With Winter right around the corner (and practically already here in Chicago!), get ahead of itchy, dry skin with these simple tips!
- Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. I can’t say it enough: the first key to preventing dry skin is to keep your skin hydrated both inside and out! This means drinking enough water and applying nourishing oil-based, organic balms to your body daily. Tip: It’s best to apply immediately after showering to help lock in moisture and prevent chapping. I like to use our Repair Balm after showering and our Healing Balm on my hands and feet morning and night.
- Go Organic. Most products are filled with harsh chemicals that dry out the skin, stripping our bodies of their natural oils. Opt for an organic bar soap and organic water-free products whose ingredients you can trust. Tip: It also helps to limit bath time to less than 10 minutes and avoid super hot showers.
- Exfoliate. It's important to exfoliate your face and body to buff away dead skin and reduce flaking. I like to gently exfoliate my face 3x/week and my body weekly. Tip: Find a routine that works for you and stick to it! You should notice that your skin feels smoother and brighter within the first week :)
- Layer Up. While you may not think clothes have a part to play in preventing dry skin, leaving your skin exposed to cold air and harsh winds can lead to unwanted chapping and cracking. So aside from your daily dose of hydration, it’s important to layer up to protect your skin! Tip: I like to put our Healing Balm on right before I put on my gloves. This helps lock in the moisture and gives my delicate hands a nice protective barrier from cold winds.
- Know Your Oils. Some oils can actually dry your skin out more so it’s important to know which ones are right for dry skin, and your skin in particular. Coconut oil, for example, leaves me feeling drier in winter as it only absorbs superficially. Tip: My personal favorites during the cooler months are organic sesame oil, calendula infused olive oil, castor oil, and raw fairtrade shea butter.
- Add Moisture to Your Air. Turning the heat on in your home can leave your skin feeling itchy and dried out so it’s important to add moisture to your air by using a cool-mist humidifier. We run two humidifiers in our bedroom every night, which really helps keep my eczema in check. Tip: It also helps to open your windows for a few minutes daily to let in some fresh air.
How do you combat dry skin in the winter? Share your favorite tips in the comments below!
Love + Light,
Smita :)