You may prefer flip flops and beaches, but knowing these surprising health benefits may help you appreciate colder temperatures.

Healthy reasons to embrace the cold

Weight loss

Our bodies dip into the fat supply for fuel to keep warm. One study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that exposure to cold temperatures (not accompanied by shivering) can activate brown fat metabolism, so it may help burn calories. And shivering can be good, too, as it also stimulates the burning of fat. A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that shivering stimulates the secretion of irisin, a hormone that induces fat burning. Apparently, just 15 minutes spent shivering in a cold environment has the same effect as exercising for an hour. (Word of caution below). The flip side is that cold temperatures may increase your appetite.

Better sleep

The latest existing research suggests that the ideal temperature for the best sleep should be somewhere between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and you might burn more calories, too. Your body’s core temp naturally drops when you’re trying to sleep and the process is much faster in winter.

Allergy relief

Pollen counts are virtually nonexistent in cold and snowy weather, so if you suffer from outdoor allergies, you may get a break! Of course, there are other indoor allergens in wintertime you should consider, such as mold and dust mites, but for the most part, you’ll get a bit of a reprieve.

Brain boost

Studies show that colder temperatures help people think clearly. What’s more, other research shows that people tackle more cognitive problems in the winter than in the summer, because summer temps use more glucose that’s needed for mental processes.

Inflammation

Cold air acts like a natural ice pack to decrease inflammation, so you might get some relief from less swollen and puffy joints in winter.

Techniques like cryotherapy involve brief exposure to extremely cold temperatures (often below -200°F) in a specialized chamber. While research is ongoing, proponents suggest cryotherapy may offer several benefits. These include reducing muscle soreness and inflammation by constricting blood vessels and decreasing nerve activity, potentially aiding in faster recovery after exercise. Some also report pain relief for conditions like arthritis and improved skin conditions due to increased blood flow after the treatment.

Immune benefits

Cold weather kicks your immune system into gear and fights infections more effectively. Studies have shown that the human immune system can be activated when exposed to the cold, and this enhances someone’s ability to fight infections. 

Practices like the Wim Hof Method combine specific breathing techniques, cold exposure (such as cold showers or ice baths), and mindset/meditation. Advocates suggest the Wim Hof Method can enhance the immune system by influencing the autonomic nervous system and reducing inflammation. It's also believed to improve mental focus and mood through the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals.

Mood enhancer

As your body works harder to stay warm while exercising outdoors, endorphins are released-- those feel-good hormones--and your mood is naturally lifted.

Please Note: Of course, extremely cold weather can be dangerous, and you should exercise caution. Take a look at these must-read tips for plummeting temperatures or these severe weather tips from Antartica.

Skin benefits of cold

The good news

You know that hot water can dry the skin, but did you know that cold weather increases blood circulation by constraining blood vessels in the skin? This reduces the likelihood of puffy eyes and facial swelling.

Exposure to cool weather also tightens the pores of your skin and invigorates your face. Think clear, bright eyes and rosy cheeks. Plus, you tend to produce less oil and sebum in the winter, so you may have fewer breakouts.

The bad news

Multiple elements can victimize your complexion, especially in high altitudes. Wind, sun, cold, heat and dryness create the perfect situation for chapped, depleted skin and can promote and contribute to aging. Click here for our winter skincare guide.

TellurideGlow embraces the cold

Powerful survivalist plants

We use high ratios of premium alpine botanicals because they produce powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients, and UV defenses to thrive in extremely cold climates. The air is cleaner, the soil undisturbed, and powerful secondary metabolites are produced to ward off pests and environmental aggression with some of the most beneficial plant composition on the planet.

TellurideGlow taps into these adaptive strategies with whole plant, certified organic formulas to nourish and protect against dehydration, free radical damage, sensitivities, and signs of premature aging.

Cold processing 

Virgin and raw ingredients are well known for their nutritional benefits. Our premium botanical ingredients are abundant in bioactive anti-oxidants, plant-derived nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids and minerals, so we seek out cold pressed ingredients to deliver better skin nutrition to restore and replenish the skin.

Cold formulating

Fresh botanical ingredients can lose much of their potency when heated, so to maintain the integrity of our raw ingredients we manufacture our whole plant formulas with cold technology, blending with extremely low to no heat during manufacturing.

Cold storage

Many warehouses are not climate controlled, so we searched until we found the right one to ensure our fresh ingredients are not compromised as temperatures rise.

We invite you to read how customers are loving and using the products here (https://www.tellurideglow.com/praise/).

Join thousands who love the results of better skin nutrition with TELLURIDEglow.

