…with just a few simple changes to your daily routine, your skin and hair will be well guarded against the harsh winter elements.
The colder weather is setting in and with it comes winter woes for your hair and skin. Alternating between the chilly outdoor temperatures and warmer air-conditioned offices and vehicles can strip your hair and pores of its natural and essential moisture — resulting in dry, flaky skin and dull or unruly hair.
Thankfully, with just a few simple changes to your daily routine, your skin and hair will be well guarded against the harsh winter elements.
Here are few ways to avoid winter skin and unruly winter hair:
Simmer, don’t boil
- A piping hot bath or shower may be a great way to fend off the winter chill, but it is terrible for your skin. The hot water can irritate your skin and will strip it of natural moisture. Taking a lukewarm bath and/or shower will lessen this moisture loss.
Exfoliate and Moisturise
Regular exfoliating and moisturising are two of the best things that you can do for your skin, no matter the season.
- Using a loofah will help remove dead skin cells and promote new skin cell production
- Apply a 24 hour moisterising body lotion immediately after bathing or showering for long-lasting effects
- Avoid chapped winter lips by exfoliating with a lip scrub of Vaseline and sugar. Remember to be gentle when exfoliating your lips, as they are sensitive and one wouldn’t want cause more harm than good. Finish off with a moisturising lip balm, to prevent cracks caused by the cold winter air.
Winter Styling – less is more
The heat generated by hair styling instruments, such as hair dryers, can often do more harm than good to your hair in winter.
Using a cooler setting on your hair dryer might take longer to dry your hair, but it will help retain your hair’s moisture. This teamed with using wooden handled hair brushes and combs, to reduce hair static.
Layer by Layer
Hats, scarves and gloves are the easiest (and most fashionable) way to keep warm and protect your skin and hair when heading outdoors.
While gloves will help stop your hands from becoming too dry, a scarf will protect the delicate skin on your neck and chest.
Over exposure to the cold can leave your hair dry and brittle. Despite a fear of “hat hair” wearing a hat is the simplest way to protect it from winter damage.
If you suffer from dry skin and have naturally frizzy or unruly, speak to your pharmacist and/or dermatologist and hairdresser for additional tips on how to ward off the harsh winter elements.
