Winter Skin Survival Guide 

Within the deepest part of winter right now, there has never been a better time to offer your skin the support it needs to stay soft and supple.

If your skin has suddenly started looking dull, feeling sensitive and tight with chapped lips? Need not fear, these are all symptoms of winter moisture loss..

Winter is going to dry us up and dry us out. If you think about the trees, all of the waters are pulling back into the root system to stay warm and keep things alive. Our skin is similar. The humidity in the air decreases as the temperature drops. Add to this more time spent indoors around heating to stay warm - only absorbs even more moisture from our skin. In skincare terms this is known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). 

However, with a few simple actions and the right skincare routine, you can right these wrongs, to have your skin bouncing back with radiance sooner than you can say Spring.

Always be Moisturising 

Wake up.. Moisturise… shower.. Moisturise.. Work out… moisturise… you get the picture!

Our Awakening Serum is specifically designed to replenish hydration, and provide the ultimate array of critical nutrients that your skin craves in these winter months. 

Not only that, but this multi-correctional elixir infuses skin with protective antioxidants, and a full spectrum of vitamins including A, C, E & K, strengthening minerals and plumping fatty acids, including Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, to give your skin all the goodness it deserves. Apply morning, night and anytime your skin is beginning to feel dry during the day. Actually I find inhaling the botanicals during the day, an incredible pick-me-up! 

Cleansing is Critical

Cleansing is a must, but you want your skin barrier to be as strong as possible to retain moisture. Avoid cleansers that strip the skin! If your skin is tight or dry after cleansing, chances are you have disrupted this, so consider a gentle oil based cleanser, such as our Cleansing Truth to remove make-up, dirt and debris, while also offering nourishment to your skin at the same time. 

Tip: This is also a wonderful body, bath or shower oil, to prevent your skin from drying out in hot water. 

Exfoliation is Key

Exfoliating regularly not only leaves skin instantly softer, smoother, and glowier, but it also allows for better absorption of skincare, allowing it to sink in and moisturise more effectively. 

Dry brushing is a wonderful way to invigorate and exfoliate the body, sweeping away dead skin, but also activating your lymphatic system. (Your body’s internal garbage disposal service!) Use short, swift strokes going up your legs and arms (in the direction of your heart). We love this best before your morning shower. 

Complimentary with our Ritual Combo, comes a pot of our Purity Polish. This dry powder, activated with water (free from preservatives) will effortlessly (and gently) remove dead and dull skin cells, instantly brightening your winter complexion. Hand crafted with botanicals such as rose petals, pearl powder, matcha, magical moringa and marine phytoplankton, to balance and rebirth your skin. It can also be used as a mask, because you know how much we love multi-purpose products!

Note: Balance is key here, once or twice a week will do it. 

Address Stagnation

In winter especially, we tend to stagnate, giving us dull sallow skin. This is especially important for people with hyperpigmentation, as I believe hyperpigmentation can be an indication of stagnation. 

You want to bring blood to the surface of the skin. 

Keep moving! It not only keeps you warm :) But it also ensures our lymphatic system is pumping so your skin remains nourished by circulating blood. Dancing and jumping are wonderful, but doing something you love will keep you committed. 

Massages in every form, or using tools such as gua sha will also assist with stagnation, but just remember our own hands can be magical too! The power of human touch cannot be underestimated.

Vitamin C for Collagen

While being a wonderful support to our immune system during winter, this superstar nutrient plumps up the skin’s collagen - which is the elastic tissue that is the structure of the skin. It is also highly effective at reducing free radical damage, which leads to premature aging and wrinkles. Foods high in Vitamin C include berries, citrus fruits, capsicums, tomatoes, kale, parsley and broccoli.

Drink (and eat) for hydration

Many of us struggle to crave fluid during winter, so try introducing warming broths and nourishing soups to keep your body hydrated. Also remember that fruits and vegetables have a high water content, so consuming more plants will increase your fluid intake.

Essential Fats to strengthen your skin barrier

Fats can be confusing, but all you need to know is, when it comes to beautiful skin.. Fat is your friend! Feeding your skin from within with the right sources of healthy fats, will stop our skin from drying out. Include a range of Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9, with special attention to Omega 3. 

The DHA variety comes in the form of cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel or tuna, while we get the EPA kind from flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, seaweed, wakame and spirulina.

Other beneficial forms are cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (unheated), pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocados, grass fed butter and ghee. 

Eat the Seasons

Look to nature: Nature knows best! It provides us with everything we need, just by gathering the foods surrounding us in season. This will not only boost our immune system but also nourish our skin. So eat the seasons and keep it colourful!

Adding in a Humidifier

Investing in a humidifier can be a luxury, that adds much-needed moisture back into our homes. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom, to make sure you’re getting the most benefit.

Baths are a Beautiful Gift

In winter there is nothing better than slipping into a hot bath. (Heaven!) But to prevent your skin from drying out, try adding a bath oil, milk or oatmeal to protect your skin, while also softening at the same time. 

Lets Finish with Facial Steaming 

If you enjoy resting your head over a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea, then facial steaming is for you! This is a spa experience from the comfort of your own cosy nest… 

This decadent ritual dates back to ancient Europe. Facials steam beautify the skin, support deep breathing and restore inner calm. Essentially by using hot water vapour, it draws out toxins, dirt and built-up impurities, whilst also enhancing circulation, hydrating and invigorating the skin.

Method:-

* Thoroughly cleanse your face of all makeup and skincare products.

* Scoop a handful of aromatic botanicals directly into a heatproof bowl, ensuring the bowl is sitting securely on a table. Some suggestions are rose petals, calendula, lavender buds, chamomile, loose green tea, nettle, comfrey, rose-hips, jasmine buds, hibiscus, fresh rosemary or mint leaves to your bowl. Experiment and play with scents that delight your senses...

* Pour boiling water carefully into the bowl over the prepared herbs & flowers.

* Gently stir with a wooden spoon & let the mixture steep for 1-3 minutes. To amp up the healing benefits, you could also add a few drops of the Awakening Serum or 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil, for the benefits of aromatherapy.

* Tie your hair back, then position your face about 30cm or 12 inches over the bowl.

* Drape over your head a light scarf, silk wrap or cotton towel, ensuring to tent the steam, so it cannot escape & close your eyes. If at any point you feel unable to breathe, stop immediately. Allow your body to guide you in gently.

* Rest and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, or in 3-minute increments if this feels more comfortable.

* Imagine all toxins releasing from your skin with every drop of perspiration. Breathe in the beauty and breathe out your troubles.

* Remove the wrap & take your face away from the steam. Breathe deeply. Your face should look flushed, like you’ve just finished a workout.

* Finish with a splash of cool water & pat dry. Complete this ritual by finishing with our Awakening Serum to seal in moisture and nourish the skin.

Facial steaming is also excellent for opening up sinuses and easing headaches, making it the perfect cold & flu remedy. You could add 1-5 drops of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree or lavender oil, to loosen up mucus, clear congestion and speed up your recovery.

Be sure to bask in your newly refreshed & radiant glow!