Winter can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dry, itchy and irritated. When it gets extra frosty outside, follow these 8 top tips plus common mistakes to avoid to keep that complexion glowing all winter long.
We all love to reach for comforting things during the winter - cozy blankets, hot cocoa, curling up by the fireplace - it can be hard to resist when it's so blustery outside! Sadly, even these activities that make winter time so cozy can also be the culprit when it comes to drying out your skin. For example, taking a hot shower might seem like the best thing to do after a chilly day out on the slopes, but the hot water actually strips your skin of its natural oils, and - you guessed it - leaves it dry and chapped. When the temps and humidity drops, the moisture in your skin evaporates faster - losing more than 25% of skin's natural ability to maintain moisture - leaving you with that unpleasant, flaky and tight feeling.
The good news is, there are things you can do to combat dryness when it gets extra frosty outside. Here's our comprehensive list of what to do (and what not to do) to keep that complexion glowing all winter long.
Photo by Freestocks on Unsplash.
Here are our Top Tips for Staying Supple During the Winter:
1. Stay Hydrated
We think this one goes without saying! Don't forget to drink plenty of water, and include a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help deliver that much needed moisture to your skin. Try reaching for foods like nuts (walnuts are a great choice), wild-caught northern fish like salmon and flax seed.
2. Cloudy out? Don't Skip the Sunscreen!
Did you know that the snow refects up to 80% of the sun's rays? Studies done by the Skin Cancer Foundation have shown that it's just as important to wear sunscreen during the winter months as it is during the summer. Don't be tricked by gray skies, as harmful UV rays can still permeate and ultimately cause skin damage. So, lotion up!
3. Use a hand sanitizer that cleanses AND moisturizes.
Pandemic + winter = extremely dry skin! With so much hand washing and sanitizing on the go, it's no wonder our skin is paying the price. For those moments when you don't have access to soap and water, our Lemyn Organics hand sanitizer is a great option to keep your skin smooth and those nasty germs at bay.
Lemyn uses 97% organic ingredients, and is also USDA Certified Biobased. We firmly believe that you get out of your skincare products what you put into it, so Lemyn uses only the best in their hand sanitizer. Bonus? It's also more effective at killing germs than the leading competitors, banishing at least 42 strains of harmful viruses and microorganisms from your skin in just 15 invigorating seconds.
Now on to the fun part - A breakdown of our favorite botanicals, all playing a star role in Lemyn Organics hand sanitizer.
Photo by Will Svec on Unsplash
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract* (Organic)
Used for thousands of years to treat burns and other skin injuries, aloe vera (also known as aloe barbadensis), is a thick plant that stores water in its leaves. Renowned around the world as a miracle plant, aloe vera is used by the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries for its healthful compounds.
The gel inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant contains several bioactive compounds (meaning that they require fewer steps to be absorbed and put to work by the body), such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.
Aloe vera gel not only contains powerful antioxidants (polyphenols, such as those found in superfoods like green tea), but also accelerates the healing of wounds when used as a topical solution. With its antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, aloe vera is a no-brainer and the superhero ingredient of Lemyn hand sanitizer. For even more benefits of aloe vera, check out this article.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil* (Organic)
Rich in vitamins A, B, E and D, minerals like chromium, copper and zinc as well as fatty acids and our favorite friends antioxidants, it's no wonder why jojoba seed oil is also high on our superhero ingredients list. Naturally containing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, this easily accessible yet understated oil is super versatile and gentle, while still packing a punch of essential nutrients for your skin. Jojoba delivers amazing results and is safe to use on any skin type. Since jojoba oil's molecular structure is so similar to that of our own skin's natural sebum, it's a great choice for conditioning skin and sealing in the moisture - ideal for our friends that suffer from dryness and irritation during the colder months.
Photo by Hitoshi Namura on Unsplash
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil* (Organic)
The superhero list doesn't end here! We all love our avocados on toast as a healthy, omega-3 rich breakfast option, but what can avocados do for our skin? We're glad you asked. Avocado oil contains potassium, vitamin E, and a moisture-boosting emollient known as lecithin. Oleic acid promotes the production of collagen, which is responsible for strengthening skin, resulting in more elasticity and hydration (less collagen = dry skin and wrinkles)! Check out all of avocado oil's amazing skin-healing properties here.
Pro Tip: Add some avo oil to your face cream before bed for a super lustrous glow in the morning!
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil* (Organic)
Rich in linoleic acid, sunflower seed oil can help maintain your skin's natural barrier and also decrease moisture loss. Plus, several studies have also shown that sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties.
Photo by Xiaolong Wong on Unsplash
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Orange peel oil can help maintain the natural radiance of skin with it's anti-inflammatory properties, improving the appearance of the skin's texture and reducing overall redness and irritation. As one of the world's most potent natural antibacterials, orange peel oil's high concentration of d-limonene (a compound found in the peel of citrus fruits) is an effective and natural way to destroy harmful bacteria without damaging skin. Studies have shown that orange peel oil is effective against 22 types of bacteria and 12 fungi. Bonus? Orange peel oil has also been shown to enhance overall sleep quality in various sleep studies.
4. Don't turn up the heat just yet!
This might be one of the toughest habits to break during the winter, but try to resist cranking up the thermostat. The heat in your house can dry out your skin further. This applies to your shower time as well - while a hot, steamy shower might be alluring when it's subzero outside, a quick lukewarm rinse is best for your skin. Plus, cooler water is just as effective at removing germs as warm water is, and less harmful for your skin, per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
5. Skip the fragrance.
Those perfume-y lotions and cleansers might smell nice, but they're probably not doing much for your skin. Instead, reach for a fragrance-free option to lessen itchy skin.
6. Consider your wardrobe.
Not all fabrics are created equal! That super warm wool sweater might seem tempting, but opt for less-scratchy materials to avoid causing unnecessary skin irritation - or at least, wear a breathable layer underneath. Then, layer up with your favorite sweaters so that they aren't roughing up your skin.
7. Swap out your lotion for a heavier cream or ointment.
We all have that favorite, cozy-scented lotion lurking by our desk, but if you can, seek out a healing ointment that contains hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and petrolatum or ceramides to help restore the skin's natural barrier and protect it from further damage caused by exposure to harmful elements. Our hands can certainly take a beating during the winter months due to constant hand-washing (ahem, not to mention flu-season and a global pandemic), so it's important to keep those paws protected.
Want to learn more about our Lemyn Organics hand sanitizer?
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