As the days get shorter and the air gets dryer and colder, our skin can start to change – and not for the better! Many experience dry, rough skin in the winter, and the lack of natural vitamin D can make your skin appear somewhat yellow or sickly in tone. But these changes are easy to reverse and prevent! Keep reading to learn some great ideas on how to keep your skin healthy and radiant this winter.

Avoiding Dry Skin

Being out in the cold, adjusting to your heating system coming on, and dryer air can all lead to less than ideal skin this time of year. You might find your legs or elbows looking scaly, or see unusual patches of dry or peeling skin on your face. But you don’t have to deal with dry, uncomfortable skin any longer!

One of the most important ways to keep your skin smooth and scale-free this winter is to moisturize your face and body on a daily basis. If you usually skimp on facial moisturizer and just go for foundation or powder, stop that bad habit now! It is so important to keep your face moisturized in order to maintain the skin’s health and radiance, as well as to prevent signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles. And even though it’s cold, that doesn’t mean the sun has gone away! Make sure your moisturizing has some SPF to protect your face as well. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to do the two-step moisturizer and foundation application, look for a high quality tinted moisturizer that combines the process for you!

It’s also important to moisturize your entire body, which is perhaps something you don’t do on a regular basis. While you can use the regular body moisturizer you have on your nightstand or in the bathroom, you may also want to switch up your routine a bit. For instance, using body oils can help retain moisture in the skin, as well as make your skin feel smoother – and sometimes, depending on the formula, even reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks! Try to use body oils after a shower, gently massaging the oil into your skin and then letting it air dry (if possible), or gently pat yourself dry with a towel to avoid any transfer onto your clothing.

Maintaining a Healthy Glow

If you’re worried about your skin losing a bit of its luster during the cold months, you’re not alone! In addition to moisturizing regularly during the winter, there are other ways that you can keep your skin looking healthy and radiant throughout the chilly months. And while the natural summer glow may fade, but there are still ways to keep your skin looking fresh and young in winter. The simplest and easiest way to maintain the health of your skin is to stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day in order to help naturally hydrate your skin, keeping it elastic and youthful.

Another simple trick to keeping your skin glowing is to dry brush at least twice a week. While it may seem counterintuitive (you want me to dry brush my dry skin?!), it really does work! Using a high quality , work up your body (starting with your feet) in a clockwise rotating motion. You should work the brush over your whole body – including arms and chest – up to your neck. This will help get rid of dead skin cells, increase circulation, and reduce the appearance of cellulite – plus, your skin will feel amazingly smooth to the touch afterwards! After dry brushing is a great time to moisturize, as your skin is more stimulated and ready to retain that lotion or oil you’re using.

Winter Oatmeal Skin Treatment

If you’re feeling like your skin is particularly dry this winter, take some time and treat yourself to this homemade oatmeal skin treatment! The honey helps moisturize your skin, while the yogurt is excellent for both the moisture and tone of skin. While this oatmeal treatment works great as a face mask, you can also use it anywhere on your body that’s suffering from dry skin!

Ingredients
1tbsp oat flour (see directions below)
1 tsp all-natural honey
1 tsp plain yogurt

Directions
In a food processor, grind rolled oats into a course flour. Measure out one tablespoon into a small bowl. Stir in the honey and yogurt, and immediately apply to the dry areas of your face or skin. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Enjoy smoother, healthier skin immediately!