Every season presents our body with challenges but winter is a unique one. Colder temperatures, cool winds, and a lack of sun all impact our skin, body, and mind.
Fortunately, there are simple remedies to protect your skin from the elements, naturally, and support your holistic health. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping the skin glowing during the winter and your mood and immune system elevated and healthy.
1. Daily facial massage and cleansing
Full Moon Cleansing Balm is the perfect winter assistant to keep your skin glowing. It's filled with shea butter and other protecting oils like safflower, sunflower, and meadowfoam, to cleanse the skin without over stripping it, leaving you feeling dried out and uncomfortable.
I always recommend that my customers spend a little bit of time in the morning or evening massaging Full Moon Cleansing Balm into their skin. This will increase circulation, reduce puffiness and bags, and give you a healthy glow that can only come from a little bit of self-care.
2. Toning, hydrating, and protecting the skin every day
The winter season is harsh on our skin and our spirits. That's why I take extra time to nourish my skin from head to toe every day. Here's what my winter ritual looks like morning and night:
- Full Moon Cleansing Balm for daily deep nourishment and cleansing. I use this typically at night before bed.
- Wild Glow Toner for botanical hydration and the aromatherapy benefits of lavender and lemon verbena hydrosol.
- Immediately follow the toner with Restore Balm and/or Nectar Body Oil for head-to-toe moisturizing.
3. Weekly full body self-massage
When I have a little extra time throughout the week, I'll bring Nectar Body Oil in the shower with me and just post-shower while my skin is still wet, I massage Nectar into it. Starting at my feet and hands and massaging inwards, this version of self-massage is a lovely way to connect with your body, nourish and soothe your skin, and enliven & uplift your senses.
4. Hydrating often
Hydration is key to keeping your body feeling great during all year round but is especially important in winter. There is a lack of humidity in the air and the heat is on higher than normal which can dehydrate your skin.
If staying hydrated is a struggle for you, try adding fresh lemon juice to your water or make an herbal infusion.
5. Keep up on multivitamins, vitamin D, and other supplements.
Winter is the time to stay up on your vitamin and supplement game. While you might lose motivation because of the darker days, I encourage you to find a habit that works for you. I use a 7-day pill box organizer to encourage daily supplementing and make sure it's refilled every Sunday night.
The winter is an ideal time to ensure you're taking vitamin D (5,000 iu is a typical adult dose), multivitamin, and fish/krill oil for brain, heart, skin/nails/hair health. I also like to incorporate more pre- and probiotics for supporting gut health during this typically more sluggish time of year.
6. Get outside!
I am a proponent of daily outdoor adventures, even if it's just a walk around your neighborhood or stepping out into your backyard to breathe in the chilly air. Of course, stay indoors if it's unsafe to spend time outside but otherwise dress for the occasion and get out there!
Winter is a common time to experience cabin fever. Get inspired by the Norwegians and seek ways to enjoy a long winter. Maybe you will learn to ski or you will cozy up and read more.
Similar to hygge, the word koselig means coziness in Norwegian... so after your outdoor adventure, grab your fuzziest blankets, your best book, and a warm beverage and enjoy.
7. Embrace the darkness
As an herbalist, I see the beauty and lessons of every season. Winter is a time to go inward. To listen to your ideas, creativity, desires, and needs. It's a beautiful time to look at the year ahead while also celebrating all that you learned, created, and accomplished in the year behind you.
How can you embrace and appreciate winter?
To your seasonal health and wellness,
Kristen
P.S. Here are 7 ways to boost your immunity this winter.
