Wintertime often conjures up blissful memories of joy and laughter with friends and family. As endearing as holiday gatherings, fireside snuggling and the first snowfall is to most, the brutal cold of winter months can be unforgiving to one’s appearance. Fortunately, you can reap significant benefits by incorporating simple steps into your beauty routine.
Lather Up
The largest perpetrator of the winter beauty blahs is moisture, or lack thereof. Winter’s dry air wreaks havoc on your skin, hair and nails. Couple dry, cold outdoor weather with indoor heating and you have a recipe destined to leave you looking less than your best.
To combat the lack of humidity, it is essential to moisturize your skin in colder months. Otherwise, you’ll be contending with cracked, oftentimes painfully dry skin. It may be necessary to switch to a heavier moisturizer in winter months, which can be more effective in battling dry skin. There are virtually daily developments in skincare, and the moisturizer market has never been more sophisticated. These days, there’s a moisturizer exactly right for each and every skin type. In addition, using in-shower body washes with lotion allow you to multitask by cleansing and locking in moisture simultaneously.
Cool It
Another caveat in avoiding moisture loss lies inside your bathroom, particularly within your shower. Excessive heat from showers can sabotage your skin’s own natural moisture, leaving it parched. You may still enjoy a relaxing bath or soothing shower, but try to limit the frequency and the amount of time you spend in the warm water. Although counterintuitive in chilly months, cooling the water before you exit the shower or bath may help your skin retain more of its own natural moisture.
Pay Special Attention to Extremities
Because your body’s extremities endure the most heat loss in winter months, they can easily become dry, cracked and sore. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to your hands and feet. Apply moisturizer and gloves before you head outdoors, and consider lathering up your feet with a thick emollient and sleeping in cotton socks at night.
Lay Off Hair Products
Dry scalp, dandruff and split ends are common hair and scalp problems associated with Old Man Winter. To combat these issues, avoid overwashing your hair and generously apply conditioners. It’s also good to limit your use of heat styling products such as blow dryers, curling irons and hot curlers.
Turn Down the Thermostat
When not dealing with the elements, resist the urge to heat your home excessively. Too much heat draws moisture out of the skin. Using a humidifier in the bedroom or living room may also help alleviate the lack of moisture and replenish thirsty skin.
By making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can put your best face forward all winter long. And not only will you look better, you’ll feel better too. Therefore, whether you merely tolerate, simply accept or joyously celebrate winter, you can do so with relative ease and comfort this year. The absence of pesky winter-related irritations will allow you to focus on the important things in life.