well, technically, upstate New York is not a tundra. but it does bear quite a resemblance this time of year. regardless of definitions, here we are again in the cold quiet of winter. as the natural world around us sleeps, we instinctively turn inward, to reassess the details of our lives. we can enjoy the invigoration of cold air in your lungs, the graphic beauty of snow covered branches, the sweet warmth of hot cocoa to to take away the chill. winter is moment of stillness, comfort and rest.
there is however another side to this season. winter can be extremely taxing on the health of your skin, your energy and immune system. having lived in the harsh elements of northern new england and upstate new york for all my life, i've got a few tricks up my sleeve for surviving and thriving during the darkest and coldest months. here is the top 10, in no particular order. i'd love to hear tips from you.
1. hydrate
it may be cliche to say, but really, its true! drink lots and lots and lots of water. start your day with a full glass. squeeze a little lemon or lime in it. it tastes great, and helps to stimulate elimination and balance alkalinity/acidity in the body. drink less coffee, as it dehydrates the body (which is why it sends you running to the restroom) and contributes to acidity. and as they say, the human body is 98% water. a staggering thought, really.
a hot cup of herbal tea can work double duty to hydrate, warm and nourish the body, mind & spirit. find some of my favorite artisanal teas, made by my friend Nini, at www.taytea.com.
2. humidify
cold temperatures and indoor heating systems seriously sap moisture from the air, which in turn dries the outer layers of the skin. the ideal humidity for healthy skin is 50-60%. i like to run a humidifier in my bedroom at night, which also helps greatly to ease symptoms of allergies, dry sinuses, colds and coughs. proper humidity also helps the body to feel more comfortable in cooler temperatures.
you can also very simply put out a bowl of water, which will evaporate over time. try a lovely ceramic bowl (placed on or near a radiator if possible), and add a few drops of essential oil (i like cedar, pine or bergamot). you could even put a fresh flower or two in there if you are feeling really fancy.
3. exfoliate
dry, flaky skin is the number one complaint about winter skin, and the close second is acne. and for the lucky among us (myself included here), you can have both simultaneously. how cruel nature can be! and how cranky it can make us.
exfoliation is essential to healthy skin. out with the old, in with the new. while it is important not to damage the skin with overzealous scrubbing, gentle exfoliation does wonders for improving clarity, color and smoothness of the skin. this is not only because it removes stubborn old dead cells, but also because it stimulates blood flow, thus increasing cellular renewal, detoxification and leaves skin with a lovely healthy glow.
DIY COFFEE & LEMON BODY SCRUB
besides its energizing scent, coffee contains high levels of caffeine and anti-oxidants, known to firm and tone the skin. vitamin c rich fresh lemon evens skin tone and detoxifies. salt exfoliates while olive oil nourishes and softens. all quantities are estimates--adjust as you go to make the consistency work for you.
1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup finely ground coffee
juice and zest of 1/2 lemon (use more if desired)
1/2 cup high quality olive oil
optional: 5-10 drops of essential oil (i like bergamot, lavender, cedar or cypress)
combine in a bowl, adjust consistency of needed. vigorously massage into the body while skin is damp in the shower, beginning at the feet. spend extra time on trouble spots, and avoid cuts or scrapes that may be irritated by the salt (although the salt will aid healing). rinse and pat dry.
4. moisturize
to ensure that you are feeding the skin and not simply coating it, you have to do it right. after bathing or cleansing, apply a high quality moisturizer, like bois de rose face cream, to face and body. massage your chosen cream, butter, lotion or oil into the skin in an upward motion. in order to quench your skin's thirst, it is important to create a moisture lock by applying your moisturizer to damp skin (i love to spritz with jasmine seaherb facial tonic first).
5. excercise
no need to run a marathon to see results. just get out there and get the blood moving. a brisk walk, shoveling snow or sledding all count. besides the usual benefits we all know we get from regular excercise, getting the heart pumping gives you a rosy glow, moves toxins out to reduce blemishing and cellulite, improves your mood and gives you a great excuse to enjoy a cup of sweet hot cocoa.
6. sweat it out
working up a sweat regularly is one of the very best ways to keep the skin clear. of course exercise does double duty here, but taking a sauna or long hot bath will not only sweat out toxins, but boost the immune system.
7. sunlight
oh, vitamin d, how my cells miss you right now. make a point to enjoy the winter sun if and when it comes out this time of year. while vitamin d supplements are very important if you live where the sun don't shine, making it naturally can't be beat. not to mention what the sun can do for regulating your body clock and lifting your spirits.
if the sun makes very rare appearances in your neck of the woods, as it does here in Oneonta, think about supplementing with artificial light in the form of full spectrum light bulbs. these lights are not to be confused with carcinogenic tanning bulbs. i recently started using a Happy Light, and while i'm pretty sure it is not the key to happiness, it does make me feel better.
8. indulge a little
it need not be excessive, and it need not be expensive, but it does need to make you feel good. it could be as luxurious as a day at the spa or as simple as a pat of butter in your deprivation-based new years resolution diet. but enjoying life and treating yourself well is something none of us should live without.
9. skin food
it is true...you are what you eat. keep your diet simple, wholesome and delicious. diets that strictly limit calories are not only hard to stick to once you start, but can be so limiting they deprive you of essential nutrients. if you make a point to eat healthy whole foods, full of flavor and nutrients, in moderation and limit processed and artificial foods you'll find yourself not only feeling better, but sticking to it. indulging in small quantities, when you have to (and sometimes you do HAVE to) will help you enjoy food and feel good about it.
don't forget that healthy fats are extremely important to soft, supple skin. olive, flax, coconut and evening primrose oils are top on my list. but i also believe in butter, in small amounts of course.
my favorite healthy skin foods include fresh fruit or vegetable juice, whole grains, spirulina, organic eggs and lots of dark leafy greens.
10. sweet dreams
don't forget your beauty sleep. really, sleep, good food and lots of water are the cornerstones to a healthy body, a happy spirit and gorgeous skin.
i think i'm feeling sleepy...zzzzz...
A new product catalogue for 2010
