Every year, it comes. Yep, I am talking about…Winter. And the cold dry weather of this season plays havoc on our skin, bodies and minds. I don’t know if it is the shorter days but winter always seems so long doesn’t it. To help get you through the shorter days and longer nights, I have compiled some winter self care tips to keep you at your best.
Now if anyone has spent anytime in Calgary, our climate is very dry at the best of times. Our close proximity to the Rocky Mountains is both a blessing and a curse. The mountains can experience a range of weather patterns and chinook winds which lead to the dryness of the climate. That and the fact that we do not have any large bodies of water in the province. But the winters are especially dry and cold and our skin is affected in a negative way.
Facial Skin Care
Now I am not an expert in this area, so I asked a local expert from one of our most favourite places in the city, Esme Beautiful.
- Keep Hydrated. Water is our friend, especially in the winter and we should not leave home without a full water bottle. Getting 2 litres of water in your body day is a must. And I know what you are thinking..I will be spending a lot of time in the bathroom. Well maybe at first until your body gets used to it. But after a few days your skin will thank you.
- Exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal process of dead skin cells on the outer most layer of the skin. It is an important process as the skin naturally produces dead skin cells every 25-45 days usually depending on age. As we age this process slows down. Exfoliation helps by removing dead skin cells thereby sending a message to the body to produce new skin cells. And after exfoliation you should nourish the skin with a good moisturizer so that the new skin is not exposed to more dryness. **Note – Over exfoliation is possible and can cause irritation and dry skin. Usual recommendation is 1-3 times a week, depending on skin type**
- DON’T wash with HOT WATER. Well this goes with out saying, hot water will dry your face out faster. Warm water is the best.
- Sunscreen. Continue to use sunscreen in the winter, especially in Calgary as we are known as the sunniest city in Canada (a little trivia for ya!)
- Treat Yo Self!. Enjoy a facial at your favourite spa. This will definitely help keep your skin looking its best.
For more information on skin care for women, head over to Skincare Tips for Women Over 40.
Dry Brushing
Have you heard of or tried dry brushing. Dry brushing is used for exfoliation of skin throughout the body, moves the fluid through our lymphatic system and aids in helping the body fight off infections, and depending on the time of day your do it, it can either energize you (morning) or relax you (evening). It has been shown to help with cellulite as well.
When dry brushing the skin is usually brushed towards the heart, starting at the extremities (hand and feet). Brushing at least 10 time per section and when you get to the stomach, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
Some may use a body oil on the brush will brushing and some brush dry and then shower and moisturize after. Do not brush to hard. The idea is to be soft and smooth.
Mind Health
- Walking. Getting some fresh air and sunlight on your face has shown to increase your mood and mind health. Even if it is just for 20 minutes a day. I have realized something as I have gotten older…I hate being cold. So winter is not my favourite season. But this year I have challenged myself to get out of the house for a walk everyday. (our new puppy might help me do this as well!)
- Meditate. The winter months can manifest stress, anxiety and depression. Meditation can help lower these levels. Start with 5 minutes a day and move forward. More pros and cons to mediation can be found in Christine’s post – Learning to Meditate.
So as we head into these winter months, I hope you try one of these winter self care tips to help you through to spring and summer. And if you have some tips that help you get through the winter months, we would love to hear about them in the comments below.
Danni
XOXO
