How to have awesome winter skin, naturally! – Part 1

I admit that we live in the south, where winter is on its little fluffy lamb legs, and on its way out! But, I know that there are plenty of our readers still dealing with the bitter cold and blustery winds of the season – a spoiler for your skin! In this 2 part series, I’ll give you some quick and natural skin care tips that should have your skin looking just as HOT this winter, as the beautiful summer days you long for!

There are actually many natural ways for you to care for, and protect, your skin from winters wrath, that are simple and won’t put a hurting on your wallet. A skin care regimen can probably be worked up from your pantry, for pennies!

First up: Exfoliate

I can’t stress this enough! Moisture will not be able to reach your active skin levels through layers of old, dry, dead skin cells. You must exfoliate to rid your skin of these flaky layers. There are 2 ways to do this:

* a physical agent – like ground walnuts, apricot hulls, salt or sugar.
* an enzyme.

When I say enzymes, you probably think of some treatment you can only get at a spa, but you probably already have one or more foods rich in skin-exfoliating enzymes right in your own kitchen (or your nearest grocery store!) These foods include:

* pineapple
* papaya
* Milk (fatty acids yield mild exfoliation)

If you’ve got one or more of these ingredients in your home, your all set to create an exfoliant that will free your skin. Combine one of the physical exfoliants with one or more of the foods rich in enzymes, add a small amount of olive oil to hydrate, and you’ve got a wholesome, luxurious exfoliant that your skin will love.  Include a few rose petals and a single drop of your favorite essential oil, and you’ve got your own personal spa treatment. You deserve it!

Tomorrow, well talk about how your diet effects your winter skin, and more spa treatments you can make at home.