With winter in full spring, it brings with it some unpleasant symptoms such as rough, dry + dehydrated skin. Here are some tips to support your skin in the winter months, to keep it hydrated, nourished and loved even in the harsh cold elements.

Hydration

Ensuring you are properly hydrated is one of the most important factors for maintaining hydrated skin. Drinking enough water can be tricky, especially in the colder months, so here are some tips to support hydration in the winter months.

1. Aim for 1.5-2L of water daily

This is a baseline amount for ensuring you are replenishing water lost from urination, sweating and breathing (yes you loose water from your breath). Its incredibly important to keep your hydration up to prevent dipping into a dehydrated state which can reduce energy, digestion and leave your skin deprived. 

2. Glass of water in the morning

Upon waking, enjoy a glass of water before turning on the coffee machine or preparing breakfast as we oftentimes wake up partially dehydrated from the night.
*a little tip I love is to add a tiny pinch (few granules) of salt & a sqeezed lemon wedge into your water to create an all natural electrolyte beverage to boost hydration from the start.

3. Warming herbal teas

Yes tea counts as water, as long as it doesn't contain caffeine which can act as a diuretic, leading to water loss from urine output. Herbal tea is the perfect way to stay on top of your hydration in the cooler months, it's the perfect way to stay warm whilst hydrating your body. Some of my favourite teas are:

~ Ginger (extra warming)

~ Chamomile (soothing, calming)

~ Spearmint or peppermint (cooling, digestive)

~ Lavender or lemon balm (calming)

~ Hibiscus (boost of vitamin C)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties as well as many important functions in the body. One of them being collagen production. Our skin is made up of collagen fibres, hence supporting collagen production is vital for healthy skin and any other lining in the body (including the gut, hair and joints).

Dietary Sources of Vitamin C

As a guide, chose one of the following from the list to focus on each day to ensure you are getting ample vitamin C in your diet to support healthy skin, hair & joints.

 ~ Capsicum (red and yellow contain the highest C)

~ Kiwi Fruit (golden is highest in C)

~ Oranges

~ Papaya

~ Strawberries