It’s official – I’m starting to see the spring fashions in the store windows and stacks of watermelon at the store- spring is around the corner. Although the long awaited season is technically on it’s way, some of us live in regions where like Prince sings, “Sometimes It Snows in April.” It’s been a pretty brutal winter this year and we may have another month of ashy skin and hay-like hair.
Fortunately, there are natural and easy ways to combat these issues and now is the perfect time get your skin and hair in shape. These are all remedies that I have tried and I can honestly say, I no longer suffer from winter dryness. For each ailment, I’ve highlighted specific beauty products created by dynamic entrepreneurs who believe moisturizers do not need chemicals or artificial substances. Try a few and you’ll be spring-ready in no time.
Face – Bejia-Flor Naturals
Skin can feel tight and may even burn from the cutting wind. Gently exfoliating once or twice a week can eliminate debris and dead skin cells allowing for moisturizers to be absorbed more thoroughly. Beija-Flor Naturals’ Agave Aloe Polisher does just that with not only the titular ingredients but with raw sugar and jojoba oils.
Try using a shea butter or cocoa butter based soap. The Organic soap (and shampoo bar) infused with olive oil and aloe, cleanse very well but doesn’t leave skin tight and itchy.
Moisturize with a light, yet penetrating lotion such as the Acai Mango Light Face Lotion. Applying the light mousse-like lotion, makes you feel as if you are giving your skin a special treat.
This vegan/vegetarian line uses only organic products derivative of exotic locals such as Africa and South America.
Body – Oshune Body Care
Invest in a humidifier. This makes a huge difference since radiators and heaters tend to create dryness in the air. Skin needs to be hydrated so keeping it on a low setting for a couple of hours.
Shower using luke warm water instead of hot. Hot water tends to rob the skin of moisture.
Slough away the top layer of dry skin with a scrub. Oshune which uses nothing but natural ingredients designed to replenish the body’s natural oils, makes an excellent Cocolima Brown Sugar one that not only smells divine but leaves your skin looking a little younger.
When getting out of the shower massage oil into your skin such as coconut or sesame oil while still wet. This locks in moisture and creates a protective seal.
If you are not into the oil, you can still use lotion just don’t rub it all the way in. Slather on some Coco Mango Sweet Creme and leave a layer of it on the skin to be absorbed more slowly. This product is rich but not heavy and your skin will feel hydrated and supple.
For especially rough spots like feet, elbows and knees, try one of the shea butter and olive oil infused body butters. Choose from a variety of luxurious scents like Egyptian Musk or Mango Molasses.
Not only do we need to hydrate from the outside in but also the inside out. Dr. Oz (one of my favorite sources) mentioned that Omega 3 Fatty Acids help replace the fat cells that are lost due to cold winter air. You can take supplements or get them from foods such as salmon, walnuts and soybeans.
Dry Hair – Indigofera
Find a shampoo that doesn’t contain sulfates. There have been numerous reports of negative effects of sulfates- particularly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Aside form the controversies, there is one common claim- it’s a skin irritant. As a foaming agent in shampoos, it can strip essential oils from your tresses.
Indigofera’s Aromatic Hair Cleanser avoids the SLS and manages to cleanse and breathe new life into your hair. As a matter of fact they’ve created an entire hair ritual based on hydrating without weighing hair down. Their handcrafted products are plant-based and designed for an ultimate sensory experience.
You can’t go wrong with a deep conditioner as it coats the hair, softening an helping to prevent further damage. There are plenty of homemade conditioners using products from your kitchen such as avocado, coconut milk, sesame oil, olive oils, egg yolks, mayonnaise – the list goes on. Whatever concoction you choose, after shampooing, leave on for no less than 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Indigofera’s Organic Hair Souffle can be used as a leave-in conditioner or an intensive hair mask when paired with the Botanical Conditioning Cream. Your hair will not only feel softer but will smell fantastic.
These treatments are designed to not only relieve your dryness but to make you feel more healthy as they are made from natural sources. You will truly feel as if you are treating your body like the temple that it is. Enjoy.
