Keeping that summer glow all winter long
Tahoe is already a very dry climate, and this dryness only increases as we move indoors during the colder months of the year. Heating can wreak havoc on our skin, as does the way we find ourselves moving constantly from single digit temps, to 75 degrees with a fire inside.
Time spent in hot showers trying to warm up can further exacerbate the problem. Skin can become dull, ashy and prone to breakouts as it goes into oil-making overdrive.
Here are some of our combined suggestions for keeping that summer, dewy glow all winter long.
JADE ROLLING
A favorite technique of Chinese Royalty for centuries, Jade is a magnesium rich mineral that reduces inflammation. Regular facial massage, with the help of a naturally cool and soothing jade roller, can help brighten the complexion by relaxing the muscles in the face; light pressure can help move and drain the lymph.
DRY BRUSHING
The dullness of winter skin is oftentimes a result of dead skin cells accumulating on the surface of your skin. Exfoliate! Dry brushing every day for 10 minutes before showering may help increase circulation, encourage the lymphatic system to work correctly, and potentially boost our immunity as a result.
SWITCH TO NATURAL OILS
Unnatural or processed commercial ingredients do more harm than good: choose all natural, clean, organic oils for optimum hydration. The winter months are a great time to implement this practice, particularly in cold climates like Tahoe, with the snowfall and wind.
Try coconut, jojoba, olive or avocado for the body, while the extremities can benefit from deep conditioning treatments overnight, or on the weekend. Adding coconut or essential oils to a bath can help minimize the impact of hot water on your skin. Create your own hydrating face mask by mixing avocado and olive oil, or honey and Greek yogurt.
TRY TALLOW
The Greek word “sebum” actually translates as “tallow” and the history of this skin care tool goes back as far as the ancient Egyptians. It is easily absorbed by the skin, “because it is literally recognized as food,” according to Molly Ferry, owner of Lovestock Dermacare, a Tahoe-based skincare line.
Tallow is rendered animal fat that has an incredible ability to not only nourish, but also heal the skin, as it contains a winning combination of multiple vitamins, conjugated linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, and stearic fatty acid.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE
Everything starts from the inside out when it comes to health and wellness. The drying, cold nature of winter forces us inside into the heat, which means we need to maintain our drinking regime as much as in the height of summer. Even if you’re not craving it, your skin will be, and the signs of dehydration will be written all over your face.
UP YOUR FAT INTAKE
We tend to crave heavier, earthy foods as the temps drop that help adequately nourish us at this time of year. Root veggies and warming soups are ideal to add to your diet as we head toward winter. Healthy fats are an ideal add-on to ensure that our skin maintains its suppleness — think nuts, unrefined oils and avocados. Healthy fats are a slow, sustainable source of energy which makes them an ideal alternative to the sugar laden spreads of the holiday season, giving us a balanced source of fuel that also promotes good brain health.
PUMPKIN
Antioxidant rich pumpkin is packed with health benefits if consumed in its purest form (skip the PSL please!). The flesh has fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxyl acids that dissolve dry skin, while — bonus — the seeds are a tasty way to get your daily dose of magnesium. Use the puree for a vitamin and mineral packed face mask.