Softly falling snow, ice skating on frozen lakes, snowball fights with the kids, getting cozy on the couch with a hot drink and a crackling fireplace…
Winter months can stir up some wonderful images. There are so many pleasant things about winter, but if you live in a cold, dry climate, winter can also brings about an unpleasant reality: Dry skin.
With the decrease of humidity outside and the increase of dry central heating inside, many of us deal with this very common (and very uncomfortable!) ailment. Whether you’re dealing with skin that is dull and tight from dryness, suffering from painful cracks, or flaky patches that are downright embarrassing, nourishing and moisturizing your skin during the winter will keep it healthy, comfortable, and glowing. And essential oils can help!
Remember: As the weather changes, so should your skincare regimen.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and where it is the thinnest and most sensitive (face, hands, and feet), it will take the most damage. “Skin dries out if it’s deprived of moisture and this dryness often aggravates itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as ‘winter itch.’”(1)
Thankfully, if you’re ready to quench your thirsty skin, Plant Therapy offers single oils, synergy blends, and carrier oils that will have your skin feeling great all winter long!
For starters, consider Helichrysum Italicum. It is rejuvenating and soothing for the skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, scars, and stretch marks. It is an all-around superb oil for skin woes.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil, being rich in carotenoids, is another nourishing and healing option for the skin. It is known to breathe life into dull skin, balance skin sebum, and even soothe away unpleasant sunburn sensations.
Next, aside from the heavenly aroma of Rose Absolute, it would be amiss to forget to mention this prized oil for its calming and soothing properties to save your dry winter skin.
Synergy blends such as Soft Skin and Silky Soft are designed to keep your skin soft and healthy. Dilute these oils with a skin-friendly carrier oil, like Almond or Meadowfoam, and enjoy a superior moisturizing blend that will protect and nourish your skin during the cold winter months.
Try these skincare tips. Your skin will thank you for it!
- Use sunscreen! It’s easy to forget about sunscreen when all we see are grey clouds and dreary winter skies. But remember, UV light is all around us and can cause serious damage to unprotected skin. Winter sun is powerful, especially if it’s being reflected off of snow.
- Exfoliate gently on your delicate skin so that whatever moisturizing products you’re using are able to absorb quickly and deeply to keep your skin glowing.
- Invest in a humidifier. The drier the air is, the dryer your skin will be. Using a humidifier is a quick and effective way to add moisture into the air, which in turn will help keep your skin hydrated in the winter.
- Steaming hot showers and baths may feel amazing on a chilly day, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Opt for warm water instead; that hot-hot water can instantly dry your skin, leaving it feeling itchy, tight, and very uncomfortable.
For a luxurious and skin soothing bath, try this recipe:
What you’ll need:
- 3 drops Chamomile Roman
- 7 drops Lavender
- 1 oz. Almond Oil
What you’ll do:
Add 1/2 tsp. to your bath, along with a handful of Pink Himalayan Salt if desired, and enjoy your silky soft skin!
Remember to apply moisturizers within a few minutes of getting out of the shower or bath to seal in moisture before it evaporates. Try this recipe for a luscious lotion that hydrates, heals, and soothes:
What you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup Shea Butter
- 1/4 cup Mango Butter
- 1/4 cup carrier oils
- This recipe makes 8 ounces of body butter. You can safely use 72 drops of Soft Skin or Silky Soft.
What you’ll do:
- Warm a pan of water on the stove.
- Add butters and oils to medium glass bowl.
- Place over simmering water and heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it begin to firm on the edges.
- Whip with hand mixer until frothy.
- Return to refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until solid.
- Whip again, adding essential oils.
- Scoop into container of your choice
What are your go-to essential oils for dry winter skin? Enter a comment and let us know!
Reference: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “How to stop winter from weathering your skin: Top ten tips for preventing ‘winter itch’.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 October 2012. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121024164617.htm.
