Here we are, in the dead of winter, and I think it’s safe to say, that most of us are looking to get our GLOW back! Our energy levels are low, we’re a little softer around the midsection, and likely our glow is in hibernation. So, I have created a list of 5 skincare strategies you can do right now, (that won’t cost hardly a thing) to get your radiant beauty on! 

WATER

H20 is CRITICAL at helping to restore hydration and create a nice, supple glow. Did you know that your body and skin is between 60-70% water? Can you believe that? So just imagine right now the difference between a juicy grape, and a raisin. Are you imagining it? What is the difference? Simply put…WATER. 

How much water should you be consuming? The standard has been 8, 8oz. glasses daily, however, we’re finding out that 64oz. isn’t quite enough for the average adult[1].

So instead, use this formula: Take your body weight, divide by 2, and that resulting number is the amount of water, in ounces, you should be drinking. Increasing your water intake will be the most profound thing you can do for your skin right now to get your glow on.

DRY BRUSHING

I love dry brushing for a number of reasons – but the reason I love it most of all… is that glow girl! Dry brushing is a relatively inexpensive practice that you can use on your face and body skin, and can see immediate results with, in just one treatment.

This is a lovely self-care practice that will exfoliate your skin, leaving you with more smooth, radiant texture and tone. Dry brushing will also help to stimulate your circulatory system, which increases blood flow to the tissues, which can help to oxygenate your skin. Oxygen = GLOW.

Finally, dry brushing can help to stimulate your lymphatic system which helps to detoxify your skin. When your skin isn’t bogged down by those nasty toxins, it is free to truly shine.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

You may incur a small cost here, but by incorporating MORE Essential Fatty Acids[2], or EFA’s into your diet, you will most definitely notice a glow-from-within appearance to your skin.

Some of my favorites?

• Wild-caught Salmon
• Chia Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Avocado
• MCT Oil
• Olive Oil to name a few!

BONUS: Most of these foods are also rich in Antioxidants! By increasing your healthy fat intake, your skin will thank you by producing lighter, more fluid oil, and reducing inflammation in your skin. Trust me, this one is a GLOW game-changer!

SLEEP

This is probably one of the MOST important self-care practices we can incorporate daily, yet it

is the most neglected. Sleep is critical to healthy, radiant skin because when we sleep, and specifically when we are in REM sleep, our natural reparative processes move into action.

In other words, the deeper sleep you can get, the more your skin will regenerate, build and heal! What could be more important to your skin’s glow factor?

CONTRAST SHOWERS

This one is pretty wild, but I swear by this for healthy skin and hair! When showering each morning, do your skin a favor by transitioning your standard hot shower, to as cold as you can stand for 30-90 seconds. Repeat this sequence 3-6 times. Not only will you be energized and more ready to start your day- you’ll notice an instant glow to your skin, hair and eyes.

This contrast method works by dilating your blood vessels and creating more oxygen flow to your tissues, and then constricting your blood vessels when cold water is applied. This action creates a pumping effect and is one of the best ways to detoxify your body and skin[3].

Skin that is free of toxins is free to shine girl!

Tell me below which of these methods make the biggest difference in your skin, and if you have another out-of-box tip for healthy, glowing skin- share below in the comments!

[1] https://www.everydayhealth.com/dehydration/hydration-calculator/

[2] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids

[3] https://blog.nuhs.edu/naturopathic-student/hydrotherapy-contrast-shower