Why skin needs special care in winter
As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, not only does our wardrobe change, but so do our skin's needs. In winter, our skin has to contend with dry indoor heating air and the cold, sometimes harsh, outdoor air. These extreme temperature fluctuations can strain the skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and itching . A key to maintaining healthy skin during these months is not only external care, but also a skin detox from the inside out. A relaxing bath with zeolite can work wonders by cleansing the skin and simultaneously supplying it with essential minerals.
Facial care in winter
1. Gentle cleaning
Use mild, moisturizing cleansers that don't dry out your skin. Oil-based cleansers are great; rub them onto your dry face until makeup and dirt are removed, then emulsify with water until you have a milky consistency that you can easily rinse off. Your skin will be clean without feeling dry.
DIY: A homemade scrub made from zeolite, coconut flakes, honey and yogurt is ideal for gently exfoliating and nourishing the skin.
2. Intensive moisturizing care
Use rich moisturizers or facial oils to strengthen your skin barrier. A blend of shea butter and jojoba oil offers deep nourishment, especially in winter if you tend to have very dry facial skin. Combined with a facial massage, this is incredibly soothing and also smooths out wrinkles caused by facial tension.
3. Weekly masks
A homemade mask, for example made with avocado and aloe vera, provides intense moisture and soothes the skin. In our blog post " 5 Recipes for Masks with Zeolite," you'll find many great recipes for face, hands, and feet. Be sure to try them out, because in addition to the intensive care, it's also fun to experiment with different recipes and mix up the masks and scrubs fresh.
DIY Winter Skincare
Body care in winter
1. Creamy shower gels
Use oil-based shower gels, such as shower oils or homemade soaps with glycerin, to avoid irritating your skin while showering. These gently cleanse the skin without drying it out and provide intensive care. Shower oils are also a great, non-drying alternative to shaving foam, and you'll experience far fewer razor bumps. It's important to thoroughly clean your razor afterward to remove any oil residue and prevent the blade from dulling.
2. Regular exfoliation
A gentle body scrub made from sugar and olive or coconut oil removes dead skin cells and promotes blood circulation. If your skin is sensitive and doesn't tolerate scrubs with abrasive particles well, you can also use chemical peels. These are usually creams containing AHA or BHA, sometimes both. These acids gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, and BHA also cleanses the pores, thus removing impurities at the same time. AHA is particularly helpful for rough skin. If you tend to have so-called "strawberry skin" on your upper arms (where the upper arms have a bumpy, red, dotted texture), AHA is a real game-changer.
3. Rich Body Butter
After showering, your skin can be wonderfully nourished with a body butter made from coconut or olive oil and cocoa butter to lock in moisture. It's best to apply the oil-butter mixture to damp skin . Since oil stains on clothing are often unavoidable, it's recommended to perform this body care ritual in the evening. Combined with a massage, this becomes a doubly sensual pleasure.
Hand and foot care in winter
1. Intensive care for the hands
Apply a hand cream containing shea butter and almond oil several times a day to prevent chapped skin. Ready-made hand creams in tubes come in various sizes, so you can always carry one in your jacket or handbag. We're fans of keeping a hand cream handy everywhere: in the bathroom by the sink, on the nightstand, in the car, in your handbag, in your jacket pocket, and even in the kitchen by the sink. This way, you'll be constantly reminded to moisturize your hands and always have a cream readily available.
Would you like to make your own hand cream?
Drugstores sell small empty cream jars in which you can store your homemade cream, or you can use a cream jar from a cream you have emptied, clean it thoroughly, and store your homemade cream in it.
2. Foot masks for the night
Use a rich foot cream or a homemade mask made from shea butter and jojoba oil that works overnight. Ideally, apply a thick layer to your feet before going to bed and put on cotton socks. This way, you won't get it on your bed, you won't slip if you need to get up to use the bathroom during the night, and the warmth will help the cream or mask absorb beautifully into your skin. The next morning, you can enjoy incredibly soft feet.
Lip care in winter
Nourishing lip balm
A homemade lip balm made from beeswax, coconut oil, and honey offers protection and care for chapped lips. In a small container, you can easily take the balm with you and, similar to hand cream, keep it wherever you spend a lot of time during the day.
A little extra tip: Lip balm is not only wonderful for the lips, but can also soothe irritated skin under the nose, especially during cold and flu season.
Another extra tip if you're breastfeeding: Sore nipples can also benefit from lip balm. However, it's important to make sure that the lip balm only contains ingredients that are safe for your baby. Honey, for example, is very unhealthy for infants in their first year.
