Five Soul-Soothing Remedies for Dry Winter Skin

You may not be able to escape the cold weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape falling victim to dry and dehydrated skin this season. Now more than ever, you need to look after yourself. Invest in self-care and nourish your body. Give your soul and your skin a warm hug. They both need it. 

 

The cold air outside and drying heating inside is a dreaded enemy of many. But you don’t need to turn your heating off to save your skin. We have some nourishing advice that will give you the needed balance for softer skin and a happier soul. 

 

It’s time to take care of your mind and body to help both your inner and outer self glow, even in cold weather.

 

5 ways to Nourish Your Soul and Skin this Winter

The obvious answer to the question is moisturising. No matter whether you prefer a simple routine with few steps or an elaborate home spa day, you should always make sure to use high-quality products that are right for your skin. Our Lotion and Body Butter, for example, are an easy way to soothe your skin, nourishing it from the outside in. Remember, using high-grade natural and unrefined ingredients in your skincare will lock in moisture and won’t irritate already sore skin. 

 

Now is the time to think about your wellness, too. There are ways to up your wellness routine that will not only drastically improve your skin health but nourish your soul at the same time. There is truly no better time to indulge in self-care and transform dreary and cold winter days into cosy, warm, wonderful evenings.

 

1. The SELF in self-care

You are not just your body; you are also your soul. Taking good care of your body and skin is one thing, but oftentimes, we tend to neglect our inner self a little – especially during the stressful winter months. 

 

All too often, we ignore our weariness during winter and just accept feeling down, thinking it’s an us-problem. Studies show a direct connection between the length of days and our mood, meaning that feeling the winter blues is fairly common amongst a large part of the population. It’s important to give yourself some love and grace this season and nourish your soul as well. Your mind and body are linked, after all, and if you want to feel your best, you need to take care of both, even when it’s frosty outside.

 

So before you even think about getting into your wellness routine, make sure you have steps dedicated to your inner well-being as well. Put on some rain sounds, meditate to settle yourself, light your candles, and settle into a nice, warm bath with your chosen beverage and a book or film that will allow you to switch off and relax – body and soul. 

 

Keep the baths and showers short and warm rather than using scorching hot water. According to studies, there is a strong correlation between hot water and skin damage, as water exposure and its temperature affect our skin barrier. It also draws out oils and moisture from our skin, leaving it dry and prone to damage. We recommend reaching for gentle products that will cleanse but not strip you of too many of your natural oils – our African Shea Black Soap is sure to be a trusty bath companion. 

 

Don’t hesitate to take the pampering to the couch or bedroom afterwards with aromatherapy and soothing lotions too.

 

2. Check your environment

Studies show that fluctuations in air humidity can affect our skin barrier and skin cells and change them on a molecular basis – causing loss of elasticity and potential skin health risks. The cold winter air is dry and robs our skin of its moisture and natural oils, which continues inside as well with the dryness caused by heaters. 

 

Besides using moisturising products, it’s definitely worth investing in a humidifier to combat the dry inside air. Not only will this benefit your skin, but has also proven health benefits for your respiratory system and can help with colds, which is so important during the winter season. Additionally, a drop or two of your favourite essential oil can truly be a balm for the soul.

 

3. Know what products to use

A big part of your skin-care routine is to try things out and find out what works best for your skin – we’re all beautifully diverse that way. Especially during winter, it’s worth to carefully consider what products you want to use. 

 

Gentle is key, which can be tricky in steps like exfoliating. Forgo harsh scrubs and consider opting for products with lactic acid to gently exfoliate your body and rid you of dead skin cells. It also helps to improve your skin texture and moisture retention in the skin. 

 

It’s also useful to keep an eye on the ingredients list when it comes to any products you use; longer isn’t always better. You should look for natural ingredients like our Unrefined Shea Butter or Hyaluronic Acid that will provide you with a much-needed moisture boost in your moisturiser.

 

4. Don’t neglect your feet and hands

There is more to your body than just your face, legs, and torso. Your hands may already be on your mind as they are often exposed to the elements and suffer more obviously. We bet you also stocked up on lip balm. But when was the last time you showed your feet some love? 

 

Indulge in a nice foot massage after a hard day – including our Foot butter in your daily routine will make it feel even more special and luxurious. Additionally, having our Shea Hand Butter readily available throughout the day is guaranteed to grant your hands relief from dryness. It’s also the perfect size to bring with you in a bag or pocket wherever you go.

 

5. Sun protection, even in the darker months

Using sunscreen is a no-brainer during summer, but it’s important to keep the habit in winter as well. Harmful UV rays are present, even on the greyest of days.

 

Apply a protective layer over your moisturiser, and keep in mind that you should be re-applying throughout the day. Doctors and professionals recommend doing so every 2 hours, though if you spend your time mostly inside, you can be less strict about it. 

 

A hot tip for makeup-wearers: a sunscreen spray or mist for the face will not smudge your foundation and is super easy and quick to use.

 

Treat yourself this Christmas

With the festive season approaching fast, it’s important to not forget yourself amidst the whole gift-giving buzz. Forget Secret Santa, what about a secret pressie for you? Something small that’ll make a big difference. Allow yourself an extensive pamper session every so often. 

 

Just in case you don’t know where to start (we get it; there are a myriad of products out there), we’ve got you. 

 

We have some wonderful Self-Care Kits and Starter Packs, specially curated to make you feel cared for and loved. This is not only a wonderful gift for a special someone in your life – it’s the perfect present for you, too. Put the “self” back into self-care and nurture your own soul and skin. Gently. Carefully. Tenderly.

 

Let the Self-Care commence

With how stressful our lives are, it’s truly the little moments of peace and quiet that can make all the difference. It can be challenging to find the time to be mindful and truly pay attention to yourself. 

 

With all the tips in mind, we have no doubt you’ll settle into the ideal routine for you. But remember that keyword… “you”. The right routine is different for everyone. Listen to yourself. Listen to your body. Really sit with what works every day for you. 

 

This and more are at the heart of who we are, and we are ready to support you on your self-care journey. Head on over to see our full range of products to make you feel extra special this season.