8 Proven Ways to Maintain Your Summer Glow Through Winter

1. Exercise

Helping your body perform at its best is a sure way to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh. Exercising three to five times a week will help keep your body strong and in tip-top shape. When you stay active, your circulation improves, and all your hard work will show in your skin's radiance! Here are a few ways to stay active when it is cold outside:

2. Tanning

Though tanning beds often get a bad rap, brief tanning sessions throughout the winter can help your skin stay bronzed as well as provide your entire body with much-needed Vitamin D. Start with short sessions to help your skin become conditioned and then work up to sessions that are just a few minutes longer. Moderation is key as you want to be sure you do not look unnaturally red in the dead of winter.

3. Bronzing Lotion

Using a tanning or bronzing lotion a few times a week can give your skin a natural sun-kissed look. Be sure not to overdo it, but to use just enough to give your skin a bronzy tone and a healthy glow! You will avoid any potential skin damage and come away with an earthy, natural look.

4. Moisturizer

Dry skin is often a leading cause of bad winter skin. It lurks under the surface as an instigator of a dull complexion, and winter weather does a lot of damage. The cold temperatures, dry air, and extreme weather can take a serious toll on your skin, even on your face. Using a new moisturizer for sensitive skin is a great way to go, since those usually do not include skin-drying chemicals. Moisturize in the morning and before bed for best results!

5. Humidifier

A humidifier is a great way to treat dry, flaky skin. Running it at night will keep the air in your bedroom moist, and your skin will feel the added benefits. A healthy glow starts with healthy skin! If you are looking for more ways to keep your home skin-friendly, consider adding some indoor plants to help maintain humidity naturally.

6. Water

Drinking plenty of water is another great way to keep your body and skin moisturized. The average person requires six to eight 8-oz. glasses a day, but you should definitely drink more if you exercise. Keeping your body hydrated will keep your skin hydrated too, which makes your moisturizing routine even more effective.

7. Veggies

Eating foods that are high in antioxidants is a great way to help your skin stay healthy all winter long. Red, orange, and yellow colored produce like bell peppers, carrots, oranges, or squash contain nutrients and antioxidants that your skin then reflects. Work these foods for healthy skin into your winter diet as much as possible and you will have a complexion that is positively radiant.

Consider adding these nutrient-rich foods to your daily meals:

There are so many delicious ways to incorporate these into your diet, from morning smoothies to hearty roasted veggie bowls.

8. Rest

Sleep, nature's best medicine, is important for your body's overall health and for having a healthy appearance. If you sleep badly one night, people can instantly tell. Get plenty of rest to avoid constantly being asked if you are tired all winter long. Your body and skin cells will have plenty of time to regenerate and you will be rewarded with a healthy face to prove it.

With these tips, your summer glow can outlast the winter and go straight into next summer! Do not lose hope—spring will be here before you know it, and you will be ready for it with radiant skin.

Nan Gibbons is a licensed nutritionist and personal trainer who owns her own fitness company in Southern California. In her free time, Nan enjoys spending time at the beach, playing with her lab mix Cody, and embarking on new cooking and fitness adventures! You can find out more on her lifestyle blog EatBreatheBlog.