Dry skin is a common issue, especially during the harsher winter months when skin battles the drying effects of colder weather combined with central heating.

I remember so well the embarrassment I would feel when looking at my flaking itching red and sore dry skin around my nose which nothing seemed to be able to sort. That was actually the reason I started making skincare in the first place and the reason the moisturiser came to be.

We all know that beauty is more than skin deep but outwardly it feels good to know you're doing something to properly nourish the skin you're in!

So my multi award winning moisturiser aside what else can we do to beat the dry skin blues?

🍃1. In a word hydration is critical, and perhaps as the weather is colder we have a tendency to let our water consumption go to pot a bit.
So we can focus on increasing water consumption. The rule of thumb seems to be 8 glasses per day. There's a free app called Waterminder if you need a prompt to get into better habits. And for obvious reasons it makes sense to drink more in the day - who wants to be up all night needing the loo. Can't stomach plain water? Add some lemon and lime though have to say this inexpensive filter makes it taste do good! (even if you don't buy via Amazon check out the reviews).

🍃2. Eat walnuts. These nuts are packed with nutrients that can help prevent dry skin. Walnuts contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids as well as high levels of potassium, a mineral that helps counteract the drying effects of sodium on the skin. A handful can boost vitamin B levels great for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay too.

🍃3. If your dry skin is itching for relief take a bath with oats. Pop a cup of plain oats in a blender until the texture of a fine powder and add it to a bath full of warm water. The oats will help calm inflammation and sooth dry and itchy winter skin. A bath in winter is a luxury too add in some soothing Sangfroid to the mix.

🍃4. Minimise aggravating skin and turn down the temperature in the shower this is also a good way to trap moisture into the skin.

🍃5. Increase your intake of dark, leafy greens such as kale or rocket. Greens provide a good source of skin-friendly essential nutrients.  Kale, for example is rich in vitamins, C, E and K which when combined help keep your skin looking bright and fresh. It is also a potent source of copper, which helps your body produce melanin, an essential agent in skin production that protects you from the effects of weather on skin. It also contains lutein which helps speed up collagen production. This gives skin that fuller appearance, Lutein also helps keep skin hydrated. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet and although contains very little fat the fat it does contain is the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic-acid. This acid must be obtained from our diet and helps to reduce skin stress.

🍃Where possible choose local, seasonal veg, grown in good top soil to ensure nutrient density and to lessen absorption of heavy metals. In Nottingham, AMC Gardens is a great resource as is Neighbourfood Nottingham as is allotment grown produce.

🍃The Skin Elixir nourish the skin you're in blog is featured in the Top 20 Skin Care Blogs
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Look at for the bi monthly posts from resident writer Katie Murray