Out With The Old, In With The New

As we begin the transition from summer to winter, our bodies need an extra dose of TLC to keep them looking and feeling good.

Significant changes in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure during seasonal transitions can leave your skin, hair and nails feeling dry, brittle, scaly or excessively oily. Many people find that during the transition from fall to winter that skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can become aggravated. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your skin glowing, nails strong and hair smooth.

Hydrate Outside and In
One of the easiest ways to maintain the healthy condition of your skin, hair and nails throughout the year comes from remaining adequately hydrated.

And I don’t mean with cappuccinos, frozen lattes and red wine (these are dehydrating to the body).

Your body needs plain water the most and there is no other substitute that compares. If you find yourself short of water on a daily basis, try purchasing a refillable water bottle and top it up at least two to three times per day. Bottled water creates excess pollution and can become expensive over time. Visit kleankanteen.com to purchase stainless steel bottles.

If you prefer something with a bit more kick than plain water, try adding a quarter of a lemon, lime or orange to your refillable bottle and top it up with filtered tap water. The light citrus taste from the fruit adds some zing to your water without costing a lot.

Also, consider hydrating your skin from the outside by smoothing on some body oil or body butter made form pure ingredients such as olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter or almond oil. Take time to massage the oils into your skin and then wrap yourself up in a fuzzy robe to let your skin soak up the moisture. This is especially effective after a detoxifying salt bath or exfoliating treatment.

But don’t forget your nails – massage a small amount of oil into the cuticles and nail itself to sooth cracks and scaling.

Exfoliate and Detoxify
After smothering yourself in chemically-based sunscreens and natural bug repellants all summer, it’s no wonder your skin and hair could use some exfoliation and detox treatments. Many products leave residues that can clog pores and hair follicles, possibly causing problems such as breakouts, oiliness or excess drying (if using alcohol-based products).

Take time to soak your body in a warm bath with at least 2-4 cups of Dead Sea salt or Epsom salt, both of which you can probably find at your local health store or pharmacy. Try adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil blend to enhance the therapeutic value of your bath.

Also, exfoliate your body head to toe with a salt scrub, preferable one that is oil-based so that your skin gets some extra moisture. If you can afford to splurge, try visiting a spa that offers total body exfoliation treatments and mud/salt baths.

To reduce residues in your hair, create a rinse with one part of vinegar to three parts of water. Pour the mixture over your hair and allow to sit for between one and two minutes. Then shampoo and condition as usual. This rinse can be used regularly to reduce residues from environmental pollution as well as hair products.

Balance Your Diet
No energy drink, vitamin or meal replacement can provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to look and feel healthy. Although they can be effective in a pinch if you are in a rush, take time to purchase and cook balanced meals that include a variety of fall vegetables and fruits.

In most areas of North America, it is harvest-time and local nutrient-rich produce can often be purchased at a farmer’s market and your neighborhood grocery stores. Try mashed sweet potatoes and butternut squash with butter and maple syrup or roasted corn with cracked pepper and parmesan cheese.

Clean Out the Junk
Take time to go through your bathroom drawers and cabinets to purge old body and skin care items. Old items can carry bacteria and be just plain stale. Even products that are preserved with chemicals will lose their freshness over time.

So if you have products lying around from even two years ago, it is time to get rid of them! This includes shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, masks and facial creams. Throw out any mascara you have had for more than three to six months (depending on how often you use them), dry powders that are older than two years and lip products that are one year old. Be sure to clean any make-up brushes you own with an appropriate solution (based on the material of the brush). Stale cosmetics and skin care products can contribute to both skin ailments like acne and rashes as well as molds that pollute the air of your home.

Take care of yourself this winter, inside and out.