8 Top Ways to Prevent Dry Skin This Winter

Do you notice that your skin starts to feel dryer during winter? The colder months can actually be just as harsh on the skin as the Summer months. There are a number of things that contribute to dry skin in winter from the impact of indoor heating to lower environmental humidity, our propensity for extra-long hot showers, and cold wind exposure. We also tend to drink less water during winter which further dries out our skin.

Here's 8 top tips for keeping your skin soft and supple this winter

1. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Try for at least 2 Litres a day. If you find it difficult to drink water add a little natural juice or lemon for flavour, and enjoy herbal teas.
2. Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which will increase fluid loss from the body and skin. So reduce your coffee intake and instead go for green tea (Bodhi Organic ViridiTEA) which contains a lot less caffeine, or caffeine-free herbal teas. Our Bodhi Organic LongeviTEA, SereniTEA and ZesTEA are particularly beneficial for the skin.
3. Increase your intake of healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3’s. These healthy fats are important for healthy moist, soft and supply skin. Best sources include oily fish such as salmon, sardines and trout, fish oils (take around 2 g a day), raw nuts and seeds (nut butters, tahini and their oils), cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and avocados.
4. Avoid using harsh soaps and foaming face washes that strip away the skin’s natural oils. These protective oils are important for preventing moisture in the skin from escaping. Use natural body washes and cream face cleaners.
5. Use natural oils such as jojoba, avocado, almond and coconut, all of which absorb easily into the skin, keeping your skin soft and well hydrated. Use rose hip oil under your moisturizer at night to give my skin a nourishing boost while you sleep. Avoid products that contain mineral oils, as they sit on the skin and clog the pores.
6. Use a good quality natural face cream and body moisturizer after a bath or shower, to help hold in the skins moisture. Ingredients such as cocoa and shea butter are beneficial for dry skin. Coconut oil makes a great after shower moisturiser. 
7. Try using a humidifier inside the house to increase the humidity indoors and help keep your skin moist.
8. You also need to protect your skin with a good broad-spectrum sunscreen during winter, especially when you’re at the snow. Use a natural sunscreen to protect your face and lips.

Written by Lisa Guy, naturopath and founder of Bodhi Organic Tea.