Soon, snow will fall and the temperature will drop below zero, Canadian winter is on its way! The harsh weather can be tough on your skin, leaving it dry and dull looking. Here are a few tips for keeping your skin fresh, luminous and vibrant this winter season.
Hydration – keeping hydrated inside and out is the first step to healthy skin. This includes drinking an adequate amount of water every day. With the thermostat on all winter, you may also consider using a humidifier in your home to prevent the dry air from leeching moisture from your skin and causing dryness and cracking (e.g. nosebleeds from dry membranes in the nasal cavity).
Good fats – consuming good fats, namely monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega 3 fats is essential to healthy, supple skin. These are the types of healthy fats found in fish, nuts, seeds and avocados. Good fats are essential to skin cell integrity and increase the resiliency and lubrication of the body’s tissues. Omega 3 fats in particular are helpful in reducing inflammation and can be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.
Vitamin C – whether in supplement form or from your daily diet, vitamin C is essential for the proper formation and maintenance of collagen fibers that give skin its structure. During the winter months, supporting your skin’s structure with vitamin C can help to keep it healthy and firm. Load up on colourful vegetables like bell peppers and leafy greens to get your boost of vitamin C which will also strengthen your immune system for cold and flu season.
If your skin needs some help, consider a good quality, preferably organic, coconut oil, olive oil or green tea oil as a basic, single ingredient moisturizer.
Dr.ClaireGirgisND 