BEAUTY
6 Ways to Eliminate
Winter Dryness
By RASHIDA A. MARSHALL
Each year, the drop in temperature calls for us to break out our
cute winter gear and bundle up fashionably. Rocking the latest
style trends can be fun, but nobody wants dry hair and skin to ruin
the look. Taking a few extra steps. such as the ones below, to prevent this unwanted occurrence may not only improve our look but
may also be advantageous for the health of our skin and hair.
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Keep it Short: There is no denying that taking
a long, hot shower can be quite relaxing, but it
can also lead to dry skin. Hot water can strip our
skin of its natural oils, making it easier for our skin
to dry out. Instead, opt for short, warm showers
while using cleansers that promote healthy and
sufficient moisture for the skin.
Get Enough Healthy Fats: Eating foods that are
high in healthy fats is another way to prevent
your skin from drying out during the winter
season. When our body lacks sufficient amounts
of fat, it can give our skin a dry appearance.
Consuming foods such as fish, nuts and healthy
oils may not only be great for your health, but it
can also help your skin to remain moist, supple
and full.
Stay Moisturized: Since the cold weather we
experience during the winter can easily dry out
our skin, it’s important that we work to retain as
much of it as possible. Within five minutes of
coming out of the shower, be sure to apply some
type of skin care product that helps to seal in
moisture. Another technique is to apply moisturizer
on your hands and feet right before bed and then
put on a pair of thick socks and gloves. This
allows for your hands and feet to be much softer
in the morning.
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Stay Covered: Excessive cold weather and
heavy winds on your skin can easily create an
issue with dryness. Whether you plan to be
outdoors in the cold for a couple minutes or a
couple hours, having ample amounts of coverage
can be very beneficial your skin and hair. Always
keep gloves, a cap, a scarf and other necessary
items to cover up areas that are commonly
exposed.
Protect Your Hair: Over time, if left consistently
exposed, our hair and scalp can be dried out
due to cold weather, leaving it with a dull,
parched appearance. Choosing protective styles
such as braids, twists, sew-ins and others can
allow you to maintain your unique sense of style
while keeping your hair healthy and protected.
To maintain your hair’s moisture while it is in these
styles, find a product that is safe and good to use
with protective hairstyles.
Read Those Ingredients: The same way you
check the ingredients of the food you eat, it’s
also important to be aware of what is in your
skin care products. Our skin absorbs a good
amount of what we put on it, so being cautious of
what we are using, especially during the winter,
can ensure that we are putting the right products
on to our skin. Some ingredients to stay clear of
include propylene gycol, phenoxyethanol, sodium
laurel sulfate and synthetic colors and fragrances,
which can all create dryness and skin irritation.
6 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 AFIYA MAGAZINE