Natural Bonds M*E*T*A

Happy New Year Everyone! Winter is still here and as most of us already know, winter can make your skin dry. Winter can have a negative impact on human skin due to the harsh and dry conditions that often accompany this season. Some of the common effects of winter on the skin include:

1. Dry skin: Cold air and low humidity levels can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. When your skin is dry, it looks and feels rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. The location where these dry patches form varies from person to person. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and over-bathing. You can do a lot on your own to improve dry skin, including moisturizing and practicing sun protection year-round. Try various products and skin care routines to find an approach that works for you.

Dry skin is often temporary or seasonal and you might get it only in winter, sometimes you can get it in the summer for example, or you might need to treat it long term.

Signs and symptoms of dry skin vary based on your age, health status, skin tone, living environment and sun exposure. Here are some of them:

• A feeling of skin tightness

• Skin that feels and looks rough

• Itchiness (pruritus)

• Slight to severe flaking skin, which causes the ashy look that can affect dry brown and black skin

• Slight to severe scaling or peeling

• Cracked "dry riverbed" look to leg

• Fine lines or cracks

• Skin that ranges from reddish on white skin to grayish on brown and black skin

• Deep cracks that may bleed

2. Chapped lips: The skin on the lips is thin and sensitive, and is easily damaged by dry, cold air, leading to chapped and painful lips.

3. Eczema and other skin conditions: Dry skin can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

4. Rosacea: Cold winds and low temperatures can cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to redness and flushing, particularly in those with rosacea.

To minimize the impact of winter on the skin, it's important to take good care of your skin by keeping it hydrated, wearing gloves and a hat to protect it from the cold, and avoiding hot showers and baths that can further dry out the skin. Using a good moisturizer, a generous amount of lip balm, and drinking plenty of water can also help keep the skin and lips hydrated. For optimal hydration, you should also look for products that contain:

Hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring substance helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Glycerin: This ingredient attracts and holds onto water, helping the skin to retain moisture.

Ceramides: These lipids are naturally present in the skin's barrier and help to lock in moisture, preventing it from escaping.

Urea: This ingredient helps to soften and hydrate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells.

Petroleum jelly: This ingredient forms a barrier over the skin, sealing in moisture and protecting it from the elements.

Dimethicone: This silicone-based ingredient creates a protective barrier over the skin, preventing water loss and helping the skin to retain moisture.

Essential fatty acids (such as omega-3 and omega-6): These fatty acids help to nourish and hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and supple.

When choosing skin care products, it's important to look for those that contain a combination of these ingredients, as well as ones that are suited to your skin type. You should also look for products that are free of harsh ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils, such as alcohol and fragrances.

There are natural sources of some of these ingredients:

1. Hyaluronic acid: Found in foods such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and soy products. It can also be taken as a supplement.

2. Ceramides: Found in foods such as brown rice, wheat germ, and sweet potatoes.

3. Urea: Present in the body naturally, it is also found in high concentrations in urine and can be used in topical skincare products.

Products containing petroleum jelly is frowned upon because it is a byproduct of fossil fuels. Glycerin although not found in oils, is a natural compound that is extracted from natural soaps. It helps your skin to retain moisture.

It's important to note that while these ingredients can be found in natural sources, the levels are typically much lower than what can be achieved through topical skincare products. Additionally, dietary sources of these ingredients may not have the same effect as when they are applied topically.

There are other ingredients that also help to moisturize the skin such as Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used for centuries for its various health and skincare benefits. It is known to have moisturizing properties, thanks to its high water content, and can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.

I hope this post helps you to take care of your skin this winter. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and leave comments below. I will answer them to the best of my ability.