The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and Starbucks already has their red holiday cups. This can only mean one thing, winter is right around the corner. Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up in a favorite sweater, sit by the fireplace and drink warm beverages. Although all these activities sound enticing, beauty-wise, the long winter season could be your worst nightmare.
Less humidity means better hair days, but winter brings the risk of dry skin, chapped lips, and an overall lack of that healthy glow. Before you fret about how to maintain dewy skin, luscious locks, and manicured nails, there are several tips on how to continue looking your best through the cold winter months.
Winter consists of bitter winds, steamy showers and drying indoor heat which can suck the life right out of your skin and hair. According to Women’s Health Magazine, “Dehydrated skin cells turn over more slowly, causing a buildup of dead skin, which hinders light reflection. Circulation also gets sluggish and just like that, your glow is gone and fine lines look more pronounced.”
A solution to enhance lackluster skin in the winter is to make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Omega-3s, essential fatty acids found in foods such as salmon and walnuts are also very crucial and beneficial for one’s health, especially when wanting to keep hair and skin from drying out. Taking vitamins could not be stressed enough.
Doris Day, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University, informs that “Omega- 3s boost hydration, so I recommend taking supplements to ensure you get enough.”
Even though we have survived the warm, humid months, dull, dry hair does not magically disappear in the winter. Dry hair side effects include static cling which can make hair even more unmanageable.
A sophomore communication major Samantha Savona suggests using dryer sheets to help keep static hair at bay.
“My roommate taught me to rub dryer sheets on my hair to stop static. It sounds silly, but it works,” she said.
To combat dry, lifeless hair, assistant communication professor Marina Vujnovic tells of her favorite hair product.
She said, “I use a lot more oil in the winter. I love Argan oil for my hair and I sometimes even apply it to my skin as well.” She continued, “At about $19 a bottle, it is a bit pricy but it definitely lasts and helps a lot.”
Long, hot showers and not enough moisturizing can make one’s skin resemble a desert. According to Cosmopolitan, “Arms and legs have fewer oil glands, so they tend to be drier and scalier than other parts, especially in the winter.”
The lack of humidity and downing that third cup of coffee to make up for less daylight during this time also contributes to dry skin in cold months. A sophomore communication major, Brielle Cotelo tries her hardest to prevent dry skin. She said, “Skin gets much more dry in the winter which is definitely not flattering, so I make sure to have lotion in my bag at all times to continuously moisturize throughout the day.”
Lathering up on creams that contain citric acids, such as Fresh Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream, help to dissolve peeling skin. Eating antioxidant rich foods is also essential to smooth, hydrated skin.
In the winter, you are constantly surrounded by hot, dry air indoors and the freezing temperatures outdoors. Such two extremes can reduce the moisture level in nails, leaving them dehydrated.
Aside from the grueling temperatures, “washing dishes is just about the worst activity for nails,” says Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann.
When reaching for that hand cream, make sure to slather some extra lotion onto nails too. Massage the cream into the cuticles to help stimulate healthy nail growth.
Communication adjunct professor Sherry Sukienik said, “I always make sure to keep my cuticles moisturized by applying Vaseline. It helps to prevent cracked, dry cuticles.”
For intense hydration, soak nails in lukewarm water for approximately ten minutes, then coat nails in cuticle oil and slip on cotton gloves for at least an hour. This will leave your hands feeling soft and smooth as well.
The winter months may be rough on your skin, hair and nails, but if you follow these tips you will be able to brave the brutal winter months while looking fabulous.
PHOTO TAKEN from i-smileclinics.com
