5 Super Easy Self-Care Tips for Winter

Whether or not we like to admit it, we tend to neglect our bodies during the winter season. There’s the pressure of meeting deadlines, enduring frigid temps, and of course, not giving ourselves the TLC we desperately need.

That being said, if practicing more self-care is one of your resolutions intentions for 2017, then you’ve come to the right place. We tapped Victoria Nickle, Senior Spa Director at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, for her expert advice on cold-weather self-care. Here are five simple ways to soothe your skin (and soul!) all winter long.

Exfoliate

Ever come home at the end of the day only to find dry skin all over your discarded tights? (Guilty). Exfoliating is key all-year round, and an at-home recipe will do just the trick. “Make sure you use a good oil- and sugar-based scrub when you shower,” says Nickle, adding that salt tends to be too drying to the skin during this time of year. “Mix 1 cup of organic white sugar with about 2/3 cup of coconut oil before applying it to damp skin in the shower.”

If you’re looking to get pampered there’s also the Natural Honey and Milk Scrub available at the Four Seasons Spa. Enriched with emollient oils and luscious honey, this scrub will leave your skin feeling hydrated and glowy. Don’t mind if we do.

Draw a bath

Nothing feels better than dipping into a hot bath after a long day at work, however, extreme heat can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy. Nickle suggests simply dialling the temperature of the water down a notch. A few drops of essential oils can also make your bath feel more luxurious than it actually is. Try lavender or chamomile for a relaxing effect, or peppermint and citrus to relieve stress. If you’re suffering from aching joints, try an Epsom salt bath. “Our massage therapist team swears by Epsom salts to relieve muscle tension after a long day massaging our guests,” says Nickle.

Make a smoothie

While a hot chocolate or latte may be tempting during the cold-weather months, try avoiding it wherever you can. “Milk can actually produce more mucus in the body, which is not good during flu season,” explains Nickle, who swears by smoothies. Green smoothies packed with ginger, turmeric and lemon will help fuel your body, reduce inflammation, and keep your energy levels up during the day.

Soothe your skin

“Harsh winds and arctic temperatures can aggravate skin and cause extra redness in your cheeks,” says Nickle. While reaching for a heavy face cream may be your first instinct, that isn’t always the best solution. Nickle suggests looking for moisturizers packed with ingredients like chamomile (for its calming properties) and hyaluronic acid, “a molecule that binds 1,000 times its weight with water.”  Your skin will be soft and nourished in no time.

Soak your feet

Sure, you can hide your dry feet in a pair of chic winter boots, but rather than waiting for sandal-season to arrive, why not tend to your toes now? “There is nothing more relaxing than a good foot soak, especially when combined with a great buffing, moisturizing massage and jewel-toned polish,” says Nickle. You can also treat yourself (and perhaps your BFF) to a pedi at the Four Seasons Spa. Make a day of it and indulge in one of the city’s best skyline views. Self-care, FTW!

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