It's that time of year when you find yourself wondering, “Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize?”
While it may seem like the solution lies in what you're applying on the surface, the real answer often comes from what's happening inside your body.
If this has been your lifestyle and diet for the past 4 weeks, fear not.
Though these habits may seem "bad," they’re actually a natural response to the stress of cold, dark winters.
So why does this happen?
During the winter months, the lack of daylight increases cortisol levels while lowering progesterone in women and testosterone in men. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps maintain blood sugar levels by breaking down tissue for glucose. Sleep can help combat the stress caused by less sunlight, which explains why we crave more rest when the days are shorter.
While the holiday cookies help keep blood sugar stable and reduce cortisol, the excessive booze only reduces cortisol temporarily, and unfortunately has rebound effects.
The reduced daylight also impairs thyroid function and therefore lowers your metabolism to help your body maintain homeostasis. A slower metabolism means less energy production at the cellular level, which results in fewer nutrients reaching your skin.
Ultimately, the condition of your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside your body.
To combat the stress of darkness, focusing on light exposure and digestive health can help keep hormones in balance.
A simple morning routine is sometimes the best medicine.
Morning Routine
- Hydration: hot spring water with lemon and honey
- Light: watch the sunrise for 5-10 mins
- Balanced Breakfast: eggs, sourdough toast, orange juice, coffee with milk, sugar, and collagen
- Movement: 5-10min walk outside after breakfast
Your digestive health directly impacts your hormones, and hormonal imbalances often manifest as skin issues like dryness, rashes, or acne. That's why it’s essential to address digestion first, as it influences hormonal health.
Foods that help digestion and hormones:
- Gelatin
- Bone Broth
- Oatmeal
- Coconut Oil
- Milk
- Coffee
- Eggs
- Orange Juice
- Carrot Salad
- Liver
Supplements that help digestion and hormones:
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Vitamin D, K, E
- Activated Charcoal
- Aspirin
- Red Light Therapy
Bodycare routine for dry skin:
- Dry brush before showering/bathing
- Cleanse once a day
- If a cleanser is too harsh, just wash with water and a washcloth
- Right after showering or bathing while skin is a little damp, apply a body oil
- Then apply a thicker hand/foot butter and put on socks to avoid slipping
None of this is medical advice, I am not a medical professional.