Microsoft Word – Exfoliating in Winter – The Winter Blues Remedy.docx
Exfoliating in Winter – The Winter Blues Remedy
By Adelaide Helena
If you’re feeling a bit low, sluggish, irritable and like you need a full pot of coffee to get out of bed each day, join the club. Frigid temperatures and cloudy days are a powerful combination for a bout of the Winter Blues.
The Winter Blues is a well-known phenomenon. So much so that it has a scientific name – SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is said to affect approximately 10 million Americans each year, mostly due to a lack of sun exposure, according to Harvard Health Publishing (2019).
The good news is, there are many ways to remedy your Winter Blues, and we suggest starting with – you guessed it – your SKIN. During the winter months our skin can change dramatically, and it often becomes dry, flaky and irritable. Irritable skin equals an irritable you.
Of course, hydrating your skin is number one. Keeping on top of your moisturizer game is crucial during this time. We suggest keeping some moisturizer handy so that you can reapply throughout the day.
Our second and favorite way to combat skin woes in the cooler months is to exfoliate. Here’s why:
Exfoliation increases blood circulation
According to Cosmopolitan Magazine, massaging your skin increases blood circulation which promotes skin cell regeneration. It’s like a battery boost for your skin – encouraging the growth of new skin cells which will result in brighter, firmer, healthier looking skin. Increased blood circulation isn’t only good for your skin – it stimulates the drainage of toxins within your body, which will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to take on the rest of your day.
Exfoliators improve the effectiveness of moisturizers
By gently exfoliating your skin, you remove dead skin cells which cause flaky skin. Removing this layer of skin allows for a deeper cleanse of your pores and will leave them exposed so that your moisturizer can penetrate deeply into your skin, nourishing your skin cells from the inside out.
How often should I exfoliate?
We recommend exfoliating once or twice a week, depending on your skin. Your skin needs time to rest and regenerate between exfoliations, and if you over-exfoliate, you can cause tiny cracks in your skin barrier that leads to inflammation and loss of hydration. We encourage a full head to toe experience – run a bath, take a soak, and gently massage the exfoliant into your skin in circular motions starting from your neck all the way down to your toes. You don’t need to scrub hard, as this can cause irritation to your skin.
Our last tip to combat your Winter Blues is to stay hydrated. We recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Our favorite way to start the day is with a large glass of filtered water and a squeeze of lemon. Lemon helps to alkalize your system as well as jump start your digestion, which is also hugely beneficial for bright, healthy and glowing skin.
So, slough off those Winter Blues, take care of your skin, wrap yourself in warm layers, put your slippers on, drink plenty of water, and make this winter yours!
