Holistic Beauty Tips for the Holidays and Beyond
The start of winter is all glistening trees and iced cookies and wrapped gifts. It’s a fun time that passes quickly, when the snowy, cold weather is a welcome accessory to match the cozy holidays. The second half, though, that’s a different story. After the festivities, we’re left with slush, short days, freezing mornings and evenings, and just a general lack of motivation. If you’re in an area that gets really cold in the winter, you might be combating things like dry skin, chapped lips, and tight muscles.
This winter, try something different than the usual ChapStick and electric blankets. There are numerous holistic remedies to help keep you looking like your beautiful self and feeling your best.
Natural Remedies for Dry Skin and Chapped Lips
Let’s talk lips. Actually, let’s talk hands, too. Chapped, dry skin is common for many people during the colder months, and it can be itchy, irritating, and even painful if it gets out of hand (see what we did there?).
Everyone knows that a good moisturizer can help with dry skin, but not everyone knows how to make their own. Simple ingredients like almond oil, honey, and oatmeal can be blended together to make a moisturizer for your hands and even your face.
For those lips, try exfoliating the dry skin with white sugar, olive oil, honey, and your favorite essential oil. For extra protection, try a natural ChapStick, too.
Did You Know? During winter, water loss through the skin increases by about 25%, leading to dryness and irritation.
Stay Hydrated for Glowing Winter Skin
While we’re on the subject of skin, it’s a great idea to hydrate, especially during the winter when your body is begging for that extra hydration. We don’t generally feel as thirsty as we would in spring and summer, but your body requires the same amount of water.
The American Heart Association recommends 8 glasses of water a day (that’s 12 for men) to maintain proper hydration and bodily functions, not to mention, some glowing skin.
Try Dry Brushing for Circulation and Detox
Another technique to keep your body looking fresh during winter is dry brushing. This practice involves gently brushing the skin with a natural-bristle brush, which can help exfoliate dead skin cells and may improve circulation. Incorporating dry brushing into your routine may leave your skin feeling smoother and may enhance your overall sense of well-being. Some proponents suggest that dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. However, it's important to note that while dry brushing can exfoliate the skin, scientific evidence supporting other health benefits is limited.
Stretch and Yoga for Relaxed, Flexible Muscles
Let’s say you’ve got your skin feeling fresh and glowing. How are your muscles feeling? Colder weather makes our muscles contract, making our bodies feel stiffer, and in turn, keeps our muscles working harder.
Adding a few more minutes of stretching before your workout will help prevent stiffness and even injury. If you’re looking for some loosening up, even without a workout, try static stretches and yoga.
Static stretching simply means holding a pose for 20 to 30 seconds without moving, such as sitting on the floor and reaching for your toes.
Yoga will help with circulation and stiffness in muscles and joints. As one expert puts it, “The benefits of sweating during a strong, heated vinyasa yoga practice is the body’s natural way of cleansing the pores of the skin, maintaining skin hydration while increasing the texture and suppleness of the skin.”
Embrace Holistic Self-Care This Winter
If it’s the post-holiday winter months you're dreading, stop worrying. We’ve got your back (and your hands, and your lips, and your muscles…you get it). With tips like these, you’ll look forward to taking care of yourself this winter and blossoming come spring.
Blissful Heart is a holistic wellness center in Bend offering beauty services for hair and skin, as well as treatments to support your overall well-being. See our practitioners to learn more.