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Feeling like your skin needs a bit more TLC during the winter months? The harsh, cold weather can zap your skin of its glow. So, it’s important to note which products and active ingredients can keep you looking and feeling fresh. Do you experience dryness because of sub-zero windchill? How about sensitivity?
Healthy skin begins with a sense of inner calm, proper hydration, and intuitive care tailored to your skin’s unique properties. So, when your skin starts to feel dull, consider natural skin care products that work to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing. Let’s take a look at some easy and all-natural ways you can fine-tune your winter skincare routine.
Boost Glutathione Production
Promoting glutathione production in your cells is essential. What is glutathione? This molecule occurs naturally in the body’s cells and acts as an antioxidant. Boosting glutathione in your cells helps your body and skin look and feel healthy. Keep an eye out for these natural ingredients in moisturizers, toners, and exfoliants to help promote glutathione production in your cells:
- Vitamin C and E
- Grapefruit
- Orange
Believe it or not, some of the same foods you eat to reduce inflammation and balance your body on the inside can help protect your skin in the winter. Making an appearance on supermarket shelves in December and January, grapefruit is the perfect fruit to beat the winter blues. Because of its bright red interior, grapefruit and other bright citrus fruits such as oranges contain naturally-occurring vitamins C and E which can help boost glutathione production. Let’s look at some other ways to promote higher levels of glutathione.
Exfoliate, Naturally
In the winter months, you may be tempted to skip exfoliation as ingredients can sometimes seem too harsh on dry skin. But exfoliating will prepare your face to absorb all of the glutathione-boosting ingredients in your moisturizer. Look for exfoliants that contain natural ingredients that will be gentle on your skin and the environment. Avoid synthetic microbeads, which have been banned in some states and contain plastics that stick around in waterways long after their use. Instead, opt for these natural alternatives to microbeads in your exfoliant:
- Jojoba beads
- Olive seed
- Cranberry fibers
Jojoba beads are a great way to enjoy the same texture and fresh feeling that microbeads provide. They are 100% natural and biodegradable, with the added benefit of leaving you feeling refreshed. Olive seeds can also be ground up to create a sandy texture similar to that of microbeads. Look for cranberry fibers if your skin is on the sensitive side as they will gently remove dry and damaged skin. Now that your skin is prepped let’s look at some ways to add moisture.
Moisturize Dry Skin
The ups and downs of winter weather can wreak havoc even on naturally glowing skin, leaving it overly dry and dull. After exfoliation, adding a bit more hydration will help keep you feeling fresh. Look for these ingredients:
- Vitamin C
- Jojoba Oil
- Aloe vera
A moisturizer containing glutathione-enhancing vitamin C can increase your skin’s elasticity and make your pores appear smoother. Regular use of jojoba oil also works wonders to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Aloe vera and pomegranate are natural plant-based ingredients that promote hydration. Adding some of these ingredients to your routine will help decrease itchy or dry skin and keep you feeling fresh inside and out.
Don’t Forget the Scents of Summer
If there is one simple thing you can do to help you relax through the shortest days of the year, it is this! Never underestimate the power of a gentle fragrance as a reminder that brighter days are ahead. Chronic stress can decrease glutathione production and add to fatigue, damaging skin and your sense of wellbeing. Choosing a natural scent just for you is an excellent addition to your self-care/skin routine and could be just what you need to push through the winter months. Try scents such as:
- Lavender
- Tangerine
- Coconut
Lavender usually blooms at the end of June. This natural fragrance can remind you of a wildflower garden or a picture-perfect open field. Tangerine also conjures images of vibrant growth and warmer weather. Finally, there is nothing like a hint of coconut to spark your imagination – visualize palm trees on a peaceful, sandy beach. You will feel relaxed in no time.
Mind Your Diet
What better way to take care of yourself than by feeding the inside first? One of the best ways to combat damage to your skin is to follow a healthy diet and eat foods that will boost glutathione production naturally such as:
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Fruit containing vitamin C and E
Follow these tips and make sure you give your body and your skin the care it needs this season. You might also want to keep an eye out for products containing ingredients that are Leaping Bunny certified, or USDA Organic.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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