Winter skin in harsher climates tends to be dry, or sometimes in the case with those with combination or over-active skin- it can actually become oiler as the body tries to overcompensate for the cold dry air. With spring just around the corner, we wanted to share with you a quick run down on how to help renew your skin so it’s happy, nourished and glowing and ready for spring.
Water. Drink lots of it. Aside from helping to flush our impurities inside our bodies, drinking water helps the skin to maintain an even moisture balance. We prefer to drink spring, filtered or reverse osmosis filtered water that is free to chemicals that municipal water treatment plants add in to kill off bacteria and organisms...yuck!
Wash Simpler. We spend so much time and money on magic skin products that promise to tone, cleanse, heal, de-age and deep clean our skin. It’s no wonder the cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar one! In turn, these chemical laden washes and treatments often tend to strip our skin of it’s natural oils which in turn leads to over drying, flaking, or overactive skin. We recommend you try to use something that is as natural as possible. Try using Goat’s Milk Soap to wash both your face and body. It is almost the same pH level as our skin and contains the natural glycerin. It also contains a natural lactic acid/alpha hydroxy acid which helps the skin rejuvenate itself by gently exfoliating dead cells and allowing for new cells to appear. This is what helps increase that wonderful glow we all seek- especially in the dead of winter. Start using natural ingredients on your skin and let nature take over. You will notice a difference. Trust us.
Eat Clean. Eating clean healthy organic foods- especially those rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants such as blueberries, leafy greens and whole grains all help the body to slow down the aging process. Anti-oxidants help prevent the oxidation of cells which creates harmful free radicals that damage healthy cells. Anti-oxidants can help slow the aging process and keep our organs healthy- including our skin. Blueberries, dark leafy greens, beans, cranberries, apples and plums are some tasty, fresh sources of antioxidants. Eat out less and start to learn how to cook using fresh ingredients.
Exfoliate. Everything. Exfoliation is not only beneficial for the face, but also your arms, legs, tummy, back and butt! Running a bar of soap on a daily basis may clean the surface of your skin, but you can do so much more with some light elbow grease! We highly recommend that you invest in a great dry brush and start giving your body a good rub down before you step into the shower or bath. The ancient art of Dry Brushing sloughs off dead skin cells, helps stimulate the growth of new skin cells, invigorates your circulation, tones the skin, reduces cellulite and helps detoxify your system since it gives your entire body a gentle surface massage that stimulates your lymphatic system which carries impurities. We love our bamboo body brush because it’s soft and sustainable and natural- you definitely want to use something natural rather than synthetic. It’s your body after all.
Steep Yourself. Run a warm bath, filling it to the top of the bath and soak your body in an herbal tea soak (recipe below). Taking 15 minutes to treat your skin to the essential oils of a tea soak can do wonders for the skin, and the spirit. Breathe deeply and dim the lights. Follow up with an extra delicious treat- by massaging coconut oil all over your body to seal in natural moisture. Or get your partner to. THAT will really help you glow! xo ginny
Body Tea Soak
Lavender and Chamomile have natural soothing and calming properties. You can find them at most health-food stores. You can also use the contents of regular tea bags as long as they are certified organic.
1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
2 large sheets of cheesecloth or a cotton muslin bag
String or twine, to close the bag
Mix the dried flowers together in a small bowl.
Double up the cheesecloth.
Place the flower mixture in the center of the cheesecloth or into the muslin bag.
Tie tightly and let steep in a hot bath for at least 5-10 minutes before you get into the bath.
Leave the tea bag in the bath the entire duration of your bath.
Dim the lights and relax.