Special care: Cleopatra beauty bath with zeolite and (plant) milk
A soothing bath during the cold season can work wonders for your skin. A Cleopatra bath with zeolite and milk (plant or cow's milk) offers a luxurious combination of cleansing and nourishing properties. Zeolite detoxifies and provides the skin with minerals, while milk ensures softness and moisture. Simply add a few tablespoons of zeolite and two cups of milk to your bathwater, which should be no hotter than 38°C (18°F). You can also add half a shot glass of microorganisms . More on that below.
General tips for winter skincare
1. Drink enough fluids: Even in winter, it's important to drink enough to hydrate your skin from the inside out. You should drink at least 2 liters of water and unsweetened tea throughout the day. We have self-motivation and support tips for staying hydrated on our blog. We'd like to dedicate a whole post to this topic. Coming soon.
2. Healthy eating: A balanced diet rich in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids supports skin health. Find many tips for beautiful and healthy skin from within in our article "11 Power Anti-Aging Foods – Beauty from Within." A healthy gut flora is also crucial for healthy skin. Therefore, be sure to include foods with beneficial bacterial cultures, such as yogurt, in your diet.
3. Humidifier: A humidifier can help counteract the dry air from heating systems and maintain skin moisture. An added benefit: If you are prone to coughing, for example during a cold, keeping the air humid helps.
4. Gentle clothing: An often forgotten and underestimated tip is to wear clothing made of soft and smooth fabrics from natural materials like cotton to avoid skin irritation. Anything rough and scratchy will only irritate already sensitive, dry winter skin.
5. Sun protection: Equally underestimated: sun protection in winter! Don't forget sun protection, because even in winter the sun can damage your skin, even if it's not very strong. UV radiation still penetrates and puts a strain on the skin.
Zeolite and healing clay in skincare
1. Zeolite face masks: Mix zeolite with water or rose water for a detoxifying face mask. Stir a small amount of water into the zeolite powder until a paste forms. Apply this to cleansed skin and leave it on until dry, then rinse with lukewarm water. Your skin will be deeply cleansed and have a long-lasting mattifying effect.
2. Healing clay as a gentle scrub: Use healing clay mixed with a little water as a gentle scrub for face and body. Rub the mixture over the skin in gentle circular motions and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
3. Zeolite in dental care: Zeolite can be used as a natural ingredient in homemade toothpastes to support oral hygiene. Simply dab a moistened toothbrush in zeolite and brush your teeth with it.
4. Healing clay as dry shampoo: For a quick boost of freshness, healing clay can be used as a dry shampoo. Simply dust your hair with the healing clay, section by section, and then comb through with a natural bristle hairbrush to remove any excess.
5. Zeolite baths for the whole body: A full-body bath with zeolite can help rid the body of toxins and soothe the skin. Simply add 2-3 tablespoons of zeolite to the bathwater.
You can find many more ideas for external skincare in our article "Beautiful with Zeolite".
Use of microorganisms in skincare
Microorganisms are playing an increasingly important role in natural skincare. These tiny helpers can support the balance of the skin flora and thus contribute to the health and resilience of the skin, especially during the winter months when dry skin is a common challenge. Take a look at our organic microorganisms. They are ideal for mixing into your own cosmetics or adding to your bathwater. Natural skincare has never been easier. At least, that's what we think.
Importance of microorganisms for the skin
Microorganisms on the skin, especially beneficial bacteria, play a vital role in protecting the skin from harmful influences and maintaining its natural balance. They help strengthen the skin barrier and the microbiome and regulate the skin's pH level , which is particularly important in winter when the skin tends to be dry.
Use of microorganisms in DIY skincare products
1. Probiotic face masks: Add probiotic yogurt or kefir to your homemade face masks. These ingredients are rich in beneficial bacteria that can help balance the skin flora and moisturize the skin.
2. Fermented skincare: Fermented ingredients such as sauerkraut juice or fermented rice water extract can be incorporated into DIY skincare products. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and can help regenerate and nourish the skin.
3. Skincare with kombucha: Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, can be used as part of a face mask or as a facial toner. It contains both probiotic bacteria and organic acids that can contribute to healthy skin.
4. Skin care withAM+Plus organic microorganisms : Active microorganisms from Austrian organic herbs, based on lactic acid bacteria, are normally used in gardening. They also do a great job in the grooming of animals and on our skin.
Apply a few drops to your hands and rub in lovingly, or mix with hand cream in the palm of your hand, mix with water as a facial toner and add to bathwater along with zeolite.
Microorganisms in skincare:
Microorganisms can be a valuable addition to winter skincare. They help strengthen the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture. Combined with natural ingredients like zeolite and healing clay, you can develop a comprehensive and effective skincare routine for the cold months.
In conclusion, natural skincare in winter isn't just about applying creams and balms. It's a holistic approach that includes care from the inside out. Using natural products like zeolite and healing clay, as well as microorganisms, can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout the winter.
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