Firstly, as in summer, we need to keep hydrated. However, in winter it is best to drink warm drinks: Personally, I recommend tisanes and herbal teas (including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla) and also herbal teas made from berries, such as rosehip and cranberry, due to their high vitamin C content. Similarly, organic honey and lemon is highly recommended at this time, as are simple hearty vegetable soups and stews.
A favourite recipe of mine which I recommend to many of my patients is as follows: Take half a litre of cold water, and add a small amount of dried fruit (fig, apricot, or date) and the skin of one lemon. Then add one apple split onto four equal parts, and do not discard the seeds. Add half a cinnamon stick, a slice of ginger, and a clove bud. Bring this mixture to the boil, then steep for approximately 15 minutes. Strain the mixture, then taste – if it is not sweet enough for your taste, add some organic honey. Finally, drink and enjoy!
We also need to try and stop our immediate external environment from becoming too dry, either with a humidifier, or with bowls of water on radiators, ideally with a few drops of organic balsamic essential oil added: This will help to decongest your airways.
To support your skin from the inside, consider taking supplements to increase your cellular metabolism, such as algae, and antioxidants, including vitamins E and C). Regularly adding flax or hemp seed oil to your diet is also recommend, as they are full of essential fatty acids.
To really give your skin the care and attention it needs during the colder months, you should follow an organic skincare regine, using only oil based products. This will serve to rebuild and strengthen your external protective skin layer, and limit unnecessary evaporation via your skin.
I recommend a combination of products, including a Cleanser, a Face Tonic, and an Anti-Ageing balm.
Look for a good quality organic cleanser with shea butter, evening primrose oil, and coconut oil: These nutrients are high in Vitmain E and essential fatty acids – a superfood for damaged or dry skin. Other excellent ingredients to look out for include green tea and extract of lemon peel – these are highly antioxidant, and dermo-purifying. Extracts of ginger and rosemary will stimulate your dermal circulation and serve a detox action. A cleanser is best used just before bed time, and you should gently massage it into your face, leave it a for a few minutes, and then remove.
Face tonics are a great means of hydration: Look for a tonic made with pure organic floral waters such as cornflower and rose. Soak some cotton with the tonic, and use this to remove the cleanser.
Use an anti-ageing balm twice a day, paying particular attention to your lines.
The skin will be moisturised, hydrated, and radiant and you will feel happy to “face” winter every day!
For further information about skincare, visit Inlight organic skincare who make a range of organic beauty products, including an organic facial cleanser.