Cedarbrae Blog

Has the winter weather lately been throwing you for a loop? You're not alone. The crazy wind, snow and extreme temperature drops have taken their toll on my skin most of all.

You may find the winter weather leads to a whole slew of skin issues with dryness being the most problematic. I used to spend a whole lot of time (not to mention money!) researching and trying out every skin moisturizer, lotion and whatnot on the market.

Here are some ideas for more natural and wallet-friendly options you might consider this winter. Many of these contain antioxidants which help fight free radicals (these can cause cancer, premature aging, etc). These also may be suitable for those with sensitive skin that can't handle too many chemicals and products. 

Honey
Skin-care experts and celebrities alike rave about the soothing healing properties of honey. It can be used alone or with other natural ingredients to create many at home remedies for your skin. Try out a simple honey-avocado mask to soften and brighten skin or just apply a thin layer of dark or clover honey to your face to help tighten and moisturize. Honey is also recommended to help lighten and heal acne scarring. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you already have oily skin like me - but still suffer from dryness – it may seem completely against your instinct to go ahead and slather MORE oil on your face. Olive oil, however, isn't your average oil! I've recently replaced the moisturizing creams I would normally use with just regular old extra virgin olive oil (yes, the kind from the grocery store will do!) and it's been kind of amazing how effective it has been in maintaining moisture throughout the day, despite the really harsh weather.

You don't need a lot of either either: a thin layer all over or rubbed gently onto dry patches will usually do the trick. You may want to do this just at night though so you don't go around smelling too much of olive oil if the scent bothers you or those around you.

Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil has long been considered a secret weapon in fighting dry skin (and hair, and nails, too!) although it may be relatively new to some. The women in my family have been combing coconut oil into their hair for years. In fact, my mom is visiting me now, and one of the first things she asked me is where I kept my oil! This prompted me to look into all the uses of coconut oil, even beyond hair care.

Look for extra virgin coconut oil that hasn't been bleached, artifically scented or hydrogenated if you're going to be using it on your skin. It can be rubbed in by itself or mixed with other ingredients to moisturize. It does feel very greasy on your skin at first, but it absorbs quickly and leaves a nice scent afterwards that will leave you feeling you belong on a tropical island somewhere – how's that for beating the winter blues?

Water
The most obvious solution is also the easiest! Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water, particularly during the winter months. I try to aim for 2-3 litres of water a day, which is about two of those tall water bottles you can find at any grocery store. Invest in a large reusable water bottle if you can and be sure to keep it handy at your desk, in your car, wherever you are! It may not immediately soothe your dry skin, but it will help over time – and really, getting more water is going to help you feel healthier in so many ways!

For more natural and easy ways to save your skin, take a look at some of the books we offer!