Tips for Keeping Your Skin and Hair Healthy in the Winter

You might think summer is the worst time for your skin and hair—after all, sun is the enemy, right? While summer definitely can be damaging to your hair and skin, winter isn’t doing your body any favors. Cold air has less moisture than warm air, and winter winds wreak havoc on your skin. When the elements have less humidity, your hair and skin lose moisture. Indoors, you’re faced with the drying effects of heaters and fires, and all those factors combine to make your skin and hair dry and damaged.

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Luckily, there are ways to combat winter’s effects without dipping yourself in vats of lotion. Here are our top four suggestions:

Get a humidifier

The surest way to combat winter dryness is by infusing your home with moisture. Humidifiers are typically affordable and very effective. You’ll notice a difference in your skin if you set up a humidifier next to your bed and turn it on before sleeping; it’s almost like feeding your skin while you sleep. You’ll also wake up with lips and hair that aren’t as dry, and if you happen to get sick during winter, a humidifier can combat germs and soothe a dry cough. Modern humidifiers are quiet, so they won’t disrupt your sleep.

Serum first, then lotion

If you’re not familiar with serum, it’s time to incorporate this winter-fighting elixir into your nighttime routine. Facial serum is pricier than lotion, but that’s because it doesn’t contain fillers and is usually made with higher-quality ingredients. Serum is made to penetrate the outer layers of your skin, delivering antioxidants deeper into your face. Put on lotion after serum to seal in the ingredients, then head to bed and let the two products work their magic. It’s important to follow up with a high-quality nighttime moisturizer to keep your skin treated overnight. In the morning, be sure to use a day cream with SPF in it (because winter sun still contains damaging UV rays).

Step away from the blow dryer

Hair is drier in winter, which means it’s more vulnerable, and exposing it to heat is going to damage it further. This is the season to rely on hats, braids, and Velcro rollers. Avoid hot water in the shower because it’s harsh on both skin and hair. Or, if hot water is a must, wash your hair once a week and use dry shampoo between washes. Hair masks are great for moisturizing your hair and scalp. Try some easy hair mask recipes using ingredients you have around the house.

Drink water

This one seems like a no-brainer, but we tend to not drink as much water in winter. After all, who wants to drink water when it’s freezing outside? In the colder months, we tend to drink more coffee and tea, which dehydrate and contribute to overall dryness. To keep your hair and skin looking healthy, drink as much water in winter as you do in summer.

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These four vital steps to keeping your skin and hair hydrated throughout winter will pay off in a major way. And when the snow starts to melt, you’ll be prepared with gorgeous, hydrated skin and hair that look like they’ve never even seen winter.