During the winter months, your skin can suffer as a result of reduced humidity and dry air. You may notice that your previously smooth hands have morphed into skin that is dry and cracked.
If you are prone to dry skin in the winter, there is natural help available to you. You don’t have to resort to buying bottles and bottles of lotion just to feel comfortable. Here are five natural ways to hydrate your skin and keep it smooth and fresh all winter.
Drink Water
Dry skin can be an indication that your body is not adequately hydrated. Drinking water is your best bet to getting back to normal, but may not immediately result in smooth skin. Depending on the severity of your dehydration, it can take hours or just a few days to properly hydrate your body. Take sips of water throughout the day instead of large gulps, and always carry a bottle with you. If you get tired of plain water, use a flavor packet to spice things up.
Use Moisturizing Oils
Dry skin is your body’s way of screaming out for moisture, and needs natural oils to help replace lost minerals and nutrients. Natural oils are good ways to moisturize your skin and keep it soaked in. Many of the oils below provide vitamins A, C, E and D which will help your skin recover faster.
- Argan Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Flax Seed Oil
- Rose Hip Seed Oil
You can find many of these oils at health stores and even online at places like Apothederm.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Adequate hydration and moisture comes from within, and your diet should reflect plenty of fluids as well. Fruits and vegetables provide missing nutrients that promote healthy skin. To keep dryness at bay, you should add avocados, kale, apples, and spinach to your diet.
Take Omega 3 Supplements
If you eat a diet that is low in fat or absent of good fats, this could be another cause of dry skin. Take Omega 3 supplements to provide your body with the fats it craves. A good source of Omega 3 is Krill oil, flax seed oil, and other fish oils.
Dry Brush Your Skin
You can help your body eliminate its flaky skin by dry brushing it before you take a shower. After your dry brushing session, apply generous amounts of natural oils or body butters to your skin. Healthy and natural body butters include shea butter and cocoa butter. This will help skin retain moisture for longer and not dry out as fast.
As you are assisting your skin with its healing process, it is vital to use natural products. Products that use more chemicals and scents will promote dryness. If you consistently use natural products though, your skin will be restored to its healthy state faster.