Fighting Dry Skin and Acne with Natural Moisturizers
It’s that time of the year again! During the cold winter months, dry skin becomes a problem for many, and that dry skin can lead to acne. When your skin cells are sapped of their normal moisture, they grow less supple and more vulnerable to irritation. Rashes, blotches, acne and peeling can result.
When the air is cold and dry, you have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly. You can’t just follow the same old routine and expect healthy skin. If the weather changes, change with it! You can avoid excessive dryness by following these natural moisturizing tips.
Water - This one is pretty obvious, but a lot of people forget about it. Drink more water! Throughout the day, make sure you’re drinking a tall glass of water whenever you get the chance. Don’t just wait until you’re thirsty. Give your body a water surplus to keep those cells hydrated.
Also, avoid washing with very hot water. It can seem tempting to bask in hot water when it’s cold outside, but never do so right before exposing your skin to cold temperatures. The hot water naturally saps your skin of moisture and causes your pores to dilate, making for a deadly combination if you don’t let your skin rejuvenate before facing the elements.
Aloe Vera - This natural herb is great for soothing and moisturizing your skin, plus it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera is typically used to treat dry skin and sunburns, and makes for a great soothing balm if you need something to stop your skin from peeling or even reduce the appearance of acne at the same time.
Honey - Honey is another natural moisturizer that can have a powerful effect in protecting your skin. It’s rich in key vitamins and helps maintain the elasticity of your skin cells. Applying a honey mask at night (perhaps mixing honey with sugar to thicken the mixture and aid with exfoliation) can help rejuvenate your skin after a long day exposed to the weather.
Olive Oil - It’s not just for cooking! Olive oil can help repair dry skin and also reduce itchiness and irritation. It can even aid in combating psoriasis and acne. This may sound greasy, but olive oil actually dries clean and will not clog your pores. Try applying a thin layer before bed or adding some to a spray bottle and using it in the shower before rinsing off.
