I have been struggling with my skin for a little while now, probably because of jetlag and getting used to the US food again with more hormone than what I am used to in Norway. I usually have the same problem every fall. When the temperature and dryness in the air change, my skin changes too. It gets irritated more easily and also dryer than usual. Therefore I decided to share my best tips for a better skincare routine for fall and winter months.

1. you are what you eat
As we all know, a good diet will show on your skin. Eating with balance and moderate the sugar and alcohol intake always helps. As well as eating more greens. If you don't like veggies and think they are hard to add to your diet, you can do like I do. add them to your smoothie. Check out some of my recipes under Food by eline for inspiration. Last time I went to a dermatologist she told me, ‘Avoid alcohol, sugar, and lactose for a while', I did and it defiantly helped my skin.

2. cleanse

I always clean my skin, every morning and before bedtime. You might think it is annoying to spend those extra minutes in the bathroom every day, I get it.
But as soon as it becomes a routine it will feel much more natural and you will also see that it is worth it when the results on your skin start showing. Remember to keep your makeup brushes clean too, clean them with a cleaning spray or wipes at least every second month. Dirty brushes can cause acne and more irritated skin.

3. Scrub
A lot of us are struggling with clogged pores or blackheads. At least once a week, I use a good scrub marked with ‘for the face'. The scrub for your body will be too hard on your face. I like to scrub my face and body in the shower because that's the best way to make the pores open.
As the pores open, you get the chance to scrub off that dirt that might be in your pores. I usually get clogged pores on my nose, but a good scrub helps me getting rid of them.

4. moisturize

Always moisturize, and especially important after a facial scrub. I like to do a face mask once a week after scrubbing. The one I use nowadays is from Dr. Schrameck, ‘Intensiv moisturizing mask’. Even tho this is sponsored, I do love all Dr. Schrammek's products. But all medical products will probably better if you have any skin problems.

5. Hydration

Even tho we might not feel that thirsty when its getting cooler outside, its important to stay hydrated even during the cooler months. If you can't handle cold water during winter, you can always heat your water and add some ginger and lemon, which is detoxifying as well.

6. Stress down, self-care

Stress can cause bad skin and makes us age faster. I know it is easier said than done, but take some time for yourself. And I get it, a lot of us have really busy lives and some of us with kids. But be selfish for at least a few minutes every day. Go for a 10 min walk and put on your favorite song, or do the workout you love, or just sit down and listen to your breath for some minutes and light up some candles. I think it is even more important when the darker and colder days are coming. To be a good mom, a good friend or a good girlfriend I believe we need to be good to ourselves first. Those few minutes are more precious for your well being than you think. Remember not to be too hard on yourself, we are usually our own biggest criticals. Stressing down also helps our hormones getting in balance and will also show on our skin.

7. Protect

Protecting your skin is not only important during the summer months, but also during winter, our skin needs protection all year round. Nowadays a lot of day creams also have protection. I am using a cream from Dr. Shrammek named ‘anti-pollution’. This cream is perfect if you live in the city. I started using this product while living in NYC. The most stressful and polluted city I have ever lived in. This cream is protecting from pollution as well with SPF 30. It is a thicker cream, which I like a lot this time of year.

8. Invest

I have always seen my skincare, and diet as an investment in my health. Investing in good skin products and healthy foods is like a lifetime investment at least for me. You have one body and one skin, you won’t get a new one. And remember that it is never too late to start taking care of yourself, no matter what age or shape you are. During winter mounts I always fuel up on extra vitamin D (which we only get from the sun), C (to protect the immunity system) and last: Iron supplements (Iron is a mineral that helps us build red blood cells, witch most women could need more of because that time of the month). Being low on iron can cause headaches as well as tiredness. Healthy fats: I try to add chia seeds to my morning smoothie, which are a natural source of fatty acids like Omega 3. Chia seeds are great for our skin, and if you don’t eat too much fish like salmon, omega 3 is a good option for you. For the record, chia seeds have more omega3 than salmon. Chia seeds are quite expensive, but you need very little to get the amount you need, so one package lasts quite long.

9. Go away puffiness

Last Lil' tip for the puffy morning face or eye bags. This is for every day or during that time of the month, where at least my face gets extra puffy:
I just invested in this face roller thing everyone is talking about, (in the top left picture above). You get face rollers in all different shapes. Mine is from Sephora, but you can also get them on Amazon or in most skincare stores. Leave it in your freezer, or fridge overnight and roll it gently over your face after your morning cleanse.

I hope you like my skincare guide. Stay warm, Minnesota is already starting to get cold. I’m dreaming back to Miami and adding some pictures shot on the beach by the creative couple @asulprusia.

Best, Eline S.