Winter Dry Skin & Hair: 10 Tips to Prevent

Dry skin and hair during the winter happens but it doesn't have to! By making some changes to your hair/skin care regimen and habits, and using the right products, you may be able to keep your skin looking soft, smooth, and vibrant all winter long. Yes PLEASE.

We configured the top ten tips to help prevent that dry hair and skin this winter season so you can stay lush and bright year round. 

 

1. Moisturize right after washing

When you wash your face, body, or hair, you strip your skin & hair of its natural oils. Since these oils help to lock in moisture, it’s vital to replace them. That’s why it’s important to use a moisturizer any time you wash your skin, or a leave in hair conditioner especially in winter.

As a helpful reminder, try stocking your favorite moisturizer and leave in hair treatment next to your sink and keep a travel-size moisturizer with you when you’re on the go.

2. Apply Sunscreen

Winter days = less sunlight, so it can be tempting to cut sunscreen out of your morning routine — but s'il te plait ne! Even on snow days, harmful UV light can still stress your skin’s sensitive moisture barrier. This step helps to maintain your skin health and hydration during this harsh season. 

Try adding a layer of sunscreen each morning after you’ve applied that daily moisturizer! There are also product out there now formulated to protect your hair against harmful UV light as well. Great for those with color treated hair or extensions.

3. Include an Overnight treatment

Overnight treatments are a great way to revitalize or prevent dry skin and hair. Emollients are great for moisturizing; however it is a heavier type of cream that can take longer to be absorbed into your skin. By applying an emollient to your skin overnight AND sleeping on a Rêves Silk pillowcase - gives you the time and barrier your skin needs. Sleeping with a Rêves silk pillowcase helps keep your overnight treatment of choice on your face giving optimal absorption. Pick an oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like baobab oil and smooth a bit into your hair every night. If you don't already, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect both your hair. Silk pillowcases also helps with dry hair at night - by protecting your hairs natural good oils to maintain top moisture lock. 

4. Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, which can be especially helpful when indoor heating is cranked up in those cold winter months. Having more moisture in the air can help act as a natural moisturizing agent which, in turn, may prevent and relieve skin dryness.

According to Harvard Health Publishing,  a humidifier setting of 60 percent in winter can replenish moisture in the top layer of your skin.

5. Skip the HOT shower

According to the Baylor College of Medicine, hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils faster than lukewarm water (which is typically around 98.6°F/37°C), and possibly even cause damage.

6. Don't Over Exfoliate

This one shook us the most at Rêves HQ! Although exfoliation is known to remove dead skin cells to reveal a more smooth and vibrant appearance, it is possible to over exfoliate your skin if you do it too often or are using the wrong products.

If your skin looks dry or flaky, you may want to opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant rather than a physical sugar scrub. Harsher scrubs with large particles may be more likely to break down your skin’s moisture barrier and cause damage.

If your skin is cracked, raw, or irritated, it may be best to avoid exfoliation until your skin has healed.

7. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Stay well hydrated throughout the day. If you are not taking in enough fluids throughout the day it can affect the appearance of your skin and also make it more susceptible to drying out.

In addition to staying well hydrated, you may also want to focus on eating foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids also keep hair shiny and helps it grow. 

8. Opt for non irritating fabrics

When you are dealing with any skin problem its pivotal to avoid wearing harsh materials. And dry skin is no exception. If the skin on your body is extra dry, try wearing loose, comfortable, natural fabrics like silk to reduce the risk of extra physical irritation. Silk is hypoallergenic and a natural protein fiber - this makes a great choice for pillowcases and face coverings this season.

9. Put your laundry in winter mode!

Avoid dryer sheets, scented soaps or other scented products in your load this season. Look for detergents without dyes and fragrances which may cause itching. This can be true even if you have been using the same brand for many years! Dryer sheets are also a notorious cause of winter itch. Either stay away from dryer sheets altogether or use a brand that’s made from a paper sheet rather than a composite fiber sheet. 

10. Avoid Wet hair & clothes

Wet hair is more vulnerable to damage than dry hair. Walking outside in winter with a wet head can cause hair to freeze and break. While air drying is best, it’s better to blow dry your hair than go outdoors with a saturated mane.

Are you into winter sports? Walking, playing and shoveling in the slow can lead to wet clothes that can also irritate your skin and cause itchiness. Just make sure you remove those wet socks, pants and gloves ASAP to avoid dry or irritated skin.