Protecting your skin and hair from the elements during seasonal changes is important and quite simple. In the winter months our skin is coping with a lot of changes, from the cold outside that causes excessive dryness to the heated air we have in our homes, cars and offices that dehydrates our skin. On top of that, our skins receive less sunlight, so we have less of the vitamin D essential for healthy bones, skin and nails.
At this time of year, hydrating the epidermis or outer layer of the skin and protecting the cuticle of the hair can be achieved by applying some simple techniques to your daily regime. Most important is to keep your skin clean and hydrated. In winter many of us suffer from a dry skin which means your skin has a higher loss of water and is producing less natural oils in the epidermis, resulting in skin cracking and irritations occurring. To help combat this, ensure you cleanse your skin every morning to remove any skin cells that you shed overnight, and double cleanse at night – first cleanse to remove the day’s grime, then repeat cleanse to treat your skin. Never leave your skin without moisture, in fact during the winter months most skins need a richer moisturiser such as Organic Surge super-intensive daily moisturiser, which contains natural humectants to draw moisture to your skin, organic rose geranium to restore and hydrate and Aloe Vera to repair and protect. Plus a plethora of powerful natural ingredients such as green tea, chamomile and grape seed oil, all of which are designed to enhance not impede the skins natural function. One of the main advantages of using skin care with natural and organic ingredients is that your skin can absorb them into the deepest layers of the epidermis, where the skin does all of its regeneration, rather than sitting on the skin’s surface.
In the chilly season hair also becomes dry and brittle, and really benefits from naturally foaming hair care such as Organic Surge moisture boost shampoo and conditioner. They contain no harsh lathering ingredients that can strip away the oils your hair craves, just the delicious mix of fragrant almond and palmarosa essential oils and protective vitamin E. The silicone-free conditioner has grape seed and wheat protein to de-tangle, smooth and protect from environmental damage. When you wash your hair, always try to keep the water temperature on the cooler side. If it’s too hot for your head, it’s too hot for your hair! A cool rinse after conditioning will help to smooth the cuticle and if your hair is really suffering from the elements, try applying a small amount of conditioner to the ends of the hair and leave in overnight for a real deep-nourishing treat.
The cold not only causes our skin and hair to suffer but also our muscles. When we feel cold our natural reaction is to tense our muscles which can lead to stiffness and achy limbs. A warm soak in a muscle warming bubble bath is not only relaxing – it forces us to have some much-needed “me” time. I love Organic Surge spiced lily foaming bath as it has a 100% natural foaming action plus glycerine and coconut oils to really hydrate. And with muscle warming clove-bud and sensuous patchouli essential oils, it smells like Christmas in a bottle!
My top tips for getting through winter and stepping into the springtime with gorgeous skin are…
1. Drink plenty of water- The skin does not function properly when its dehydrated
2. Get enough sleep – Try to get 8 hrs if you can to let your mind and body rest and remember your skin does all of its repair and healing at night.
3. Look after your liver – Your liver is responsible for eliminating toxins, help it along by warming it with a hot water bottle before you go to bed, it can be found on the right hand side just below the bottom rib.
4. Get enough anti oxidants – These are found in fresh fruit and veg as well as skincare products, get your 5 a day and your skin will thank you, as well as your immune system!!
