Personalized Pampering
Plenty of things can cause or exacerbate dry skin, such as harsh soaps, hot water, and of course, the inescapable freeze of winter. Low humidity and wind, along with excessive heat to counter the cold, cause our skin to lose moisture at a faster rate, leaving it cracked, itchy, and chapped. And though winter is the worst for many, naturally dry skin can be a challenge no matter the season. But not to worry! While a trip to your dermatologist is never a bad idea, self care that’ll leave you and your skin feeling good is well within reach.
The first step is to stay hydrated, which is easy to do with the bevy of delicious drinks at our fingertips.Herbal teas and tisanes are helpful for replacing fluids and for warming up, as is refreshing homemade fruit-infused water. And while too much heat can further dry out your skin, a nice, cozy beauty bath can help, as long as you take care to properly moisturize afterward. You might even break out a good book and some chocolates to enjoy (they won’t do much for the skin, but you may find your disposition to be sunnier).
And don’t forget to enhance your bath with soothing, skin sparing products. Get creative and try your hand at making your own—being crafty is good for you too. Try a DIY moisturizing soak and after bath lotion to ensure your skin is thoroughly pampered, and have fun decorating the containers too. Your imagination (and perhaps the craft store) is the only limit.
STIMULATING ROSEMARY DETOX SOAK
1⁄4 cup coconut oil 1⁄4 cup almond oil 3 cups Epsom salts
A few drops of rosemary essential oil
Melt down coconut and almond oil, then mix together. Add in the essential oil, then stir in Epsom salts about a half a cup at a time. Let it sit for 24 hours before using. Next time you indulge in a much deserved bath time treat, use 1⁄2 cup to one cup of this relaxing soak to help stimulate blood circulation, relieve aches, and unwind.
SIMPLE SWEET ORANGE BODY CREAM
1⁄2 cup shea butter 2 tablespoons coconut oil 3 or 4 drops sweet orange essential oil
2 or 3 drops frankincense essential oil
Mix together thoroughly, and voila! Be sure to test a sample patch before you slather it on, in case your skin is sensitive to essential oils. For those who do not have acne prone skin, this anti-inflammatory cream may even be used lightly on the face.
