Living in the Rocky Mountains, during the winter months, my skin takes a real beating. My hands are dry, my face feels tighter (but not in a good way), to the point that it hurts. If you live in an area with a high altitude and/or somewhere that gets super dry in the cold seasons, I know you can relate.
Most women struggle with their skin in winter. Harsh winds, cold temperatures, and dry air tend to zap the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and stressed. Got a heater or radiator on? That’s a serious skin dryer right there.
Unfortunately, it’s not only the weather that can challenge your winter skin care. Stress around the holidays, changes in routine, and eating more sugar and processed fat than usual (which can happen around the holidays or in response to a lack of sunlight) can cause your skin to breakout, feel tight, and become dull.
Note, what you DON’T want to do is use products that can make your skin worse in the process. I talk about the top 10 toxic ingredients hiding in common skin care products here. After you get to know which nasties to steer clear of (like benzoyl peroxide), it’s just as important to know which natural ingredients will truly help your skin.
Today I am going to share with you some of my favorite natural ingredients I keep stocked on my top shelf to protect myself from the blustering mountain winds and snow. These ingredients combat environmental stressors and keep skin rejuvenated and healthy by incorporating deeply nourishing herbs and natural ingredients in your skin care routine.
These are just a few of my favorites.
Please note, they are great ingredients for winter indoor applications. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, opt for fat-based skincare products that use for example lanolin which is my personal favorite.
Aloe
Aloe is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping skin hydrated and healthy. It has almost 20 amino acids; minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium; enzymes; polysaccharides; and more—all helpful components in keeping skin looking young and protected against the elements.
It penetrates quickly and deeply, moisturizing at the lower levels of the skin and nourishing with natural enzymes and amino acids. These properties also make aloe a great ally in reducing the visible effects of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid
What exactly is Hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is naturally present throughout our bodies, found concentrated in our eyes and skin. But for cosmetic purposes, hyaluronic acid is often extracted from the Japanese sweet potato, soy, and gelatinous root vegetables.
This ingredient is beloved in skin care for its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it a superb hydrator for dry, dehydrated skin. Because of its moisturizing, hydrating, and plumping effect, hyaluronic acid can help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, it forms a protective layer that helps to protect the skin against environmental stressors.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is said to have the same pH as our skin and therefore it feels like a natural skin moisturizer for most women. Winter months mean perpetual dryness, and jojoba oil might just be the answer to that. Jojoba oil is a light and versatile moisturizer. This property of jojoba also makes it much more potent and convenient for use in skin care—it absorbs easily into the skin and delivers hydration and moisturization. It’s easy to mix in with other ingredients because it has no scent, and because it’s so light.
Jojoba contains nutrients like vitamin E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, which all nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors.
Calendula
Calendula is a classic herb used in skin care, and it’s no secret why. Calendula is incredibly gentle and hydrating, so it’s great for dry and sensitive skin, two common ailments in the winter months.
Calendula is a great addition to anti-aging formulas, as it helps to keep the skin healthy and youthful-looking. Researchers think this is because of the natural antioxidants in calendula that have a natural protective property. Calendula flowers, as you may be able to tell from the color, also contain carotenoids, which are key in helping your skin look more youthful. These protect from environmental stressors and can help soothe. Carotenoids naturally exist in the outer layer of skin, so calendula-rich formulas may help improve skin’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, a lot of the products in your bathroom, even the ones that claim they are “natural” and “clean” are likely made with harmful, synthetic chemicals. Though they have pretty labels (and I admit, I used to fall for this too), preservatives, allergy-triggering fragrances, artificial colors–the list goes on–, etc. can not only irritate your skin and make things worse but can be carcinogenic, too.
Luckily, once you know what to avoid, and what to use instead (like the ingredients above), it becomes easier to create a routine that keeps your skin supple, hydrated, and healthy 🙂
What I Use: Annmarie Skin Care
You know that I’m a big advocate of clean, chemical-free products that are made by companies that give a damn about the environment and the sources. You may know my friends are Annmarie Gianni – the Hormones Balance community and I can rave about their products for a long time – how good they smell and how well they work.
With winter coming, I would love to introduce you to their new winter line that uses Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba and Calendula. It’s the latest line at Annmarie Skin Care featuring plant-based, organic and wildcrafted ingredients that feed your skin and nourish your glow.
Bring your beauty routine to new heights with their Aloe Herb Cleanser and Anti-Aging Serum 7-day sample kit. Formulated with organic ingredients, this 2-step routine promises beautiful, glowing skin in 7 days, and is 100% free of toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Perfect for nourishing your skin back to life amidst the harsh winter elements, you can try this 7-day supply right now risk-free by clicking here. Plus, for a limited time, they’re including a free sample of their Anti-Aging Facial Oil and Kaolin Micro Exfoliant, two ultra-hydrating elixirs that will detox winter skin and keep it glowing through the holidays. I hope you try it.
Get the 7-day Sample here.
Photography by Christin Hume, Derick McKinney and Annmarie Skin Care.
Thank you!
Thanks for the reminder about jojoba oil. Mine ran out a while ago. It is time to replace it as it is cold and dry here in the Midwest.