductive to our treatments. Without proper hydration, the skin may appear dry, dull (highlighting exaggeration of our pores), tight and flaky, and appear to have an increase of fine lines and wrinkles – everything that many of us are trying to minimize. So, what do we do to maintain the proper level of hydration during the cold winter months and maintain our glowing skin?
Drink Water – Even if you aren’t feeling thirsty, make sure you drink your H2O. Caffeine is a diuretic, so try to avoid it as much as possible. Add extra flavor to your water with fruit slices and/or juices. If you are craving warm liquids, have some warm herbal teas.
Moisturize – Before bed, use a heavy moisturizing cream for the face and body. As the skin on the face is more delicate, make sure you use different products for your face and body. In addition, consider using a hydrating serum on the face in conjunction with a moisturizer. The smaller particles in the serum will penetrate the skin deeper and help to moisturize the skin.
Eat Healthy – Try eating vegetables that contain a lot of water and brothy soups to help promote hydration. In addition, eat a little extra healthy fat in your diet for added skin benefits. Avoid salty and dry foods, which may lead to further dehydration.
Shorter & Cooler Showers and Baths – Hot showers and baths always sound amazing after a cold day, but hot water can deplete the skin of its moisture. If the hot bath and shower are a must, add a few drops of essential oils to your bath to help trap in moisture.
Exfoliate – Gently exfoliate your skin at least once a week. The exfoliation will help buff off dry and dead cells and increase circulation. When exfoliating with a dry brush, always brush upwards to aid circulation. Be sure to moisturize your skin after.
For most of us, skin dehydration is a temporary annoyance that we deal with more during the winter months. With a little extra TLC, your skin will be back to its glowing, beautiful self!
