As winter approaches, skin becomes cracked and dry from the warm summer days. Our bodies change with weather, and skin care regimens should be changed to boost complexion. Try these top 5 healthy approaches to transform your skin from dull to glowing in the winter…

Wear sunscreen, even if you work indoors. The most prevalent cause of skin cancer is sun exposure, causing premature skin aging. UV rays attack the skin and cause sunspots in over 85% of people. Utilizing SPF Sun Care is not an option anymore; it is a lifestyle. Most people don’t wear enough sunscreen daily and select the wrong SPF. Try Coola’s Organic Sunscreen in SPF 30 Cucumber to soothe and protect daily.

Skip the exfoliation and try a mask. Scrubbing too much may cause redness in the face from over-exfoliation. Try a facial mask, like tea tree, in the winter to soothe and kill bacteria from daily environmental aggressors. A purifying mask will help to restore and calm skin rather than irritate it. Try ingredients such as witch hazel, Kaolin and grapefruit to diminish pores and reduce breakouts. If skin is feeling dry, opt for a mask containing carrot seed oils, vitamin E and macadamia nut to plump and nourish depleted skin.  Skincare powerhouse, hyaluronic acid, helps refine skin and helps it to retain moisture.

Take your vitamins! Add evening primrose oil capsules to your daily vitamin regimen as well as skincare products that contain vitamins. Doubling up on vitamins heals from the outside in and from the inside out. Vitamin E, C and primrose oils have the powerful hydrating and nourishing effects needed in cold winter months. Enjoy vitamin-C rich fruits like oranges, grapefruits and kiwi to help fight wrinkles and increase collagen production. Select vitamin C serums to boost, brighten and lighten dark spots.

Get 7.5 hours of beauty sleep daily. The longer you rest, cortisol levels (the stress hormone) decrease and enable collagen to reproduce. Sleep allows the body to heal. Those suffering from skin conditions will especially notice the difference after a good night’s sleep. Skimping out on sleep may start a chain reaction leading to less exercise, bad food choices and dull skin. The best time to use antioxidant-rich face creams happens to be at night, when our skin regenerates and produces cell turnover.

Exercise four times a week to keep the oxygen flowing. Not only does your body produce endorphins with a sweat session, but your complexion benefits with a healthy glow. Those suffering from acne and dryness will notice a difference due to the oxygen which is sent to the skin after a workout. Cardio is a great way to boost confidence–and a clear complexion.

Staying healthy involves healthy nutrition, an active lifestyle, proper skincare regiment, sun protection, rest and relaxation. These five easy steps can make an impact on a first impression…your face! It’s never too early or too late to begin healthy lifestyle choices.

Karina Chung is Spa Director at the Hyatt Grand Champion’s Agua Serena Spa and can be reached at 760.674.4100.

Read or write a comment