Nourishing Your Skin in the Winter Months

Posted December 10, 2014

We know that what we put on our bodies can affect us internally, so now is a good time to look at how our skin is affected by our diet.

Above anything else, it is important to drink plenty of water. Yes, if you do not drink enough water, it does affect your skin. Adequate water consumption keeps your skin healthy and plump. If you are not drinking enough water your skin will become dehydrated and will not function properly. It will become dry, loose and crepey, losing its firmness and elasticity.

In the wintertime, the harsh weather and indoor heating dries out the skin even more, making it even more essential to keep properly hydrated. If you’re like me, it can be hard to drink water in cold weather and the preference is to drink something hot. There are other options if this is the case. You can increase your water intake by drinking herb infused water such as herbal tea. Chamomile tea is calming and anti-inflammatory; Rosehip Tea is packed with vitamin C; Green tea is antioxidant; and Peppermint tea will instantly sooth an upset stomach.

It is also important to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll want to focus on citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits during the winter months to help ward off colds and flu. You can also incorporate them in your daily water intake by making spa water. Just fill up a glass pitcher or fruit infusion pitcher with fresh water and add sliced cucumbers or lemons.

It is also important to include plenty of raw foods in your diet. The more fresh fruits and vegetables you eat, the more beautiful your skin will become. Eating raw foods is NOT boring. You can actually eat a rainbow! Colorful foods are the best skin foods, so feel free to make up a big veggie tray piled with tomatoes, cucumbers, red cabbage, peppers, carrots, lettuce, spinach and avocado; or a fruit tray with cherries, watermelon, grapes, oranges, bananas, blueberries, strawberries and black berries. It’s even fun to mix up fruits and vegetables for a fun twist on the ordinary salad. For a good mineral boost, which will help to repair and maintain your skin, throw in a handful of raw nuts and/or seeds.

Remember, you are what you eat!