Winter Radiance Guide
1) Gentle Cleansing Routine
Consider switching from a foaming cleanser to a cream or oil cleanser to prevent stripping and your skin of its natural oils. Check out my top picks here!
* Use warm water and avoid washing your face in the shower to prevent the drying effects hot water can have on your face and body.
* Limit showers to 5-10 minutes to minimize the drying effects.
2) Use Hydrating Mists
Hydrosols are a wonderful way to boost hydration in your skincare routine. Hydrosols are the by-product of essential oil distillation. They support water-loving bacteria on the skin, helping to preserve a balanced microbiome. Liberally mist your skin after cleansing – and while still damp – layer on your serum, oil, balm or moisturizer to seal in moisture. Some of my all time favs can be found here!
3) Exfoliation – less is more!
I recommend using gentle enzymes over scrubs and only 1x a week. Try this one!
4) Honey Masking
Honey is a natural humectant that binds moisture to your skin. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and an incredible wound healer. Apply local honey to clean skin, leave on for 5-10 minutes. While the mask is sitting, I like to utilize "honey tapping" with my finger tips to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage. To remove, add a few drops of water and massage over your skin and wipe away with a warm damp washcloth. My favorite masks can be found here.
5) Add moisture to the air in your home
Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to minimize the drying effects of indoor heating.
Boil a simmer pot on your stove with ingredients like Orange and Lemon slices, Cranberries, cinnamon sticks and cloves to add moisture and a beautiful all natural aroma to the air
6) Eat your water
Make homemade soups (low sodium) – my family and I LOVE this veggie soup recipe and I make a big pot of it every week.
Eat as many watery fruit and vegetables as you can (Eat the Rainbow).
Add Chia Seeds to your salads, smoothies and make Chia Seed pudding. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses of hydration and their gelatinous quality results in time-released moisture in the body.
Infuse your water with fruit and herbs. Some of my favorites include:
Lemon balm
A cinnamon stick + mint leaves
Strawberries + basil leaves
Tumeric, ginger and a sprinkle of black pepper corn
Make a pot of herbal tea and keep it nearby with a small cup. My favorite teas are from Organic India and I especially love the Tulsi Rose and Tulsi Green teas.
I love my Vita Jewel crystal water bottle! It is so gorgeous to look at and it makes drinking my water feel like a beauty ritual.
Need more support? I’m here to help. As a 27 year licensed Ethetician and a certified Health and Wellness Coach it is my passion to guide you on your path to transformative skin health. Book a facial or a holistic skin coaching session here.
With love, light, and beauty,
Valerie