Stay beautiful
In winter, people are more concerned with keeping warm and not much attention is placed on beauty.
Cold winds, steamy showers, low temperatures and indoor heaters can affect one’s skin and hair.
Below are some tips for soothing your body from scalp to soles.
Dull complexion
Dehydrated skin cells turn over more slowly, causing a build-up of dead skin, which hinders light reflection. Circulation also gets sluggish.
To rectify this problem, one should drink lots of water and load up on omega-3s (essential fatty acids found in foods such as salmon and walnuts).
Your daily skin regimen should start with a milky or creamy cleanser. Follow with a cream or balm instead of a lotion. They’re richer and better at holding water in the skin. These creams insulate the skin, which is key when one constantly goes between the cold outside and the drying heat indoors.
Winter hair
Winter hair can be described as dull, depressed and apathetic. Plus, dry hair side-effects such as static cling, make it extra hard to manage.
The solution to this problem is a conditioner. It should include silicones to lock down the outer cuticle layer and seal in moisture. Equally important are quaternary ammonium compounds which leave hair soft and silky, and neutralise the static electricity. Scan the label for cetrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride.
Dry, itchy scalp
Itching and flakes can be symptoms of both dandruff and dry scalp. One can try a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. If they don’t soothe the scalp after a week, then try an intensive-care product. Part your hair down the middle and apply the oil to your exposed scalp. Make a new part every two centimeters and massage the oil in as you go, until the scalp is saturated. Wash after 15 minutes. If flakes still persist, it is dandruff. Switch to a medicated shampoo containing zinc pyrithione. It will kill the fungus, and stop the itching and flakes.
Cracked, reptilian skin
Too many hot showers and not enough body cream can make the skin resemble a desert creature. Arms and legs have fewer oil glands, so they tend to be drier and scalier than other parts, especially in the winter. Milk does a body good, inside and out. The natural fats and lactic acid in milk can soften skin, lightly exfoliate and relieve irritation. Using a milk-and-honey cream will also help with healthier skin.
