Your Glow-cery List for Combatting Dry Winter Skin
This winter looks a little different than ones previous since we’re going out way less, which is not so awesome for our social lives but really awesome for our skin. You’re not off the hook just yet though – you can still have dry skin inside your house in these cold months. Cold dry air can seep into your home through open crevices and with the heat cranked up, the humidity levels drop. This means there is less moisture in the air inside your home, which results in rough, flaky, itchy, and cracking skin. For hydrated and glowing skin this winter, we’re dropping #theGLOWcerylist for your next shopping session:
Image by Emily Kate Roemer
Coconut Oil
Not just for topical use on skin and hair – you should add coconut oil to your coffee, tea, smoothies, oatmeal, salad dressing (or anything else, really) as a healthy fat that will help keep your skin moisturized. Drinking coconut water and eating coconut as a fruit will replenish your body’s water supply and keep your skin hydrated. Basically, go coco-nuts.
Image by Dinner At The Zoo
Berries
Low-sugar fruits like raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries that are high in water content are perfect for “eating” your water without the added calories and sugar spike. This can be a more exciting option for hydration than just drinking water due to the extra nutrient and antioxidant boost for the skin.
Collagen
Collagen supplements have been shown to support the body’s natural moisture level. By keeping your collagen levels in check, you’re helping your skin barrier retain moisture. We like mixing Orgain Collagen Peptides easily with any food or drink. If you’re averse to collagen in powder or supplement form, try making fresh bone broth (recipe from Wholefully), which is naturally rich in collagen.
Electrolyte Drink
Electrolytes are minerals that conduct electricity when added to water and are essential for controlling your fluid balance. We like sipping on NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Drink – it’s naturally packed with electrolytes for superior hydration with coconut water for potassium and sea salt for sodium, without added sugar.
Image by Maria Siriano
Avocado
Another form of healthy monosaturated fat that keeps skin moist and also reduces inflammation. As a multi-purpose fruit, you can add it to just about any dish you make. Or make an extra hydrating face mask by mixing 1 ripe avocado with 1/3 cup plain yogurt and 2 teaspoons of honey. Apply mask liberally to face and neck and wash off after 20 minutes for a youthful glow.
Image by Just One Cookbook
Oysters
Not just for a special date night – oysters do wonders for hydrating damaged skin. Oysters are rich in omega fatty acids, which help build skin’s natural oils. They are also very high in zinc, which keeps skin firm and elastic. Skin cells rely on zinc to help repair tissue and increase collage production, keeping your skin free of premature aging.
Main Image by Australian Style Institute