When the weather changes, so should your beauty routine. Your hair and skin respond differently to cooler temperatures, so with winter coming up, it is important that you adjust your routine accordingly.
The harsh winter elements and colder climates have a harmful, drying effect on skin and hair. But by following these simple tips, it's easy to maintain healthy, glowing hair and skin all year round.
Tips for healthy winter skin
1. Exfoliate Braving the winter wind and then moving into a heated environment has a major drying effect on the skin. Exfoliating will remove layers of skin, allowing for new skin cells to develop.
Exfoliating with a formula or a loofer in the shower a few times a week will ensure smoother, softer skin.
2. Moisturise
Moisturising with a hydrating lotion is vital for keeping your skin glowing and smooth. In the colder months it's a good idea to switch to heavier moisturising creams. It's also a good time to use lotions which contain ingredients such as green tea, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, grape seed, melatonin or vitamins C and E.
All of these contain antioxidants which counteract the free-radical damage caused by winter sun.
3. Use a gentle cleanser
In winter it is important to be more selective when choosing a cleanser. Scented, deodorant and anti-bacterial soaps can be extremely harsh and often will strip the skin of essential oils. Mild, soap-free products and cleansers such as Cetaphil are recommended as appropriate choices.
Tips for healthy winter hair
1. Use a gentle shampoo
Basic winter hair care includes using a shampoo that won't strip your hair of moisture. It is also important in the colder months to cut down on frequent washing, as it will dry out the scalp and hair more easily.
2. Use a deeper conditioner
Richer conditioners and leave-ins allow for more protection, as the cold weather tends to dry out your locks.
The heavy cream consistency provides lubrication which will prevent damage. This will stop the hair becoming too fragile by rebuilding the hair structure which helps it grow and shine.
3. Use a weekly treatment
It is common for hair to experience breakage in the colder weather, so to ensure this doesn't occur, a protein-rich treatment should be used at least once a week.
