Wintertime is not as nice to skin and hair as other seasons. For skin, this can mean a dry, wrinkled appearance; while in hair, this can cause discoloration and thinning. Let’s look at some tips to help keep your skin and hair looking their best.
Winter Hair Care
When winter weather arrives it can be maddening for your hair. Hat hair, split ends, and dry frizz are only a few of the culprits. Thankfully there are several things you can do to help maintain a healthy head of hair through the chilly winter months.
- Regularly use a rich, moisturizing conditioner with soy protein and panthenol.
- If you have thick, heavy hair, use a conditioning pack.
- If you have thinner hair, use regular conditioner often.
- Try supplementing your hair care products with some all-natural vegetable oil, like olive or safflower oil.
- To combat static electricity, try a wood-handled brush. Not working? Use a dryer sheet (yes, like the kind you use on your clothes in the dryer); just rub it lightly over your hair.
- Try substituting a styling cream instead of your standard hair cream. Since creams can add moisturizer to the hair, they can provide greater elasticity.
Winter Skin Care
Cold winter weather can be detrimental to the skin. Many people suffer from painfully dry skin all over their body. There are, however, a few things you can do to stay stunning through the frigid months.
- Moisturize! An oil-based moisturizer can create a protective layer that may retain more moisture than the creams and/or lotions you use in the spring.
- Sunscreen is popular over the summer, but it can be critical in the winter. Plan ahead and apply liberally half an hour before leaving the house.
- Avoid wet clothes that can irritate – and crack – the skin.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid the hot baths. They may feel relaxing, but the intense heat can break down protective barriers on your skin and lead to a loss of moisture.
Depending on where you live, the winter weather will have a varying impact on you. Whether you suffer from scaly elbows, brittle nails, or dry eyes, it’s important to prepare for the cold and have the right methods to treat what ails you. If you’re looking for even more tips to stay healthy through the cold, dry months to come, AARP has some great wintertime tips that may offer the help you need.
Enjoy the rest of the season while looking good and feeling great!
Resources:
http://blog.aarp.org/2013/10/31/dont-be-a-prune-5-face-savers-for-snowbirds/
http://blog.aarp.org/2014/02/28/7-anti-aging-moisturizers-that-help-fight-winter/