How to protect your hair and skin from frost

When temperatures drop, humidity levels usually drop as well. And when the winter indoor air is heated by radiators, it becomes even drier. These factors, coupled with the wind, pull moisture from the skin. It turns red , becomes dry and may even itch.

Temperature changes also damage hair. They become fragile and can break if you comb your hair, braid it tightly, or put it in buns. And due to dryness, static electricity occurs. As a result of all this, the ends begin to split.

How to protect your skin from the effects of frost

Tips will help reduce the influence of wind and get rid of dryness.

Choose the right facial care

In winter, as at other times of the year, care consists of three stages. For each of them you need to select funds.

• It is better to choose products that do not dry out the skin. If you feel tightness after washing , it is better to replace the gel or foam. Avoid products containing alcohol and look for labels that say “non-drying,” “moisturizing,” or “gentle.”
• Light lotions may not be enough. Instead, you should choose creams, oils or balms. Products containing hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil are good options.
• Yes, in winter you also need to use sunscreen and lip balm because even in cloudy weather, UV rays reach the ground. And if there is snow, then ultraviolet light is reflected from them and hits the skin in a larger volume than usual. It is better to choose products with SPF of at least 30. To protect against wind and low temperatures, you can use cold creams. They are not included in winter care recommendations , but they can still be useful. After application, the product forms a thin film on the skin. This happens thanks to the beeswax in the composition.

Don’t hide your face in a scarf

Breathing causes condensation to form on the scarf. In the cold it freezes and turns into ice. This can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin in people with rosacea .

Wash no more than once a day

The advice may seem strange or unhygienic. But frequent washing removes the natural layer of oils from the skin. Therefore, it is better to limit bathing to once a day. And spend no more than 10 minutes on this. For cleansing, choose gels or mousses – the creamier the better.

Excessive washing can also dry out your facial skin. To prevent this from happening, try washing your face once a day too. For example, before bed to remove makeup, sweat, oil or dirt that may have accumulated during the day. If you want to rinse your face in the morning, do it without using cleansers.

To prevent burns from adding to dryness , monitor the water temperature while washing and bathing. For an adult, 43 °C in the bath and 41 °C in the shower are considered comfortable.

Take care of your hands

Frequent hand washing cannot be avoided. It is necessary for the prevention of colds, flu and Covid . To avoid drying out your skin, use a moisturizing soap without alcohol, fragrances or dyes.

After cleansing, apply nourishing cream to still damp skin . And if your hands are dry and prone to problems, you can choose special restorative products. In the composition , look for hyaluronic and lactic acids, urea, glycerin, petroleum jelly, mineral oils, shea butter, lanolin, dimethicone.

To protect against cold and wind, be sure to use gloves or mittens. Or at least hide your palms in your sleeves.

After washing, moisturize your body

Evaporation of water from the skin can also cause dryness. To avoid this, use moisturizing products after washing. Look for glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum jelly and shea butter.

Wear clothes made from natural fabrics

Some fabrics, such as flannel and wool, can irritate already-stressed skin. Instead, it is better to choose things made of silk, linen and muslin.

Avoid scented products

This applies not only to skincare cosmetics, but also to household chemicals. For example, laundry detergent and fabric softener with fragrances can draw moisture from the skin and cause irritation. It is better to replace them with neutral products.

Drink more

Choose water and decaffeinated drinks. This will help you stay hydrated and prevent dry skin.

Buy a humidifier

Hot and dry indoor air can cause sensitive skin to dry out , causing and worsening itching and flaking. Therefore, it is worth using a humidifier at home. The device will help maintain humidity levels from 30 to 50%.

Eat a balanced diet

This tip is suitable for protecting both skin and hair. Although it is very tempting to buy a vitamin complex, you can get all the necessary substances from food. A Mediterranean diet is suitable . This is a meal plan that contains vegetables and fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, olives and olive oil. Food of animal origin – fish and seafood, poultry and eggs.

How to protect your hair from frost

In winter, hair requires more attention than at other times of the year. But the rules of care are quite simple.

Wash your hair correctly

This will help protect your scalp and hair from cold and dryness. The main points are:

• Use warm, not hot water.
• Rinse the shampoo completely from your scalp.
• Choose a conditioner to protect your hair and prevent frizz.

Moisturize your hair

This way you can avoid the formation of static electricity. It is recommended to use products with oils :

• coconutrestores damaged hair;
• olivegives smoothness;
• arganprotects against damage;
• Jojobarestores shine and softens.

These oils can be added to shampoo or used as a leave-in treatment. For example, apply to the ends of your hair.

Dry your hair without a hair dryer

Hot air increases dryness. If you still need to style or dry your hair quickly, use thermal protection. And set the hair dryer to the minimum temperature.

Comb carefully

During the cold season, hair dries out and becomes more fragile. Therefore, it is important to comb your hair, following several rules :

• If your head is wet, wait until your hair is completely dry.
• First, carefully comb the ends , holding the strands.
• Gradually work your way up, holding the hair approximately in the middle and combing it along the entire length.
• Repeat if necessary, holding the hair near the roots, each time moving the comb completely through the strands.

It is better to choose a comb with wide and smooth teeth, located at a large distance from each other. The teeth must be made of metal or wood. Then static electricity will not appear.

Do not put your hair in a tight bun or braid.

Buns and braids bend the strands in several places. This can cause your hair to break. Therefore, it is better not to make your hair too tight.

Be careful with rubber bands. Especially if you have thin, damaged or dyed hair. To avoid injuring them even more, choose non-tight, soft products made from natural materials. For example, silk, satin, jacquard.

Avoid bleaching and chemicals

Lighteners and chemicals for curling or straightening break down fatty acids and proteins. Because of this, the hair becomes dry and brittle. In winter, recovery from the procedure may take longer than usual.