Judy Godec is the Goddess of Natural Skin Care. Judy is the owner of Venus and Vetiver and creator of Floracopeia's Aromatherapy Secrets for Flawless Skin Course. Here Judy offers us essential tips on keeping your skin radiant and glowing all Holiday Season!

Tell me you haven’t experienced this: You are getting ready for the big holiday party and the day before you get a big fat ZIT on your forehead. SO unfair! Many of us experience such changes in our complexion as we edge into the winter months and holiday season. It’s in part the wind and cold weather, which irritate our delicate visage, but there are other factors at play too. Heating systems that blow forced air are really unkind to skin, as is the sun when we forget to wear sunscreen (yes, you need it in the winter too). Beyond that is the fact that many of us are far more sedentary in the cold months, and slow circulation means slower cell turnover and regeneration. Dry skin accumulation often means clogged pores, and a diet of Christmas cookies and celebratory champagne clogs our internal systems. Now we begin to understand how that zit came into being!

In Chinese medicine, winter is associated with the kidneys and the water element. Kidneys are said to store our Essence, our genetic foundation. They are responsible for our constitutional strength and immunity.  From the perspective of our largest organ, like the rest of our body, and all other living things, winter means slowing down. Rest. Restoration. Even death.

So how do we use the miraculous botanicals to best support us during this festive, frigid time? Easy! Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your skin juicy and bright:

Pre-shower Oil Treatment: Apply a super thin coating of luxurious skin oil (like Champa infused Almond Oil – yum!) BEFORE, yes before you get in the shower. Not only will your whole bathroom smell like heaven but you will be bolstering the protective layer of the skin (called the acid mantle) which helps hold in moisture. Once in the shower, massage the oil into arms, legs, everywhere! After the shower, on still wet skin, apply another thin coating and let the whole deal set naturally into skin for a minute or two before dressing.

Nourishing and exfoliating facial mask: The paradox of winter is that we need more skin food, but we also need to get rid of accumulated layers more aggressively. Many types of exfoliation can lead to dryness, so a combination of the two is best. This is accomplished with a thing or two from the kitchen pantry plus a luscious fatty oil (like Marula):

Winter Mask recipe

2 T. one of any of the following: honey, avocado, or yogurt

2 T. one of any of the following: pureed pineapple, papaya or pumpkin

1 T. Marula or other exquisite facial fatty/cold pressed oil

Essential oils as desired: frankincense, rosemary verbenone, carrot seed

Blend everything by hand and apply to your thirsty facial tissue and entire décolleté. Leave on for 15 or 20 minutes (preferably while in an essential oil-infused Epsom salt bath, or prior to showering). Store for up to three days in airtight glass container in the fridge (so you get two treatments in one week – just right for most)

Stimulating facial massage: When applying moisturizer or a serum, tap skin lightly using tips of fingers, paying special attention to eye area, cheeks, and neck.  Massage using patting or tapping motion (no tugging or pulling! No kidding!) for at least 2-3 minutes morning and night.

HAVE FUN. Enjoy yourself. Count your many blessings. Happy, happy end of 2012~

Xo judy