To most of us winter means, short days- long nights, drops in temperature, trips to the snow, colds and flu and worse, dry, flaky skin. There’s nothing we can do about the temperature and the short days but bad skin and the sniffles don’t have to be so. Knowing a little about how skin functions in the winter, and tweaking a few habits, can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance.

Taking care of oneself will also help ward off the nasty bugs that flourish during the cold weather. Here are a few tips compiled by the team from NAT. and courtesy of various beauty and health bloggers.

1. Start the day with a hot shower... but before you get out switch to cold water for about fifteen seconds. Then turn up the heat a little, and down again to repeat the process for about two minutes.   This is a simple hydrotherapy technique which revitalizes the skin by stimulating the flow of blood through the body. It is both invigorating and highly beneficial to the skin. So even though you may not really enjoy the process, just think of the all the good it’s doing you!
2. Use a good moisturiser ( natural is best). Choose a highly protective day cream which contains zinc oxide, and provides SPF30 protection to form a barrier against the elements. Creamier, water-in-oil emulsions are best.

Don’t forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem for a lady in the winter. Use a highly moisturizing lip balm which provides a protective barrier, with vitamin E for good elasticity. (Papaya ointment is also a good choice)

1. Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture. The oil which we all complain about in the Summer is no longer being produced because of cooler winter temperatures and central heating. Therefore the skin looses the water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin. This can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines, whilst your skin can appear puffy and grey. We recommend our natural NAT. sea salt smoother.
2. Drink a glass of hot water with lemon. This Chinese herbal remedy is a sure-fire method of energising your body. It will de-tox your entire system, including the liver and gall bladder. This means that your body will be able to clean the blood faster to get rid of toxins responsible for bad skin.
3. Simply sleep! Money can’t buy the benefits of a good night’s rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight or nine hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely painless benefits. Drinking chamomile tea can be calming and can encourage a good night’s sleep. Diffusing essential oils like lavender promotes a relaxing ambience.
4. Finally, we suggest the practice of Yoga and meditation. There are many Yoga poses that help build immunity and are anti-ageing busters. Have a look at an entry on our Facebook page on yoga:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NATnatural-skin-and-body-essentials/182460458368?created#!/pages/NATnatural-skin-and-body-essentials/182460458368