Homemade Solutions for Dry Winter Skin

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Nutrition

Skin health begins from the inside. It’s a simple equation:

real, wholesome food + hydration= skin that exudes health!

While consuming a diverse diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins will lead to better health, and consequently, better skin, there are a few selections that can really boost your glow:

Green Tea
Full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which reduce free-radicals in the body. Choose a quality brand (I like Yogi Green Tea Super Anti-Oxidant).

Blueberries
Another antioxidant-rich food, blueberries also provide Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fiber, and riboflavin.

Salmon
The Omega-3 fatty acids in this fish keep your skin supple and youthful. Don’t forget to buy wild, not farmed!

Carrots
Provide Vitamins A, C, K, B6, as well as thiamine and potassium, all which help skin maintain elasticity. Try my Suntan Smoothie, for an easy way to get those orange veggies!

In addition to increasing healthful foods, be sure to decrease foods that cause inflammation and undesireable skin reactions, namely, white flour, sugar, and fried foods. Avoid processed foods which generally provide limited nutritional value.

Simple Solutions

Vitamin E
Massage a small drop of this wonderful moisturizer into your face for a perfect wrinkle-reducer.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a decadent body moisturizer. Apply after a shower before you leave the steamy bathroom to lock in the moisture. Bonus points for smelling like dessert! Coconut oil also works great to moisturize dry, itchy scalps.

Coconut Oil Dry Scalp Treatment
4 Tbsp coconut oil
2-4 drops of tea tree oil

Mix ingredients well.
Remove dead skin cells by massaging a boar bristle brush over scalp.
Next, part hair to expose scalp and apply mixture with a cotton ball.
Massage mixture into scalp. Allow to set for 20 minutes.
Shampoo and condition as usual.

Homemade Relief

Oatmeal Bath
The polysaccharides in oatmeal create a protective film that nourishes and heals dry, irritated skin.

For one bath:
½ cup rolled oats (quick oats are fine)
1-2 drops of essential oil (optional) I love this great beginner’s essential oil set.

In a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder, grind oats to a coarse powder. Transfer to a bowl. Drop the essential oil onto the oats and stir with a spoon.

To use: sprinkle oats into warm, running water and stir the bath with your hand. Relax and enjoy!

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Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub
This deeply moisturizing scrub is both luxurious and simple. Use it to slough off dry, flaky skin.

2 tbsp honey
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sweet almond oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Smooth Soles

Thick socks and dry air can quickly turn your feet into a wasteland. Try this easy fix:
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water in a tub. Soak feet for 30 minutes.

Remember, treat your skin from the inside first and naturally on the outside. Winter weather won’t stand a chance of ruining your glow! 

How do you deal with winter skin issues?