Sweater Weather isn’t the best time of the year for your hair and skin, as the lack of moisture in the air can leave them looking dry and damaged. In this article, we have listed some important skincare and haircare tips that you can follow, to escape the effects of the harsh winter –
SKINCARE
Wash your face with lukewarm water
Lower temperatures call for dreamy hot showers that leave us feeling warm and fuzzy. But they’re not the best thing for your skin. Hot water dries out your skin immediately, leaving it cracked and itchy. The best solution would be to use lukewarm water on your body and face, followed by some thorough moisturisation post your shower.
Avoid over exfoliating
Exfoliation helps get rid of dead skin cells and also boost regeneration. However, during winters, exfoliation may take away the layer that acts as a barrier between your skin and the atmosphere around you. During this season, exfoliation should depend on your skin type – if you have extremely dry skin, avoid exfoliation altogether, but if you have a combination skin type, once a week should do.
Use gentle products
The quality of your skin also depends on the kind of products you use. It is advisable to use products that are mild in nature and moisturizing at the same time, with a lot less fragrance (fragrant products tend to be harsh because of their chemical content). Always read through contents of a product before purchasing, and do a quick research to check if it would agree with your skin type. If you’re still confused, you can always consult with a dermatologist or skin specialist and get their recommendations.
Pay attention to your hands
The skin on your hands is a lot thinner than the rest of your body, making it even more prone to dehydration. Moisture escapes a lot easier as there are fewer oil glands, which is why cracks tend to develop a lot faster. Invest in a good quality hand moisturiser and keep applying it on your hands from time to time. If you’re someone who lives in extremely cold climate, do not leave the house without a pair of woolen gloves.
HAIRCARE
Oil massages
The winter months are the worst phase for your scalp as it is a lot drier and itchier due to the lack of moisture. This leads to dandruff and irritation, which in turn leads to hair fall. A regular oil massage will ensure that your scalp stays moisturized, and will also reduce breakage and hair fall. Heat a few teaspoons of oil (depending on the volume) and massage it onto your scalp. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing it off.
Condition thoroughly
It is important to provide your hair with all the moisture it can get, especially during the cold climate. Make sure you apply conditioner with every wash – apply your conditioner towards the ends of your hair, and avoid the scalp area as it can make it oily. Preferably wash it out with cold water, as cold water locks the moisture in, making your hair look shiny and lustrous.
Don’t leave home with wet hair
Damp hair tends to attracted breakage, dandruff and split ends. It is important to dry your hair completely before you step out. You must let it dry naturally, but if you’re someone on the go and want to speed up the process, you can use a blow dryer on the cool air setting, and dry your hair in sections to prevent knotting.
Avoid excess hair appliances
Winter is also the season for parties and events and you’d definitely want to look your best. However, it can also be damaging to the hair as the heat from curlers or irons can dry out your hair and your scalp, and also make the strands weak causing breakage. If you maintain a proper and effective hair care routine, your hair can look naturally glamorous, without the need of any damaging tools.
