Cold, dry, windy and constricting. Welcome to winter’s elements, and when we notice “a shift in our body’s ability to balance internal systems with the external environment,” adds Kristina Holey, Director of Skin Health at the non-toxic skincare label, Marie Veronique, who also doubles as much sought-after holistic esthetician.
It’s no wonder, the brand’s latest product, a lightweight-and-milky Body Barrier Emulsion, is already gaining cult-like status for it’s hydration powers. Holey notes: “every ingredient in this product — even the emulsifiers, surfactants and preservatives — supports healthy skin.”
The cold is known to create fluid inbalances, leading to dryness and slower blood circulation. Coupled with lower stimulation and longer bouts of dry, indoor heat; our skin’s moisture levels (i.e: scaly, rough, flaky, red, irritated and pesky headaches, muscle tension, sinus and respiratory issues) are taxed. Holey advises building your skin’s protective barrier, alongside proper exercise, a healthy diet suggestions and topicals.
Support Your pH: Don’t Over Cleanse
Skip your morning cleanse and help preserve your skin’s natural oils. Holey suggests rinsing your face (alternating between warm and cold water) and cleansing your face with your night regimen. Try Marie Veronique’s Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser or Repleneshing Oil Cleanser. Less time in the shower helps retain moisture, and because soaps alkalize the skin’s pH, Holey suggests only washing “your hands and private parts. Or try a sunflower oil, rinse with warm water and apply additional moisturizer.”
Also beneficial: a hydrating mist. Holey notes acidic skin tends to age slower, while dry skin tends to be more alkaline (she likes Balancing HypoTonic or Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist). Replenish with a serum to optimize moisture levels, and lean on nourshing lipid layer oils, which Holey touts as the best daily moisturizer (try Marie Veronique’s Barrier Lipid Complex). At night, hydrating masks offer extra support. “Apply the mask as your last step in your routine and sleep in it,” she says.
Hydration and Nutrition
Because our bodies naturally dehydrate overnight, Holey suggests hydrating first thing with 16 oz. of water. Proper winter nutrition includes dark leafy greens, sea vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower, celery root, winter squash and fruits like pears, apples, cranberry and grapes. “Be sure you’re getting enough healthy fats too,” says Holey, suggesting Omega 3-rich sources such as seafood, olive oil, nuts and seeds (in moderation), grass-fed butter, avocado, whole eggs and coconut. Also: nourish and support your blood system with iron rich foods including lentils, beets, whole grains and pumpkin seeds.
Don’t Forget The SPF
No suprises here. “SPF is essential even during the winter,” says Holey, especially with ski bunnies descending onto high elevations. And since clouds can only reduce UV levels by about 50%, don’t forget to wear sunscreen on cloudy days.
Full Body Care
Consider dry brushing (aka, rubbing your body with a brush made out of natural bristles), body gua sha and applying ample moisiturzer.
Boost with Tinctures
“We love Elevate by Dr Anna Gold for increasing energy, blood flow, and elasticity in the skin,” Holey says. The herbal tonic, known for its ingredients like Asiatic Dogwood fruit and Chinese Yam rhizome, also supports focus and memory, and alleviate menopausal symptoms like dryness and hot flashes.
Stimulate & Sweat
Sweat it out! No surprises here: regular exercise and saunas help support your nervous system, balance stress and provide proper blood circulation.
From the age of 20 to 35, Holey suggests keeping things simple and focusing on protecting from external stressor that include the sun and blue light. Skin over 35? “UV damage, glycation, free radical damage, a decline in collagen production,” says Holey of a long list of stressors. She suggests nourishing, stimulating products alongside a good Vitamin C and Retinol. A universal rule of thumb for all skin types? “Just stay away from things that strip away goodness from the skin,” Holey says.