We love cold white winters. They are beautiful, and you can go skiing and play in the snow with your family. The look on children’s faces when they see the first snow and run outside to build a snowman is truly irreplaceable. Unfortunately, winter also has its downsides.Cold weather can take a toll on your hair, skin, and nails. Most of us probably know that feeling of dryness like tight skin, chapped lips, or brittle nails. If you are struggling with the winter’s effect on your body, you can try adding a few things to your daily routine to counteract the damages.
Hydrate
When it comes to cold weather, the most damaging factor is dryness. The first thing you may want to do is to drink lots of water – at least 64 ounces per day.
The common problem during winter is hair damage related to hats and caps. Wearing them daily may cause breakages and dryness. For deep conditioning of your hair, you can use DIY masks like honey with coconut oil. Honey will repair damages your hair already suffered, and coconut oil will hydrate your scalp and protect your hair from frizzes. Sometimes split ends are so old that there is no way to get rid of them other than cutting them. For the best results, you can use professional hair thinning scissors. Remember that kitchen scissors are not made for hair cutting, and they can cause more problems than benefits.
Another way to add moisture is to use moisturizing skin and hair products like creams, masks, or conditioners. The main job of all moisturizers is to create a protective layer that will keep the moisture inside. According to dr. Elbuluk, in the winter, it is better to use creams over lotions, as they are usually thicker, so they will keep the moisture a little longer.
If you struggle with your nails, you can try to give up on nail polish for some time. Health experts also recommend wearing protective gloves during cleaning and washing dishes. If you want to moisturize them intensively, apply liberal amounts of lotion or hand cream before bed and put on some gloves or socks. Check out if your moisturizer contains alpha-hydroxy acids like citric or glycolic acid. They are known for promoting collagen production and increase blood flow.
Take Shorter Showers
Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower when the weather outside is cold and unwelcoming? Regrettably, hot water can be damaging to your health. Every shower should take less than 10 minutes, and it’s better to use warm water rather than hot. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that if you shower longer, your skin and hair can end up more dehydrated than before.
Another thing you want to improve in your showering routine is changing your cosmetics for better ones. Soaps and deodorants often contain alcohols or fragrances that are harmful to the skin. Please, pay attention to the ingredients of your cosmetics and make sure that they include oils and fats.
Over-washing may cause problems with greasy and broken hair. Shampooing it every day removes all oil from the hair, so the scalp has to fill in the gaps and tends to create too much of it. Scalp on your head is skin, so it acts the same as on the other parts of your body.
Eat Healthily
A well-balanced diet can work wonders on your skin and hair. It will offer your body the nutrients and vitamins that you lack in the winter. Vitamin D is especially important, as it is mostly produced by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight. It can be problematic during the winter months because the days are shorter, and the clouds prevent sun rays from reaching the ground. You can find Vitamin D in fish and some dairy products, but it is wise to supplement it in pills due to its higher bioavailability.
Do you know what to do if your skin gets flaky and pale? You can try eating more nuts and seeds. They contain a lot of Vitamin E, which helps the skin hold the water and decreases inflammation and redness. You can easily find some lotions that contain it.
Use Sunscreen
Many people believe that sunscreen equals summer, but as long as the sun is out, so is the ultraviolet light. It is even more damaging when there is snow on the ground, as it reflects 90% of UV rays. Too much exposure to sunlight can lead to premature aging and increases the risk of skin cancer. You should apply sunscreen every day you plan on spending any time outdoors. Dr. Kopitzki recommends using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, as with it, 97% of harmful UVs are blocked.
The Bottom Line
Despite its beauty, winter is a difficult time to get through. Low temperatures, cold winds, and dry air can be harmful to your skin, hair, and nails, making your beauty routine quite a challenge. However, there are many things you can do to protect yourself during colder months. The tips mentioned above should guide you through your winter beauty routine..
Be aware, that if despite your best efforts, the condition of your skin, hair, and nails isn’t improving, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist. Otherwise, take good care of yourself to look fabulous all year round!