WITH WINTER UPON US, IT IS TIME TO THINK ABOUT PREVENTING THE COLD AND DRY CLIMATE FROM IMPACTING OUR SKIN AND HAIR. DURING THE COLD MONTHS, OUR SKIN IS DRY, FLAKY, AND ITCHY RESULTING IN CRACKS. OUR HAIR IS PRONE TO BREAKAGE, DRYNESS, AND FALL. THESE HELPFUL TIPS CAN HELP YOU KEEP YOUR SKIN AND HAIR HEALTHY AND MOISTURIZED THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS.
5 tips to protect your skin during winter
Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise
We need to get into the habit of taking time out to moisturise our skin after washing our face, hands, and body to keep them from drying out. The natural oil on our skin usually locks the moisture in. When we wash, we strip our skin of its natural oil. That is why it is essential to replace them by using a moisturise. The Cetaphil Moisturising Cream and Neutrogena Hydro Boost are two excellent moisturisers that are highly recommended. One can also opt for NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream.
Sunlight and sunscreen
Winter comes with limited hours of sunlight. As important as it is to soak in as much sunlight as possible, we also need to consider applying sunscreen. Because even in winter, UV light can stress our skin. Adding a layer of sunscreen every morning before going out will help the skin maintain its health and hydration. Experts recommend using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
Get into a night routine
It is essential to maintain a skincare night routine during the winter months. Get into the habit of using light cleansers and applying emollients on the skin at night. It will help the skin replenish with the moisture it needs to prevent it from drying out. It is also recommended to cover the hands and feet with socks and gloves after applying the emollients. Cetaphil, and NIVEA are again top choices. One can also opt for Vaseline.
Apply homemade remedies
There are several home remedies to keep our skin healthy during the winter season. According to studies, all-natural oils act as moisturizers and can be applied to our skin. So using sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, mustard oil, cocoa butter will improve hydration. One can also apply aloe vera or honey to revitalize the skin.
Drink water and the right food
One of the best remedies to have healthier skin is to drink plenty of water. Sufficient water intake helps to hydrate the skin. Not taking sufficient fluid can make it dry. It is also equally important to maintain a good and healthy diet. Food with high antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids helps to repair and build healthy skin cells. So make sure to incorporate nuts, berries and seafood into your regular diet.
Apart from these tips, we should also identify and avoid any food or product that causes irritations or dryness. Visit a dermatologist for advice.
MASSAGING NATURAL OILS LIKE COCONUT, ARGAN, ALMOND, AND OLIVE CAN HELP TO BRING BACK THE MOISTURE AND GLOSS THAT OUR HAIR DESPERATELY NEEDS DURING THE CHILLY SEASON.
Five tips to protect your hair in winter
Protect your hair when outside
The cold weather can wreak havoc on our hair leading to split ends and breakage. The dust in the wind can also cause dandruff. It is essential to cover the hair with hats or scarves lined with satin, wool, acrylic, or silk. These materials are less prone to cause hair breakage and split ends.
Moisturise your hair
It is essential to massage our hair and scalp once or twice a week with natural oils. It helps to nourish our hair roots and helps strengthen our hair follicles and promote blood supply to the hair roots. Massaging natural oils like coconut, argan, almond, and olive can help to bring back the moisture and gloss that our hair desperately needs during the chilly season.
Apply homemade hair masks
Set up a routine to apply natural remedies to your hair at least once every week. Make a fenugreek hair pack and leave them on your hair for 30 minutes. Rinse and get the softest healthy-looking hair. One can also make a protein hair mask by adding eggs and yoghurt once a month. Again leave it on the hair for 30 minutes and rinse. Also, one of the best remedies to hair fall is to massage a diced onion on the scalp and wash it off with shampoo.
Do not leave the hair wet
We often end up going to sleep or outside with wet hair. It is imperative to make sure the hair is not left wet for a long time. It causes rough hair and split ends. It is highly recommended to towel dry the hair or use a hair blower. At the same time, one should avoid using heat for ironing or curlers on the hair during the winter months.
Change your washing habits
Last but not least, we should not use excessive shampoo as it strips our hair from the protective oil that it naturally secretes. Use mild shampoos once or twice a week. Also, do not forget to use a conditioner after applying the shampoo.
Apart from all these helpful tips, do not forget to trim the hair once in a while and avoid using bleaches, colours, or other straightening serums that can be harmful. Also, do consult a trichologist and remember to keep a healthy diet. After all, a healthy diet does miracles to our skin, hair, body in ways one cannot imagine.