Nourish Your Glow: The Winter Connection Between Nutrition, Vitamin D, and Self-Love

December 14, 2025
by Yolanda Russo

As winter settles in, many of us notice more than just a change in the weather.

The days grow shorter, sunlight becomes a rare treat, and our energy can dip along with the temperature. If you’ve ever felt your skin looking a little dull, your mood a bit low, or your motivation for self-care slipping, you’re in good company. Winter brings unique challenges—but also a beautiful invitation to nurture yourself from the inside out.

As a holistic skin care expert, I’ve seen firsthand how our skin and spirit are deeply connected. When we nourish our bodies and minds, our skin responds in kind—radiant, resilient, and full of life, even on the darkest days.

The Winter Blues: More Than Just a Mood

It’s natural to feel a little less sparkly in winter. Less sunlight means our bodies produce less Vitamin D—a nutrient vital for our mood, immune system, and yes, our skin’s health. Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” for good reason. It helps regulate cell growth, supports collagen production, and can even help calm inflammation.

When our Vitamin D drops, we might notice:

Duller or more sensitive skin
Slower healing
A dip in mood or energy

But here’s the empowering truth: by nourishing ourselves with intention, we can brighten our skin, uplift our mood, and move through winter with grace.

Nutrition: Your Secret to Winter Radiance

What you eat matters—especially when the weather turns cold. Our skin is our largest organ, and it reflects what we feed it.

Here are my favorite winter skin foods:

Leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard): Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C to support collagen.
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel): Packed with Vitamin D and omega-3s for hydration and glow.
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseed, chia): Healthy fats keep your skin barrier strong.
Colorful veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, squash): Beta-carotene supports healthy cell renewal.
Berries: Even frozen, they’re full of antioxidants to fight dullness.

Don’t forget to drink water and herbal teas. Hydration is just as important in winter as in summer!

Mindful Supplementation

If you live in a place with long, gray winters, consider talking to your healthcare provider about a Vitamin D supplement. It’s a simple addition that can make a world of difference for your energy, mood, and skin resilience.

Self-Care is Self-Love

The heart of winter wellness isn’t just what you put on your skin or plate—it’s how you treat yourself. Self-care is not an indulgence; it’s a necessity. When you choose to nourish your body, rest when you’re tired, and speak kindly to yourself, you transform winter from a season of struggle to a season of growth.

Try these daily rituals:

Morning reflection: Take a moment to set an intention for your day. Ask, “How can I care for myself today?”
Gentle movement: A walk outside, a few stretches, or dancing to your favorite song can lift your mood and circulation.
Skincare as a ritual: Apply your favorite serum or moisturizer with slow, loving strokes. Thank your skin for all it does.
Gratitude practice: Each night, write down one thing your body or skin did well that day.

The Power of Community

You don’t have to go through winter alone. Community is a powerful antidote to the blues. Sharing your story, asking questions, and celebrating small wins together can make all the difference.

That’s why I created The Radiance Lounge—a safe, supportive space for women 45+ to learn, connect, and glow together all year long. Inside, you’ll find weekly Q&As, gentle challenges, and a free Dark Circles No More course to help you look and feel your best.

Ready to nourish your skin and spirit this winter?
Join The Radiance Lounge and start your journey to radiance!

Gentle Reminder

Winter is not a pause on your beauty or joy—it’s an invitation to deepen your relationship with yourself. With each nourishing meal, each act of self-care, and each kind word, you’re building a foundation of radiance that will last long after the snow melts.

You are worthy of care, love, and glowing skin—today and every day.