Hydration & Immunity
Happy New Year!!!
I’ve never been one for New Year’s Resolutions, and 2021 is no different. Instead of an unrealistic resolution that I’ll forget about in 2 weeks, I’m claiming a “theme” for the upcoming winter months. My theme for this, and every, year’s winter beauty, is Hydration & Immunity.
Who doesn’t feel a little dried out and dull this time of year? Brisk winter weather combined with post-holiday binging has left me feeling a little blah these days. And yes, I’m certainly partaking in the occasional “mask night” throughout the week, I’m trying to focus on boosting my beauty from WITHIN.
Very cliché, but we could all use a little more water in our life. Sounds lame until you realize how much your skin will benefit from it. It doesn’t stop there. Load up on Vitamin E-rich foods (almonds, avocados, spinach, tomatoes, peaches) to help keep your skin and scalp moisturized.
Next to sun protection, I think hydration is the MOST important part of a healthy winter skincare routine. And, yes, there is a difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin.
Dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin lacks oil. This time of year, my skin often lacks both.
I love a good hyaluronic acid (which helps with dehydrated skin), but during these cold winter months, I NEED my Cerave Moisturizing Cream. (Yes, you can still use moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.) Cerave contains ceramides, which I generally think about as the glue that holds skin cells together. This is also the time of year that I switch from a moisturizing LOTION to a moisturizing CREAM twice a day. If you read my Holiday Gift Guide, you’re already familiar with my love for Avene Thermal Water. Spritz it on the morning and evening for a little extra glow up. Using a retinoid cream at night? Consider backing down to every other night (sometimes every two nights) to avoid adding to the dryness.
STILL need more? I love incorporating an occasional HydraFacial throughout the winter months to add a little umph to my routine. This is a nice little refresher that helps to complement, not replace, all of my other daily efforts.
Switching gears, if you haven’t heard someone talk about boosting immunity in the last 9 months, where have you been?? I don’t know about you but when I’m not feeling my best, I certainly don’t look my best.
You may already be loading up on Airborne or Emergen-C, but pay special attention to these beauty boosters.
Vitamin C: oranges, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, kale, kiwi
Vitamin D: mushrooms, pastured eggs
Zinc: chia seeds, chickpeas, quinoa
Glutathione: asparagus, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, turmeric
Yes, you can get these nutrients through supplements; however, they are better absorbed when consumed as part of a regular diet:).
Maybe you’re a resolution-maker and choose to make this one of your New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you don’t. Regardless, I hope you find as much benefit as I do from incorporating these tips into your daily routine!
Cheers to a healthy, happy, and hydrated start to 2021.