Winter Self Care Tips – for Dry Skin AND Dehydrated Skin
It’s officially December. You’ve had a busy fall, and haven’t had much time to prioritize self care. Self care looks different for everyone, but most people would agree that taking care of your body (internally and externally) is one of the most fundamental forms of self care!
Maybe you haven’t been taking the time to eat fresh foods this month; maybe you haven’t been going for walks because it’s too cold out now. Maybe you simply miss the summer glow your skin would give off from all the sunshine and humidity! Regardless, it’s a common time of year for people to feel more insecure and self conscious about their bodies… but that doesn’t have to be the case.
One thing’s for sure: integrating a short and simple skincare routine into your cozy winter evenings will help you and your skin feel better! Not only will your skin be nourished and protected from the harsh winter weather, but even just taking the time to care for your body is soooo healing!
You know how good it feels when you get a massage and can completely relax your entire body? Or how it feels comforting to have a loved one rub your back when you’re in a state of sadness/despair? Self soothing is a great skill to have in your tool belt, and sometimes that soothing is physical touch. Connecting with our bodies doesn’t have to be related to how our bodies look: but how they feel.
If you’re in a constant battle with your skin, you probably don’t have the most positive feelings associated with skincare. But if you can slowly alter your perspective for skincare to be a healing practice for you, you’ll start to associate more positive feelings with your body. I’m not just talking about face: I’m talking about face, neck, arms, legs, chest, booty, and feet! And most of these you can take care of while you’re already showering :)
Winter Self Care Tips to achieve Hydrated, Smooth Skin
1) Incorporate an African Exfoliating Net into your shower routine:
What is it? → A mesh body exfoliator that has been a tradition in West Africa for generations. It will clean and exfoliate your body like you’ve never felt before, raising your standards on what “clean” means to you. One time I forgot to bring it on vacation with me and I truly didn’t feel clean!
Not only is it more hygienic than your gross loofah, it also stretches up to 50” (so it easily scrubs + cleans your back!) It has a unique knotted texture, which is great for removing dead skin cells. It has amazing lather capabilities and is safe to use daily!
2) Upgrade to a thicker moisturizing cream for your face:
Why do I need to upgrade? → Because of the harsh conditions of winter, your typical facial moisturizer is probably not doing enough. Especially if you have dehydrated skin! By upgrading your daily moisturizing cream to a thicker, richer formula, you’re giving your skin a few extra layers of protection from the cold winter air.
Hint: look for ingredients that have been proven to balance and hydrate your skin: like silver ear mushroom and ceramides!
3) Stock up on facial and body oils to heal/prevent dry skin:
Why oils? → If you’re prone to dry skin, your skin needs more oil, not more water! Adding oils into your skincare routine helps improve your skin’s ability to retain water, while keeping toxins out!
4) Treat yourself with an exfoliating sugar scrub:
Why should I? → Whether you DIY a sugar scrub at home or purchase one from an amazing woman owned Minnesota company, exfoliating sugar scrubs eliminate dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, prevent ingrown hairs after waxing and shaving, and they moisturize your skin—all in one simple sugar scrub!
The Difference between Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin
With the winter weather stealing your skin’s natural hydration… you might assume you’re experiencing dehydrated skin. But what if your skin is actually dry, not dehydrated? And what’s the difference??
You’ve heard about how oil and water don’t mix, right? Well, that concept is relevant here, too!
Dry skin = flaky + itchy. This is a skin type, and this type of skin usually needs more oil.
Dehydrated skin = feels tight and rough. This is a skin condition, and means your skin needs more water.
The secret to great skin? Know your true skin type and use the right skincare products. This is the first step in achieving a clear, healthy, and younger looking complexion!
Dry skin: a true skin type, meaning your skin has specific patterns tied to it that can be maintained through a proper skincare routine.
Problem → dry skin specifically produces a limited amount of oil.
Solution→ adding oils into your skincare routine helps improve your skin’s ability to retain water while keeping irritants, allergens, and other harmful particles out.
Recs→ a cleansing oil for sensitive skin + a hydrating facial oil.
vs
Dehydrated skin: a skin condition that can happen to any skin type at any time for a variety of reasons. No matter how old you might be or where you live, dehydration can negatively affect your skin and make existing skin concerns worse.
Problem → Dehydrated skin is thirsty!
Solution→ To get back to functioning and looking its best, dehydrated skin needs more than your usual routine or basic skincare formulas.
Recs→ Add a hydrating face mask + a moisturizing serum to your skincare routine when you notice your skin looking dehydrated.
Remember: skincare is not one-size-fits-all! I encourage you to find a local esthetician who can help you build the proper skincare regimen based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
With a custom treatment plan, you can achieve the healthy skin of your dreams! Lucky for you, custom skincare regimens are what I’m known for!
But seriously, if you’re still feeling confused about whether you have dry skin or dehydrated skin, feel free to send me a DM on instagram or book a skin consultation with me! Helping my client-friends feel empowered is one of my passions, so don’t be scared to reach out <3
💛Xo, Sunni
