Seven Winter Wellness Tips to Last the Entire Season

Managing the Challenges of the Winter Season

Winter offers crisp mornings, relaxing afternoons, and cozy nights but also challenges our skin, hair, and overall comfort. In the colder months, humidity decreases, and indoor heating reduces moisture. The chilly outdoor air and heated indoor environments left me with dry, itchy skin and occasional static shocks—ouch!

Seven Winter Recommendations

You're not alone if you’ve struggled to feel comfortable and hydrated this season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to managing dry skin, combating dry indoor air, and reducing static electricity during winter.

1. Hydrate from the Inside Out.

Staying hydrated is crucial. Although it’s easy to forget to drink enough water in the winter, your body and skin need it regardless of season.

• I enjoy hot herbal teas and warm water with lemon.

• I love soups and can eat them daily. They're particularly fitting for the winter season.
  

2. Establish a skincare routine.

Winter is the time to give your skin some extra TLC.

• Look for creams with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that lock in moisture. I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

• Remember to use sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin during winter, especially snowy and overcast days. I like dōTERRA's Sun Body and Mineral Spray.

• Use a gentle exfoliant once weekly to remove dead skin cells and allow moisturizers to penetrate better. I love Aveno's Tone+Texture Renewing Scrub.

• Apply throughout the day and before bed. Wear cotton gloves at bedtime to lock in the moisture. I treasure Burt's Bee's lavender and honey hand cream.

• Look for hydrating lip balms containing shea butter or beeswax. I enjoy a multitude of naturally-made lip balms. One of them includes Sun Bum's sunscreen banana lip balm.
  

3. Managing Winter Allergies.

My allergies seemed to worsen during the fall and winter seasons. Here’s how to minimize symptoms:

• Vacuum carpets, wash bedding in hot water, and dust surfaces often to reduce allergens.

• Use an Air Purifier. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap allergens and improve indoor air quality. In 2024, I invested in UVilizer, a UV sanitizer I use weekly at home.

• Hypoallergenic bedding materials resist dust mites and allergens, creating a healthier sleep environment.
  

4. Relieving Congestion.

Cold air and indoor heating can irritate nasal passages, leading to congestion. Combat this discomfort with these strategies:

• Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and moisten your nasal passages. Herbal teas and warm broths are comforting options.

• Saline nasal sprays or rinses clear out allergens and relieve dryness in your nose.

• To ease congestion, inhale steam from a bowl of hot water and cover your head with a towel, or take a steamy shower. Use a drop of peppermint or spearmint essential oil to intensify the experience of easing congestion.

• Diffusing essential oils, such as peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus, can help clear nasal passages and promote relaxation.
  

4. Opt for Lukewarm Showers.

While a hot shower feels fantastic on a cold day, it can worsen the dryness of your skin.

• Stick to 5–10 minutes in lukewarm water.

• Apply body cream or oil to lock in moisture while damping your skin.
  

5. Prevent Static in Hair and Clothes.

Static electricity can be a frustrating side effect of winter. Here’s how to tame it:

• Use anti-static sprays on the soles of clothing and footwear, as well as on the seats and floors of your vehicle.

• An anti-static keychain safely discharges static electricity, preventing shocks from metal objects

• Wool and synthetic fabrics can generate static. I only wear 100% cotton or other 100% natural materials to minimize shock. I'm sure I would get shocked more frequently if I wore synthetic fabrics.

• Rubbing a dryer sheet over your hairbrush or clothing can quickly neutralize static electricity.
  

6. Protect Your Skin from the Harsh Winter Wind.

The cold winter air can be brutal, especially on our skin. Here are some tips to protect our delegate skin:

• Wear gloves, scarves, and hats.

• Apply a protective balm and creams to areas prone to dryness, such as your hands and lips.

• Wearing face masks has helped protect my face from the cold winter air.
  

7. Avoid Overheating Indoors.

While cranking up the heat is tempting, excessively warm indoor environments can dry out the air.

• Wear cozy layers to lower the thermostat slightly.

• Open windows briefly to circulate fresh air and prevent stagnant, dry air.
  

Finding Comfort in Winter

Winter may bring challenges, but you can make it a more comfortable and enjoyable season with a few mindful adjustments. By nourishing your skin, managing your environment, and taking proactive steps to alleviate discomfort, you’ll be ready to face the season like a boss!

What’s your favorite winter wellness tip? Share your go-to remedies in the comments or on social media. Let’s embrace the beauty of winter with ease and distress.

Cheers!

Gini x

9 February 2025