Holistic Winter Skincare
Well it is officially winter here in Colorado and with the recent sub-zero temperatures, I’ve had to kick up my holistic winter skincare regimen a bit! Surviving winter’s harsh embrace requires a skincare arsenal.
Skincare Starts from Within
While topical skincare is what most people think of when they think skin care, skincare really starts from within!
1. Hydration: Good skincare starts with hydration! Make sure to drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration from the inside out. Aim for 100 ounces daily!
2. Gut Microbiome Health: It is also important to take care of our gut microbiome because many skin issues can arise when there is an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) or gut barrier function (intestinal permeability aka “leaky gut“). We see things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, poor wound healing and more. Simple tips to improve gut health HERE!
3. Nutrition: Proper nutrition including macro and micronutrients are essential for skin health. In terms of macronutrients, getting enough protein is essential as well as fatty acids (think fish oil, nuts, seeds, olive oil). Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that we utilize for every cellular function in the body (more on Micronutrient testing here). A diverse diet can help to ensure you are getting the most from your food!
Tips for Surviving Winter Skin Dryness
- Combat dryness with these secrets to keeping your skin moisturized:
- Indoor Oasis: Use a humidifier to counter dry indoor air, preserving your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Gentle Cleansing: Choose a mild, moisturizing cleanser to cleanse without stripping your skin of essential moisture.
- Post-Bathing Ritual: Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin after bathing to lock in precious hydration.
- Rich Nourishment: Opt for a moisturizer enriched with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid for a deep, lasting replenishment.
- Weekly Renewal: Exfoliate weekly to bid farewell to dead skin cells, unveiling a smoother, more radiant complexion.
My Favorite Non-toxic products for Holistic Winter Skincare
- Primally Pure Antioxidant Balm and Plumping Cream (for extra winter hydration I use one of these on top of my daily moisturizer!)
- Primally Pure Plumping Cleansing Oil (non drying cleansing oil that leaves skin hydrated rather than dried out!)
- Primally Pure Everything Spray (for quick non-drying spritz after working out or in the evening)
- BeautyCounter Counterstart Cocoboost lotion (light weight power moisturizer for year round hydration)
- BeautyCounter Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser (good for exfoliation but not great for everyday use, I use it a couple of times per week)
Ready to transform your winter skincare game from the inside out? Book a free consultation today to see what personalized functional medicine can do for you and your skin!