For those of us that live in the Northern parts of the US, we’re currently in the middle of a polar vortex, more commonly known as, winter. Along with the plummeting temperatures comes dry, scaly skin that is sometimes associated with eczema, accentuated fine lines, and acne (yikes)! If you’re unable to head down south this winter, our Nutrition Team has put together a few tips to help relieve your winter skin and restore that summer glow, even if it is a little bit on the pale side.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Just like any good health improvement plan, healthy skin starts from the inside out. A good, balanced diet and regular exercise goes without saying, but here are a few tips on how to maintain healthy skin during the cold winter months:
- Hydrate – Dry heat and cold icy air can contribute to dry, rough skin. Drinking plenty of water and non-caffeinated beverages, and eating fresh, organic fruits and vegetables can help to improve overall hydration. While the connection between staying hydrated and better skin is not entirely clear, there is reason to believe that a hydrated body may improve dehydrated skin.
- Sleep – You can use as much eye cream and facial oils as you like, but nothing compares to the restorative powers of sleep – it’s the only way to reduce dark under eye circles and exaggerated fine lines. In fact, studies hypothesize that chronic poor sleep is associated with increased signs of aging, and not to mention, a reduced perception of health and attractiveness.
- Vitamin E – The intake of natural vitamin E products may help to prevent free radicals that can damage the skin and contribute to aging.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – These essential fatty acids may help to prevent dehydration of cells and have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against irritated, acne prone skin. You can either consumer fish twice a week (small cold water fish such as sardines and anchovies are recommended) or take a good quality nutritional supplement every day.
- Gut Enhancing Nutrients – Since the health of your skin is related to the health of your gut, eating fermented products such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, or taking good quality probiotic supplements may help to promote healthy bacterial growth in your gut which may support the overall health of your skin.
- Nix Sugar and Processed Foods – A diet low in sugar and processed fatty foods may contribute to healthier, clearer skin all year round.
Topical Skin Care
Sometimes a little extra topical TLC is necessary to lock in moisture during the winter months. Here are a few tips:
- Humidifier – In the colder months, humidity levels can drop and contribute to scratchy throats, dry skin, and allergies. You can increase the humidity in your house with a vaporizer or humidifier.
- Aloe Vera Mask – Try a hydrating mask once a week such as our Simple Aloe Vera Face Mask.
- Sunscreen – Even if you’re not hitting the beach, sunscreen is essential for slowing down the development of fine lines and wrinkles as well as preserving the integrity of your skin all year round.
- Avoid Hot Showers – Hot showers and baths have been associated with aggravated eczema, so opt for warm to lukewarm bathing sessions.
Until the warmer weather decides to grace us with its glorious presence, these tips can help keep you looking fresh throughout the winter months.
References:
(1) Balch, P. A. (2011). Prescription for nutritional healing: a practical A-to-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs & food supplements. London: Penguin.
(2) Hanaway, Patrick. 2016. When in Doubt, start with the Gut…Microbiome. AIHM Annual Conference Slides.
(3) Mercola, J (2014, December 1). Dry Winter Skin? Here’s Help. Retrieved from: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/12/01/dry-winter-skin.aspx.
(4) Oyetakin-White, P., Suggs, A., Koo B., Matsui, S., Yarosh, D., Cooper, KD., Baron, ED. (2015). Does poor sleep quality affect skin aging? Clinical and Experimental Dermagology, Jan; 40(1): 17-22.
(5) Schagen, SK., Zampeli, VA., Makrantonaki, E., Zouboulis, CC. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, July 1: 4(3): 298-307.
(6) Wartian Smith, P. (2008). What You Must Know about Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & More. Garden City Park, NY: Square One Publishers.
(7) Your Microbes and You (2012, November). Retrieved from: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/11/your-microbes-you