Getting our skin ready for the changing of the seasons

Whether you are enjoying the sunshine, or staying indoors due to cold weather, prepping your body is a good idea.  In summer you need to stay hydrated, put on sunblock, and also keep your body moisturized.  In winter it is almost the same, expect that there are a few changes that needs to be made.  In this week’s blog post, I am going to touch on all of the beforementioned tips.

Staying hydrated

It is extremely important to make sure that you drink enough water.  Whether it is summer- or wintertime, water keeps your body, cells and organs moisturized from the inside.  Being thirsty is the first signal that your body is in need of water – so make sure not to ignore it but to grab a glass or water!  An easy-to-take test to check whether or not you are in need of water, is to pull your hand’s skin.  If it stays in an upright position for a few seconds, it means you are dehydrating.  The verdict is still out how many glasses of water you need:  many say 6 – 8 glasses of water; another study says a healthy male needs 3.7 litres and a healthy female 2.7 litres of water.  If you don’t like the taste of water, add some lemon- or strawberry slices and/or mint.   Eating water-dense foods are another easy way to up your water-intake, for example cucumber, watermelon and spinach.

Using different bath soaps or shower gels for different seasons

During the summertime using a soap or shower gel is wonderful.  There are many brands to choose from with added cucumber, aloe, lavender, and many more.  In wintertime our bodies need a bit more TLC; so opting for a soap rich in moisturizer or a shower cream, can be a blessing. 

Exfoliating all-year round

Exfoliation is a wonderful way to get rid of the dead cells and dead skin, as well as buffs and decongests the skin.  Whether you opt for an exfoliating body scrub or use a loofah, exfoliating should be done at least once a week.  Exfoliating regularly will give your skin a wonderful glow and, as an added bonus, will help in breaking down cellulite and wrinkles by pushing younger, plumper cells to the surface.  Do note that, when you exfoliate, that you are careful in the areas around the eyes and where the skin is not very thick. 

Beware not to do overdo it either, as this will strip the body of its natural oils, which protects the body’s outer layers.  Dry brushing is another way to exfoliate the skin.  By using circular movements in the direction of the heart – starting on your right side, up towards the heart – then down on the left side, is another great way to get rid of dry skin and dead cells.  According to the experts, dry brushing will aid in lessening and/or eliminating cellulite!

Moisturizing

Lotions are light-weight and easily absorbed; fantastic to use during the warm seasons.  Creams, on the other hand, is thicker, therefore lovely to use during the cold seasons.  It is always a good idea to moisturize after a bath, shower or after exfoliating (unless you did dry brushing, then you first have to jump into the bath or shower).  The experts suggest that we put our moisturizer on when our skin is still damp.  However, using hand cream after you washed your hands, or when your hands (or legs) feel dry, can be just as good.

Whether you are enjoying the warmer, sunnier days outdoors, or getting ready for cold, winter days spent mostly indoors, do remember that aircon, just like central heating, can make you thirsty and dry out your skin.  Placing a small bowel of water close to the radiator or around the room (s) where there is aircon, will help to keep the air moist. 

So, to all my readers; enjoy the weather; regardless whether it is sunny or not.  Do remember to listen to your body; make sure to drink enough water, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and take care of your skin. Seasons change all the time. Even though it might be too cold or too hot to your liking, know that every season brings with it a different, new beauty and charm!