THE FACELike the skin on the body, the skin on the face becomes drier due to the dry weather. Some women find that they need to change from usual combination or oily moisturiser to one for dry or sensitive skin. There are beauty houses that make hydrating products that you can apply to your skin before applying your moisturiser. This is easier because you do not have to own two different moisturisers. Instead you can add a serum to your usual regime and once winter is out of the way, you can store it in a cool, dark place. Men also experience the dryness and flaking of skin on their faces but most of them use body lotion on their skin. Vitamin E oil is a good alternative to body lotion as it is designed to prevent dry skin.
THE LIPSThese can become chapped, so be generous with your lip balm. Remember to exfoliate them every morning with a wet toothbrush or a wet face cloth.
THE BODYThough my skin is naturally dry, I find that in the summer I can use my lotion as it is and it will work perfectly. Once the weather becomes cooler my skin becomes dry and starts to crack. I have found that adding a generous amount of glycerine to my lotion goes a long way. Some mix their lotion with Vaseline, in their palms, before applying and they say it works. Another alternative is to change to a thicker lotion made specifically to curb dry skin. Like with the face, Vitamin E oil is good for nourishing dry skin.
THE FEETThe poor soles are easy to neglect but they need some winter loving too. The frequency of pedicures be it at home or a spa, needs to increase. I would avoid wearing open heel shoes in winter as they do not help in preventing cracked heels. The feet will also need more moisturising especially before bed. Apply a thick layer of your foot lotion or your body lotion mixed with Vaseline or Vaseline mixed with some lemon juice or olive oil then wear a thick pair of socks. Exfoliate the heels every day with a pumice stone.
WATERThough it may not be hot, the body’s requirement of 2-3 litres of water a day does not decrease. Dehydration is one of the causes of dry hair, skin, chapped lips and cracked heels. There is, unfortunately, no substitute for water. So drink up.
Protecting hair during winter
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Ladies, it is time to unleash those protective hairstyles. By protective hairstyles I mean styles like cornrows, braids, weaves. Our dry winters mean that our hair becomes drier and brittle therefore it is more susceptible to breakage. It would be wise to tuck it away for a while.
However, I am not saying having just one hairdo through out the winter. Phrophro (online hair consultant) suggests that if you have cornrows you should keep them in for three weeks max and if you have braids or a weave then keep them in for six weeks max so that there will be minimal breakage when you take out the hairstyle.
Remember to moisturise your own hair while it is in a protective style. Moisturise it, and keep your scalp clean by washing. You may need to moisturise more frequently because of the dry weather.
