With winter temperatures comes the ultimate battle against dry skin, straggly hair, and chapped lips. And if this year is anything like last year’s below-freezing, average temps, we need to take preventative action. Luckily for you, I’m moisturize-obsessive, a hair-care neurotic, and an avid lip balm user who did some research on products I already love and use as well as a few others.
Photo: Personaling Magazine/Google
Dry Hair
Brittle ends, static strands, and dry scalps. This is my least favorite part about winter – minus walking to class.
Here’s a secret: any conditioner can be a leave-in conditioner, just don’t rinse it out! If you have super thin or easily greasy hair, this might not be best. As for brittle ends and overall dry hair, use a leave-in or heavy moisturizing conditioner to put moisture back in your hair that the cold temps suck out. Try to wash your hair less often – every two days – to avoid dryness and to preserve color. Try: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner ($10-24) to nourish and strengthen hair; perfect for all hair types.
To fight static, use a dime-sized – or if you have thick hair, quarter-sized – amount of serum and run it through your ends first and work your way up to your roots. This will calm strands without greasing up your scalp. Try: The Body Shop’s Grapeseed Glossing Serum ($12) to moisturize and add shine, perfect for dull, frizzy hair (I use this after every shower!).
Photo: The Body Shop
Soothe a dry, itchy scalp with a gentle shampoo that breaks up flakes and strengthens hair. Try: The Body Shop’s Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo ($10) to fight dandruff, perfect for all hair types (I use this too, weekly!).
Dry Skin
I stumbled upon a Cosmopolitan article (that actually inspired this entire article) where Dr. Dennis Gross explained that even in cold, humid places, like Athens, skin gets dehydrated as a result of your body directing blood towards your stomach when in cold temps. Blood away from your skin = a super dry complexion.
I can’t stress how important moisturizer is to keep your face glowing and fresh during these harsh winter months. Use a regular moisturizer in the morning and a heavier one at night that you can let soak in while you sleep. Apply immediately after washing your face and showering. Try: The Body Shop’s Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream ($16.50) for the day and Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask ($33) at night.
For your hands, moisturize at least once a day to prevent cracked knuckles and rough palms. Regular use of hand cream nourishes and soothes for touchable (pun-intended) softness. Try: True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere ($6) for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizer fragranced with vanilla, shea, and amber.
After every shower, moisturize YOUR ENTIRE BODY. You will thank me, I promise, and you will be super soft. Try: Soap & Glory’s The Righteous Butter Body Lotion ($24) for a “fantastically hydrating body lotion.” (My absolute fave!!)
Photo: Soap and Glory/Google
Dry Lips
Can’t have winter without chapped lips! I definitely recommend applying Burt’s Bees lip balm ($3.30) throughout the day. Burt’s has so many flavors and treatment options to choose from, including Rejuvenating Acai Berry, Soothing Eucalyptus and Menthol, and Nourishing Mango Butter that are perfect for winter.
Before bed, try out C.O. Bigelow’s My Favorite Night Balm ($7.50) for eight hour overnight recovery. Granted, I totally use this balm throughout the entire day, at least twice a day, for its super effective, intense moisturizing properties. One use and you’ll be hooked.
Photo: Bath and Body Works
As always, protect your skin and hair while walking to class. Wear gloves and a hat and most importantly your moisturizer!
Have more winter haircare and skincare tips I missed? Send me your fave winter beauty products @hercampusohiou.