Originally published to Wholistique
How to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long!
The seasons are changing. As the air turns colder and dryer, your skin may start to feel the effects. Dryness, flaking, redness, itchiness, even blisters , all common signs of “winter skin.” But don’t worry, you’re not doomed! With a few adjustments and the right knowledge, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant through the chillier months.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and a critical barrier protecting you from toxins, allergens, chemicals, and weather. What’s more, your skin often reflects what’s happening inside your body.
Many skin conditions like acne and rosacea often start internally. Topical creams or dermatologist visits can help temporarily, but addressing underlying causes is essential. For example, dehydration can trigger your skin to produce excess oil (sebum), causing clogged pores and breakouts. Be sure to drink plenty of water , for every cup of coffee, add an extra cup of water; for every alcoholic drink, aim for two cups of water.
Gut health plays a surprisingly important role in skin health. The connection between your gut and skin is called the Gut-Skin Axis. When your gut microbiome is out of balance, inflammatory skin issues like rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis can flare. Supporting gut health through fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and quality probiotics can help your skin stay calm and clear.
Sleep is another superstar for skin health. During restful sleep, your body restores tissues, removes toxins, and boosts blood flow to your skin, promoting repair and hydration. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your skin’s resilience through winter.
Stress isn’t just bad for your mood, it can wreak havoc on your skin too. When stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol that can trigger acne breakouts, dryness, eczema, and psoriasis flare-ups. Managing stress through meditation, journaling, exercise, or deep breathing not only supports your mental health but your skin’s wellbeing as well.
Let’s talk about nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and avocados reduce inflammation and help keep skin hydrated, which is why when I’m taking Omega-3 supplements, I go for this one. Omega-6 fatty acids are also being studied in relation to their effects with combating dermatitis! Their acids promote skin growth, but most diets already provide enough.
An anti-inflammatory diet rich in mushrooms, green tea, fiber, and fermented foods rich with probiotics, support both your gut and skin health.
Now, a crucial thing to understand about collagen is that it’s the most abundant protein in the human body, with collagen types 1 and 3 making up around 90% of the total collagen we naturally produce. Collagen supplements, from non-GMO sources, can improve skin elasticity and hydration as natural collagen production declines with age, with lots of people seeing great benefits from a hydrolyzed collagen supplement.
Remember: supplements support but don’t replace a balanced diet.
Winter demands a more protective skincare routine. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize twice daily with richer, thicker moisturizers to protect your skin barrier from drying cold air.
Sleep position matters , try sleeping on your back or side to avoid wrinkles, and consider silk or satin pillowcases to reduce irritation. Copper-oxide pillowcases may even improve fine lines.
Don’t forget your entire body! The skin on your neck, chest, and hands shows aging too. Use your facial skincare on these sensitive areas and follow with a nourishing body moisturizer after bathing.
Your skin’s health depends on a balance of internal and external care. Hydrate, nourish with nutrient-dense foods, support your gut, manage stress, and prioritize restful sleep. Use targeted supplements like Omega-3s and collagen and adapt your topical skincare for winter’s challenges.
The best news? Supporting your overall health supports your skin, often effortlessly. Here’s to a winter season filled with your healthiest, most glowing skin yet!