Dry, dehydrated skin is one of the biggest complaints I hear about in winter. Not only is dry skin annoying to deal with because it can be itchy and unappealing, it also creates premature aging and gives a dull, lackluster appearance overall. It could be a mild issue or a major concern, but addressing the problem starts with replenishing and nourishing yourself from the inside out! 

During the dry winter months, when there is a lack of humidity, the air and the heat inside your home can wreak havoc on skin. While it's important to use a good dry skin moisturizer, skincare products alone won't do the trick. Your body is made up mostly of water and your skin needs to retain it, that's why drinking enough water to stay hydrated and replenishing lost nutrients, oil production and hydration is key. 

So what are the ways to treat dry, dehydrated winter skin?

Great question! Here are the tips to staying hydrated and keeping skin from drying out in winter:

1) Drink Plenty of Water! 

This kind of goes without saying, but no matter how much it's said, I know most of us just don't get enough! Spice up your water with some nice detox water for added nutrients and taste, remember that lack of water and even slight dehydration is usually a major reason behind feeling sluggish and tired, so you'll have a lot more energy if you get drinking. I'm not a dr. here, but the basic formula for how much water you need I have learned is calculated by taking your weight and dividing that number by 2, that is the minimum amount of ounces you need a day!

2) Eat Water Rich Foods!

Obviously drinking plenty of water is a start, but you can also get hydrated by incorporating water rich foods, veggies and herbal teas into your diet. Eat your water to not only get the water your body needs, but to get the bonus nurtients and vitamins that come from these powerful fruits and vegetables. Here's a good list to start with, along with the amount of water each fruit or vegetable contains:

• Cucumbers contain 96% Water
• Pineapples contain 90% Water
• Celery contains 96% Water
• Tomatoes contain 94% Water
• Cantaloupe contains 92% Water
• Romaine Lettuce contains 95% Water
• Watermelon contains 96% Water 
• Blueberries contain 95% Water
• Grapefruits contain 90% Water 

3) Herbal Teas!

Herbal teas and NOT coffee or other caffeinated or alcoholic beverages are a great skin and health treat to add to your diet and lifestyle! Coffee, caffeine and alcohol all deplete skin of water and moisture, however, herbal teas brewed with herbs and water are perfect for winter. Not only are they warming, but they are detoxifying too! Brew up some spicy ginger tea with lemon for glowing skin and health benefits - sip it throughout the day and not only will you stay hydrated, but your skin will thank you for it!

4) Proper Dry Skin Care Routine

While this post is more focused on treating dry, dehydrated skin from the inside, you can't neglect a proper skin care routine for dry skin either. With dry skin you only need to wash or cleanse your skin once at night, no need to cleanse in the morning. Start your morning by splashing cold water on your face, spray on a nourishing natural face toner, apply either a natural dry skin oil for face or facial serum or a good natural face moisturizer and then top off with a natural sunscreen! For DIY Dry skin beauty options, you can simply apply an organic sweet almond oil as a dry skin moisturizer and try a mashed avocado face mask once a week, it does wonders for your skin! Voila, you're good to go! 

P.S. I love to know what you think! What natural dry skin and dehydration tips do you have, do you find these tips helpful? If so, please share this with your friends and let us know what you think, comment below or shoot me an email!