5 Soothing Remedies for Dry Winter Skin

Photo: The Body Shop

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Keeping your face looking beautiful is also about keeping your skin healthy - which can be a little bit of a struggle during the winter. Here are some skin-saving tips from Robin Evans, an aesthetician in New York City, who specializes in organic facials and natural health.

1. Change Your Regimen. Most of us probably keep using the same products throughout the year, but during the colder months, our skin needs more nourishing products. "You want a milky cleanser instead of a foaming cleanser," says Evans. "You also want to use a heavier cream, not only at night but during the day to protect your skin from the elements."

2. Exfoliate Your Skin. "What often happens if you have a lot of dry skin, is your basic moisturizers aren't penetrating well," Evans warns. "So you need a good exfoliation [to get rid of dead skin], so an enzyme is a really good place to start." Foods rich in enzymes include pineapple and papaya, and both can be used in an at-home mask.

3. Use Essential Oils. Evans feels essential oils work synergistically with your skin, and that you can see quick results. Both rosemary and lavender essential oils are hydrating for dry skin, and can be found in natural brands, like Astara, which Evans uses in her salon and organic facials.

4. Eat Right and Take Supplements. Preventing dry skin can also mean eating the right foods. "A diet rich in fatty acids is good," Evans says. "Things like salmon and other fish, avocado, olive oil and nuts all have healthy oils in them." You may also want to consider taking omega-3 supplements. Evans adds, "Evening primrose oil supplements are also great for dry skin. It hydrates cells from the inside out."

5. Make an At-Home Mask. If you can't make it to the Robin Evans Skincare salon in New York City, she offers some tips to making your own organic mask at home. Evans notes that avocado and honey are both great for dry skin. "What you can do is put a little avocado and honey in a blender and use it as a mask." If you have dry sensitive skin, oatmeal is really great. "Similarly you can mix the oatmeal with a little honey, a little water, kind of make it into a paste and use it as a mask and leave on your skin for 10 minutes or so." Evans also added that Greek yogurt is another great moisturizer that can be used as a base for at-home masks.

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