References:

1. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/60433?key=5e3684aee3d55b74adc8
2. http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(14)00006-0
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8022726?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
4. https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/best-sleeping-temperature/
5. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-0720%28199912%2913:6%3C561::AID-ACP661%3E3.0.CO;2-J/abstract
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8925815
7. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/cedar-fever-33941

Cold weather and snow have arrived, and with them, the familiar challenges of dry, chapped, and sensitive skin. As we age, our skin undergoes natural changes that make it even more susceptible to the harsh effects of winter. You might notice increased dryness, tightness, and even more pronounced fine lines—a frustrating experience for anyone who values healthy, radiant skin. This isn't just about appearances; it's about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin, no matter the season.

Understanding winter skin challenges

Did you know that mature skin is more vulnerable to winter's drying effects? This is because as we age, we naturally lose elastin and collagen, the building blocks that keep our skin firm and supple. This loss diminishes our skin's ability to retain moisture. Add to that a decline in our skin's own oil production, and you have a recipe for a reddened, irritated, and even cracking dermis.

Winter environments, both indoors and out, exacerbate the problem. Indoor heaters and outdoor winds wick away precious skin moisture, while those extra-hot showers we take to warm up can further strip away natural oils.

Key strategies for winter skin health

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can implement to minimize these negative impacts and maintain healthy, hydrated skin throughout the winter months.

1. Gentle cleansing: the foundation of healthy skin

Choosing the right cleanser is crucial, especially in winter. Mature skin benefits greatly from oil-based cleansers, particularly during the colder months.

These cleansers work by attracting and dissolving oil-based impurities, such as makeup and pollutants, without stripping away your skin's natural oils. This is especially important as our natural moisturizing factors decline with age.

Whole-plant and nut seed oils, such as jojoba, marula, and almond oil, offer additional benefits. They can help fortify the skin barrier, reducing the signs of premature skin aging and exacerbating dry sensitive skin.

2. Hydration: the moisture magnet

Hydration is paramount in winter. One of the most effective hydrating ingredients is hyaluronic acid. This powerful humectant acts like a sponge, drawing moisture from the surrounding environment and binding it to the skin. This is especially vital during winter, as cold air holds significantly less moisture than warm air.

For optimal results, consider a two-step approach to hydration, especially if your skin is extremely dry. After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry (avoid rubbing, which can irritate sensitive skin). Then, spritz your face with a hydrating facial mist like our Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist. This seemingly simple step can make a significant difference.

Here's why: a facial mist provides an immediate boost of hydration, softening the skin and creating a damp canvas. This dampness is crucial for hyaluronic acid to work effectively. By applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, you maximize its ability to draw and bind moisture. This also helps subsequent products, like serums and moisturizers, spread more evenly and absorb more readily.

Think of it like this: trying to spread lotion on dry skin is much harder than applying it to slightly damp skin. The mist preps your skin, making it more receptive to the hydrating ingredients that follow.

After misting, apply a hyaluronic acid serum or essence. Micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, like that found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, can penetrate deeper into the skin for more progressive and lasting hydration.

By layering a hydrating mist before your hyaluronic acid and moisturizer, you create a multi-layered hydration system that helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the primary culprit of dry, chapped winter skin.

3. Locking in moisture: protecting your skin barrier

Once you've hydrated your skin, it's essential to seal in that moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the primary culprit of dry, chapped winter skin. This is where occlusive ingredients come in. These ingredients create a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture from escaping.

Nutrient-dense plant oils are excellent occlusives. Oils like sea buckthorn, rosehip, and cloudberry seed oil, found in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, not only lock in moisture but also provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help fortify your skin barrier against the depleting effects of harsh winter weather.

4. Lifestyle factors: supporting skin health from within

In addition to topical skincare, lifestyle factors play a significant role in winter skin health. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential. You can also boost your hydration from within by incorporating collagen-rich foods or supplements. Bone broth is a great option, or if you're vegetarian or vegan, consider plant-based collagen-building powders added to vegetable broth.

5. Gentle exfoliation & sun protection:

Avoid over-exfoliating during the winter months, as this can further irritate dry and sensitive skin. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is sufficient. After exfoliating, be sure to replenish your skin's moisture with a nourishing serum.

Finally, don't forget sunscreen! Even on cloudy winter days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin. Wearing a broad-spectrum non-toxic sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is crucial for protecting your skin from sun damage.

By understanding the science behind winter skin changes and implementing these key strategies, you can maintain healthy, radiant, and comfortable skin throughout the colder months.