Winter skin - love it, care for it and make it glow November 11 2017

November rain, turning into snow.. The last autumn leaves cover the earth in hopes to bring it back to life with its majestic colors. We begin to add layers of clothing to keep our bodies warm. Our face, however, stays naked, unprotected and exposed to the harsh weather, which may lead to dry, flaking and cracking skin. It is a well-known fact that skin dries faster during the winter, as cold air holds less moisture than warm air. This process accelerates even faster in homes that use central heating system.

For these reasons our skin needs slightly different routine in the fall and winter months. We must use extra protection to keep our largest organ supple and moist.

Natural nourishment

Since I switched to 100% natural products in 2014, I have been using facial oils on a regular basis and completely abandoned the water-based moisturizers. What are face oils anyway? They are typically composed of vegetable and essential oils. In nature fat acts as insulation from the cold, defend our bodies from diseases and maintains our skin, hair and nails in good shape. That is why vegetable oils make the perfect treatment for natural winter skin care protection.

Nevertheless, some of us are still a little more conservative and feel reluctant to use oils in their skin care regime. If you have oily/combination skin you may think these products will make your complexion even worse. The truth is oily skin is mostly a result of over production of sebum - our skin’s natural lubricant. Our skin reacts to external aggressors such as extreme weather conditions by producing more of its natural oils in order to keep it safe. There are oils for almost any issue, even acne and irritation prone skin. The key is to use the right oil and the right amount of it.

Jojoba

It is no surprise jojoba is on my list. Chemically speaking, this liquid wax is the closest ingredient  to the skin sebum (the oil our skin produces naturally for its own protection). It possesses high emollient properties that help to lock moisture inside and to create an effective barrier to external elements, keeping the skin soft and supple. Dermatologists recommend it for all skin types because it has important minerals like zinc and copper, and vitamins B and E, which help strengthen the skin.

Avocado

Unrefined avocado oil has deep green color, nutty aroma and rich nutrient value. It contains chlorophyll, vitamins A and D, as well as linoleic acid, which strengthen the skin by reinforcing the walls of the skin cells. The abundance of antioxidants provides great anti-ageing and mild naturals sunscreen­­­ properties. This luxurious oil penetrates the inner layers of our skin making it perfect shield from the chilly winter wind. Because of its viscosity the oil absorbs at slower rates. Mix it with lighter oils such as apricot kernel or almond oil and use not more than 25% avocado.

Rosehip

Rosehips offer the perfect oil for cold weather. Studies show rosehip oil reduces inflammation and comes in handy when the skin flares up from the bite of the cold air. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it soaks in our skin quicker than any other oil. The bountiful amounts of Vitamin C make this oil powerful tissue regenerator, preventing premature ageing, helping to fade wrinkles, marks and scars alike. Vitamin A, also called retinol is another valuable component that helps increase collagen- and elastin production. Both of these proteins pay essential roles in maintaining the skin youthful and flawless.

Argan

Many experts call this incredible oil from Morocco a liquid gold. As the other oils from this list, argan contains an abundance of vitamins, proteins and antioxidants that improve skin's elasticity and help prevent premature aging. Its rich and unique chemical composition restores the skin’s hydrolipid layer helping to reduce wrinkles, soothe dry, irritated skin and protect against the damaging effects of the weather. 

How to use them

The tricky part with oil-based products is that one must damp the skin to help with the absorption. So either, leave your skin moist after washing your face or use facial oil along with floral mists.