Winter has arrived and although there were no "White Walkers" this season (a GOT/HOTD fans' joke 😉), there are other things to worry about. You know, skin gets drier in the winter months, lips get chapped, hair looks different, and gets frizzy, cracked, etc. Many people don't know what to do, and several of our clients have already asked me for recommendations for the winter. So I decided to do this article. For a girl like me (who lives in Canada), it is extremely important to take care of my skin and hair during the winter. The years have taught me a few tricks that I'll share with you. They will help turn your dry winter skin into soft, smooth, and vibrant.
Table of Contents
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a condition in which the moisture level in the outer layer of the epidermis drops. This leads to an uncomfortable and rough feeling when you touch any surface, and the skin itself becomes unpleasant to the touch. Often this is accompanied by flaking, itching, cracking, and sometimes a burning sensation. This experience is unpleasant, but can be easily corrected with small actions and a few products. The most visible drying of the skin is on the hands and lips. The reasons for this are frequent handwashing, which strips your skin of its natural oils. Or the sharp boundary between the cold outside temperature and that inside your body, which is most tangible around your lips.
What causes dry winter skin?
The cause of dry skin in winter is mainly the humidity. The cold air is capable of holding much less water than the warm air. For this reason, during the cold months, humidity dramatically decreases. The epidermis (the skin cells from the outer layer of the skin) reflects these humidity levels and becomes drier. There are 4 basic things I follow to keep my skin and hair moisturized. These are the beauty products I use, my beauty routines, my gadgets and warm clothes, and some helpful activities during winter.
What cosmetic products to use?
It is important to note the most problematic areas during the cold months. These are areas that are exposed to the cold air and often left unprotected by winter clothing - face, hands, hair and lips. As you've probably sensed, the first signs of dry skin are drier hands and chapped lips. The next changes that occur are in the face and hair.
Face
I have one product I can't imagine winter without. Basically, any product with H₂ will help you, but Suso Mi H₂ essence is my weapon of choice. I use it with a nano mist sprayer and do it several times a day (at least morning before work, lunchtime, and evening before bed). It's a very high-quality product, so I mainly use it on my face, but it's worth every cent. If used with the nano-mist sprayer, you will start feeling a little tickling. That means the essence penetrates deep into your dead skin cells and exfoliates them. The product not only moisturizes your skin, but also serves as an antioxidant and improves your skin barrier.
Hands
For treating dry skin on my hands, I use KAMILL Hand Cream Intensive. I've tried others, but the levels of hydration and nourishment it provides are quite impressive. The cream is highly suitable for sensitive skin and restores dry skin very quickly. It contains avocado oil and aloe vera which helps with relieving dry skin. I use it at least 6 times a day and depending on how often I go outside (where it is colder) and every time after washing my hands.
Lips
I have a huge problem with dry lips. Being the first among my friends with chapped lips every winter, I'm also the first to start using lip balm. There isn't a moment in the season when I don't have one with me. This is where I turn to TIGI's BEDHEAD products. Their Dumb Blonde lip gloss is suitable for everyday use. It acts as an extra protective barrier for your lips and can be used over lipstick.
Hair
Hair conditioner is a must in winter. It nourishes the hair and promotes better hydration. Although daily hair washing should be avoided during winter, don't skip a time applying it every time while showering. Immediately after shampooing, I apply Sebastian's Laminates conditioner. It's strongly recommended to avoid blow dryers because they further dehydrate the hair. Instead, let it dry on its own, but don't go outside with wet hair.
Products mentioned above:
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What beauty routines to do?
You can do things in winter to prevent dry skin and hair. They won't take up as much of your time, but they will help to hydrate better and to improve your skin barrier.
Do a weekly hair mask
A routine that takes no more than 20 minutes out of your day is worth the effort, and the results won't be long in coming. I know a hair mask that is specifically for dry hair, you can make it easily at home. Here's how:
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
METHOD OF USE:
- Mix the sugar and olive oil together in a bowl
- Apply to hair from top to bottom
- Leave the mask on the hair for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse
Protect your skin from the sun
There is something else you should not remove (if you're still doing it) or need to add to your skin care routine. Be aware that the winter sun can be dangerous for your skin. Even in the winter months, you should use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 10 or more if you're going to be outdoors for a long time. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will not only cause dry winter skin, but can lead to premature skin aging or skin disease.
Hydrate dry winter skin in the evening too
To treat dry winter skin, you have to take the advantage of long-lasting procedures. Use the night to your advantage. You have all the time until you fall asleep, which will help the dry skin absorb the product better. It's a tough choice here because once you fall asleep you can very easily stain your bed with the ointment. So I would advise you to go with 100% natural. I personally like ECOMED's Shea butter because it is made from natural ingredients and if there are any stains left, they are very easy to remove. I also wouldn't let a product sit on my skin all night if I didn't know it was 100% natural.
Ways of adjusting to winter.
Dress well
First, you need to dress warmly. Use hats, gloves, thick jackets, scarves, and whatever else you have. These accessories don't just protect against the cold. Try to keep your hands in warm gloves, they won't get as dry. Make sure you wrap a scarf around your neck, and it covers your mouth, your lips won't chap. If you put on a warm hat, your hair will keep its hydration, so it won't look and feel dry. Do your best to keep body heat.
Never leave the house with wet hair
Just as you wouldn't think of a jump into a lake at -5 degrees, you shouldn't think of going outside with wet hair. Not only is it dangerous for your hair, but you are also endangering your health. In itself, going out with wet hair is not dangerous, but you are creating more hospitable conditions for various viruses (like rhinovirus) that prefer damp and cold environments. The other danger is hair freezing and breakage. Either way, the consequences will not be good. It's best to let it dry on its own, but if you need to get out quickly, a hair dryer is also a solution.
Get a humidifier
Air humidifiers are something very popular. They are sold in all major stores and are extremely affordable. Indoor heat is produced by appliances like air conditioners, which suck the moisture out of the air. This creates a dry environment, and as I said above, skin epithelial cells reflect the environment. This can cause a dry winter skin. A humidifier will add the needed moisture and maintain the balance in your home.
Shower with colder water
Although a warm shower at the end of the day is a treat, but warm water has been proven to effectively remove the skin's natural oils. It is recommended to shower with lukewarm water. It is also advisable to take care of the skin after every bathing. Use moisturizing oils to add another protection layer to your skin barrier.
Summary
Winters are merciless to the skin and hair. Treat your body properly and don't leave your skin unprotected. Dress well and change your routines a little. Use tested and quality products to be sure of their efficacy. Add some daily routines like changing your hot showers with cold ones, evening hydration, and sun protection. Keep your environment (home or office) as humidified as it can be. Make sure you use lip balm and h2 essence as frequently as possible.
