As the seasons change, so too does your beauty-routine

Some of my readers are getting ready for cold, winter months.  Others are getting ready for warm, sunny days (myself included!).  When the seasons change it is important to make a few changes to your health- and beauty routine.  As mentioned in a previous blogpost, making sure to up your intake of vitamins C and taking vitamin D, as well as drinking more water, is key.  Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that your body doesn’t store it.  Some good advice I got recently, was to drink vitamin C in the morning and in the evening; it is a great way to boost your immune system and to keep colds and flu at bay. 

Vitamin D is an important vitamin; not only for keeping the immune system strong as well, but also to keep depression and feelings of despair, at bay.  A recent study indicated that 94% of people living in Europe and the UK, don’t have enough vitamin D in their systems.  It is understandable, as the sun is not as hot as in the Southern Hemisphere and many “Northerners” don’t go out into the sun that much.  Even if they do, their bodies don’t absorb enough sunlight for vitamin D-intake.

Drinking enough water is important, regardless of the seasons.  In winter months our skin tends to become drier due to the colder and/or drier weather.  Being indoors with central heating is wonderful, but it can dry out your skin.  Placing a bowl of water in the rooms will help to keep the air moist.  Warm weather can also dry out the skin; especially if you spend most of your time outdoors.  But make no mistake!  Where I live, we have a dry winter with lots of dust – so I also need to drink more water and use different beauty products.

Beauty products vary, just like the seasons.  Beauticians and other skin consultants suggest that we use moisturizers that is not thick and/or creamy during summer; if we are in a warm, sunny climate.  Lighter face- and body lotions / creams are ideal.  For those heading into winter, it is best to use lotions that are creamier, with added moisturizer in, for example coconut oil, macadamia oil, lavender, and so on.

If you suffer from cold hands and/or feet during winter, there are loads of products on the market to choose from, that might help.  For example, you can get thermal socks, socks you put in the microwave and of course, sheep wool gloves and socks.  Another tip is to use cayenne pepper, or to alternate between taking a hot and cold shower.  The latter is believed to help blood circulation, which aids in keeping you warm throughout the day.  I don’t know about you, but I haven’t tried this yet in the winter! 

Face creams, body lotions and the like, are great “extras” that aids in keeping your skin hydrated.  However, don’t think lathering yourself can / will replace what you put into your body.  Drinking enough water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and taking the right vitamins, are key to keep your internal organs and cells, hydrated as well.  Did you know that, if you pull the skin on your hand, and it stays in the air a few seconds, that it is an indication that you are dehydrated?  Being thirsty is another sign that your body is starting to dehydrate.  I am not certain about the hours, but I know that you can survive longer without food that without water.

Enjoy whatever season you are in now and, whatever season is approaching.  if the thought of drinking lots of water when it is icy cold puts you off, then replace it with some herbal, black teas (without sugar).  Soups are also great and, as mentioned earlier, eating loads of fruits and vegetables, also provides fluid. Not skimping on your exercise-routine is also important.  If it is too hot or cold outside, do some indoor-exercises.  There are loads of videos on YouTube, Instagram and the like.  Early morning is a good time in the summer, unless of course you don’t mind being in the pool when it is warm!