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Stress of the holidays taking its toll on your skin? With increased sugar consumption, delicious, yet inflammatory foods, travel and less sleep than desired, it’s no wonder if you’re lacking that glow. Dry winter conditions, and prenatal and postpartum hormone shifts exasperate skin woes like dry skin and surprise zits. Give your skin the love it needs with these 7 tips for healthy winter skin through the holidays.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the best (and FREE) things to support skin health and anti-aging efforts. Between dry winter conditions and dehydrating holiday foods, skin can be dull, dry and irritated (as can my mood). Aim to drink half your bodyweight in ounces each day. Herbal tea and infused waters are a great hydrating way to break up the h2o monotony and support healthy winter skin.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, supporting the elasticity of the skin, joint and ligament health. It contains the conditionally essential amino acid glycine, vital for pregnancy health. Collagen occurs naturally in slow cooked meats, bone-in chicken, or bone broth. You can also supplement with grassfed collagen peptides; these are typically tasteless mixed into coffee or smoothies. Often collagen supplements will contain hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture and elasticity.
Antioxidant and water-rich produce
Bright colorful veggies, berries, and citrus contain antioxidants to calm inflammation from stress and sugar-laden holidays. Red bell peppers, snap peas, and blueberries are my go-to. Or try this Simple Spinach & Satsuma Salad. The Vitamin C in these foods also helps the body produce and properly utilize collagen, hyaluronic acid, while supporting immune health. (1)
Charcoal Mask
Not just for a #selfcareselfie. Using a mask with kaolin clay, activated charcoal and lactic acid can absorb excess oil, gently exfoliate and clean out pores. Remember, choose a mask free from parabens , phthalates and fragrance. My favorite non-toxic mask is the Balancing Charcoal Mask from Beautycounter. It’s gentle enough for all skin types and safe to use through pregnancy and postpartum.
Oil Cleansing
Sound counterintuitive? Oil cleansing is a super gentle and effective way to wash your face, without stripping naturally occurring oils. Cleansing with oil lifts excess oils, removes make-up and pollutants, and cleans clogged pores (2). My favorite non-toxic oil cleanser is the Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil from Beautycounter. This anti-aging cleanser is safe to use on the whole face (yes even on stubborn eye makeup) and the giant bottle lasts about 6 months. Looking for an oil cleanser for normal to dry skin? I also love the Countermatch Cleansing Milk!
Facial Oil
What? More oil? Yeah friend, I’m all about it. Don’t worry, using a facial oil doesn’t make your skin greasy or heavy. It acts as a super nourishing treatment to balance face oil production, nourish the lipid barrier, and provide deep hydration. I love the Balancing Facial Oil from Beautycounter because it contains calming chamomile and sea meadowfoam to soften and restore balance. It’s nourishing for all skin types, especially for those who experience redness or struggle with dry acne. The Soothing Serum from Primally Pure is wonderful as well. It contains squalane oil, ashwaganda, yarrow and marshmallow root; all known for their potent antioxidant and skin healing properties. Add a few drops of facial oil into your regular moisturizer or gently pat it into your face after you apply your regular moisturizer. Let your skin absorb it before applying any foundation!
Jade Rolling
Have you tried this yet? Jade rolling consists of gently massaging the face with jade stone. Jade is naturally cooling and the gentle pressure encourages lymphatic drainage, increases circulation, and can decrease puffiness in the face (3). Use the jade roller after you cleanse and moisturize. Not all jade rollers are created equal: I love this combo from Primally Pure. Take 10% off your order with code: LIZWINTERS10
Bonus mention: SOS Spot Acne Treatment. Have a stubborn zit or two? I get a real cute one on my chin when I overindulge in dairy and sugar (#noregrets). SOS spot acne treatment to the rescue! It’s a miracle worker.
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