This is a guest post and does not necessarily represent the opinions of ACWOM
Snowflakes and Skincare: Looking After Yourself in the Winter
Winter is almost upon us and while we may look forward to the change in season and all it brings, it can play havoc with our appearance. By the time Christmas and New Year come around, the change in weather can have a noticeable effect on our skin and hair. Taking a few simple precautions and actions can leave you with a winter glow rather than wind-burnt cheeks.
Face
The first part of you that people will notice is your face, but the wind, snow and rain can be brutal on facial skin. Wearing a scarf around your face in the worst weather will help, as will drinking plenty of water to combat the dehydration caused by extreme weather. A gentle facial cream is a must for many skin types and even those with oily skin can find effective oil-free moisturisers with natural ingredients.
A crucial tip is to remember that even in the winter sun you need some SPF protection. Balancing that with the need to get enough sun to produce the vitamin D you require can be the biggest challenge.
Hands
It’s often said that your hands show your age better than your face. For those of us whose hands crack over the darker months, this can feel like an insult! Even people with oily or combination skin can suffer from dry or even painful hands in the winter.
Part of the problem is the sudden changes in temperature that they experience, from heated buildings to freezing and possibly damp conditions. You must make sure your hands are completely dry after washing or coming in from the wet and regularly using hand cream is a good idea. A light one is fine if your hands are coping well, but if you’re prone to very dry or cracked hands then seek out a more intensive moisturiser. A hemp-based one can work miracles and you can find some great ones by searching for creams and lotions advertised for gardeners. If the skin is actually bleeding then don’t use anything stronger than aqueous cream on it, as it can also be used as a hand cleanser instead of soap if they’ve reached that stage.
Hair
Don’t overlook your hair. It’s likely to spend a great deal of time under a hat or a hood over the winter but come the spring, or those Christmas parties, you’re going to want it to shine. Over the winter even those of us who like to let our hair dry naturally are more likely to use a hairdryer more often and for longer, because who wants to go out in the ice with wet hair? Then there’s the seasonal parties, which may (or may not) involve curling tongs, straightening irons and more products than you usually put in there. If you have a sensitive scalp you’ll need to pick a shampoo that is designed for your particular needs.
If your hair does get damaged try a shea butter repair spray, such as the one L’Occitane makes. Try to choose products with natural ingredients so that you don’t increase chemical build-up and mask further damage the product may be causing.
This is a guest post and does not necessarily represent the opinions of ACWOM
