Cold weather outside and furnaces on full blast inside can leave our skin dehydrated and itchy. Here are 8 tips on how to banish dry skin and give your winter skin care regimen a boost.

1)  Drink water. Hydrate your skin for that healthy glow. Extra hydration is needed during the colder months, so carry a non-plastic, reusable bottle with you at all times.

*Health tip: Add half a fresh squeezed lemon to your water at the start and end of your day to alkalize your body (wait 20 minutes before eating anything in the morning and have this be your last drink before bed). This will create a healthy environment for a balanced immune system and for great skin!

2) Exfoliate. Use an exfoliant suited to your skin type 1-2 times per week, or as indicated. This will slough off any dry patches and reveal a new healthy skin.  Our Power Pumpkin Resurfacing Facial is a perfect treatment for deep exfoliation and cell turn over.

3) Moisturize every day, regardless if you have dry or oily skin. All skin types need to be hydrated. This is your best defense to protect your skin from “Winters Itch”. As the climate changes and temperatures start to drop, switch from your lightweight summer lotion to a cream that is a bit heavier and more moisturizing. We love Keys, Luminos Moisturizer,  a 100% natural calming and hydrating therapy for the skin and Dermaceutic Hyal Ceutic, a repairing and moisturizing fluid containing 5.5% hyaluronic acid (great for increasing hydration levels in the skin).

4) Sunscreen.  Just because summer is over, don’t forget that you need to always wear SPF. Try Coola Mineral Moisturizing Face SPF 20, a 100% natural daily moisturizer and SPF in one.

5) Don’t forget your lips. Use a non-toxic and petro-chemical free lip balm that hydrates and prevents chapping and cracking.  Try our delicious Pangea organic lip balm or Colorescience Mineral Lip Shine with SPF 20.

6) Massage a natural oil like coconut or almond all over your body before a warm bath. A warm (not hot) bath helps relieve dry and itching skin. Burning-hot baths actually break down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to loss of moisture.

*Health tip: A 5-minute self body massage with organic oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil prior to your bath will not only benefit your skin but will also be a great stress reducing ritual.

7) Book your complimentary consultation to discuss your skin health. Skin health director, Kristina Hewlett can answer all your questions about healthy skin care choices, suitable treatments for your skin condition and long-term plans to keep your skin clear and healthy for a lifetime. You can also visit our skin care boutique for quick tips on skin care and to stock up on everything you need for healthy skin this winter.

8) Add some highly beneficial skin health supplements to your daily regimen. Our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Katie Branter recommends fermented cod liver oil with vitamin A (great for skin and acne prevention) and D (great immune booster), daily antioxidants to prevent free radicals, Phyto Antiox is our favorite and a good probiotic like HMF Intensive to keep your immune system in balance. Visit our naturopathic dispensary to pick up your skin health supplements or book a 60-minute naturopathic dermatology session to maximize your skin health and avoid any foods or imbalances that could be compromising it.