Natural Solutions for Dry Winter Skin

I realize as I chose this topic to write about that in San Francisco we’re experiencing warmer than usual, Spring-like temperatures, however in other parts of the country maybe not so much. I hope that someone will find this post helpful and appropriate for this time of year.

Here are my 5 tips to combat dry winter skin:

Hydrate

Make sure you are not only drinking adequate water throughout the day but also eating foods with a higher water content. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables such as: cucumbers, jicama, celery, grapefruit, leafy greens, and tomatoes. If you’re not a fan of drinking plain water, try unsweetened sparkling water and flavor it with fresh mint leaves or some fresh-squeezed lemon or lime to entice you to drink more. Coconut water is also a delicious, thirst-quenching beverage rich in minerals while also hydrating.

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Essential Fatty Acids

When I talk about essential fatty acids, I’m mostly referring to the heart-healthy, joint-supportive, healthy-skin-promoting omega-3 fats that are primarily found in higher concentrations in certain fish like: wild salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.

So, what’s so healthy about the omega-3 fats?
With regards to skin health, think of it this way. Lubricate internally by eating sufficient amounts of these healthy, nourishing fats and not only will your inside organs benefit but your largest and external organ, the skin, will as well.

Applying topical ointments, creams, and lotions to treat dry skin may work temporarily but addressing the issue from the inside out is ideal. Adequate healthy fat consumption can contribute towards a healthy glowing skin that is well-hydrated, while also reducing any redness and inflammation that may be present. Though there are other health-promoting fats which possess benefits besides the omega-3 containing ones (such as olive and coconut oil), it is the omega-3 fats that have been found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, omega-3 fats can also be found in these foods: chia, walnuts, and flax.

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Bone Broth

Homemade bone broth contains many nutrients important for healthy joints and skin such as: amino acids, gelatin and minerals. Collagen is a protein found in bones, and gelatin is formed when the bones are cooked to make the broth. Collagen is the main component of connective tissue and is found in the skin as well as cartilage, tendon, and bone (Wikipedia). Gelatin is supportive to digestion and intestinal health and many naturopathic doctors and nutritionists believe there is a correlation between healthy skin and a hearty gut, so sip away!

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Watch Sodium Intake

Sodium is required in small quantities in the body, however the type of sodium you are ingesting does make a difference. Naturally occurring sodium from fresh vegetables is not going to behave the same way that sodium from a processed food at a restaurant would. Be mindful of the amount that you are ingesting throughout the day and when cooking swap out table salt for sea salt, which is more micronutrient-rich. A high salt diet and low intake of water and hydrating fluids can definitely contribute to dryer, dehydrated, and unhealthy looking skin.

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Limit Caffeine Intake

Keeping caffeine intake to a minimal to moderate amount is one way to prevent dry winter skin. Though green tea contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee, I personally notice even just one cup can cause dry skin (not sure if it’s the caffeine or the tannins present in the tea). If you’re going to be drinking caffeine, be sure to increase your intake of water. As a general rule of thumb, for every cup of coffee or caffeinated tea, drink two glasses of water to help stay hydrated.

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Give these recommendations a try to prevent getting dry skin or to manage it more effectively and naturally next time you experience this condition. If you found this post helpful, please share with a friend. Thanks!

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References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen

Photo Credit: fred_v via Compfight cc

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Please note:

I am a nutrition educator/consultant and not a physician.  As such, I do not diagnose or treat disease, rather I support lifestyle balance and health with my work. Please understand that any information provided on the relationship between nutrition and health is not meant to replace competent medical treatment for any health problem or condition.