Though we would like to think we all look as cute as the cats above, bundled up from our head to our toes, there are other ways to save your skin this winter! Temperatures are quickly dropping and the first sights of snow are appearing in most areas. Going from freezing temperatures outside to warm and cozy insides might feel great, but for your skin and hair, it is quite the opposite. Indoor heat strips moisture from your hair and skin, making everything itchy, dry, rough, cracked and feeling helpless. Not to worry, there are many helpful tips to get you and your skin through these bleak times, aside from daydreaming about warmer weather.
Layer when needed.
Obviously, no one wants to look like they just got ready to trek across the Arctic, but don't forget to throw on a few extra layers even if you are just running some errands. Aside from just your winter coat and boots, throw on a hat, scarves, gloves, oh my! There are tons of options that will keep you fashionable and warm.
Keep temperatures on the cooler side.
Naturally, of course after a long day of battling freezing temperatures there is nothing better than a scalding hot, steamy shower and to blast the heat. However, long exposure to hot water like in showers or baths actually strip moisture from your body. What can you do instead? Keep it to a more mild temperature and shorten it. If you want extra moisture, you can use these great new in shower lotions. Another classic option? Baby oil. Taking a bath? You can add a few drops of oil, like grape seed, or head to the fridge and throw in a few cups of milk. The proteins, vitamins and fats help soothe rough skin. Don't want to use lactose? Try a classic oatmeal bath.
Stay hydrated.
Drinking enough water isn't just for warmer weather. It is especially necessary in times like these for the exact same reasons. Hydrate yourself from the inside out. If you have a hard time remembering to drink enough water like myself, try buying yourself a cute refillable water bottle. Even better, you can help the planet as you help yourself. Wish you were on an island instead of dragging yourself to class through a blizzard? Spritz your water up and throw some of your favorite fruits in there. Cucumber, orange, lemon, strawberry and even mint tastes great. If worse comes to worse, there are even apps that can remind you to drink water throughout the day!
Say it with me, "I ______ promise to moisturize from my head, shoulders, knees to my toes."
Itchy, dry scalp? Brittle hair? Before you hop in that cooled off shower (like we already talked about), massage your cranium with vitamin E, olive oil or my favorite, coconut oil. Tea tree oil is also a great alternative. Static-y hair? Try putting a dryer sheet on your hair brush.
Look like Rudolph? Make sure to get moisturized/lotion tissues because we are #blessed someone came up with them.
Dry face? Make sure to avoid products with alcohol that will dry your skin. Once a week, try an at-home face mask. Egg yolks, honey, bananas, avocado, and milk all make a variety of treatments you can make right at home, without spending a penny. Look up a few different recipes and see which suits you best.
And finally, do you have the ever dreaded, chapped lips? Feel like your chapstick isn't working? It might not be. Some chapsticks actually contain camphor, phenol and menthol in certain brands, which actually dry your lips out. So read the ingredients before buying any. Instead of ripping off the dead skin and making them worse, try exfoliating. Brown sugar and honey will do the trick. After, you can apply Crisco, Vaseline, coconut butter or even apple honey.
