Winter Beauty Survival

Gone are the days of glowing and dewy skin from time spent outdoors in the warm sun! ‘Tis the season of the “dry and itchy!” And, it is time to get serious about upping our personal care game! Here are a few ways you can, not only survive, but thrive throughout the brutal winter months – beautiful skin, hair and nails intact!

NIX THE HOT SHOWER

You may be tempted to turn up the heat when it is freezing outside. But, in the shower, hot water will wash away your skin’s moisture and it can leave you with red skin that feels itchy and parched! Instead, reduce the temperature of the water and the amount of time you spend in the shower. As an added bonus to improved skin tone and moisture, a shorter shower will save water and put money in your pocket! Plus, you will be helping the planet – a win-win! Also, be sure to slather on a good, thick moisturizing cream after your shower!

TRY Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer from Dermalogica. $43, Dermalogica.com

SLOUGH OFF THAT DULL SKIN

Be sure to exfoliate at least twice a week during the winter months! Exfoliating will rid your body of old, dead and dull skin, help your skin absorb moisture from lotions and creams, and keep your skin looking its best! Whip up your own exfoliant with a simple recipe of white sugar and olive oil. And, if you’d like to add a natural scent to your exfoliant, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to the mixture (such as Lavender or Peppermint.)

TRY Olive & Green Tea Body Scrub from Shea Moisture, $9.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

SHAVE WITH CONDITIONER

Forget those messy shaving creams and grab your favorite bottle of conditioner instead! Using conditioner will help give you a close shave and, since you naturally exfoliate when you shave, the conditioner will moisturize your skin in the process! Instead of shaving immediately as you get into the shower, shave after you’ve rinsed out your shampoo and applied conditioner through the locks on your head. The few extra minutes of steam allows your pores to open and gives your body hair time to soften. (Which makes it easier to remove!)

CONDITION ALL OF YOUR HAIR

Conditioner isn’t only meant for the ends of your hair! If your scalp feels dry, forgo everything you’ve heard and add a bit of moisture! Lightly massage conditioner into the scalp and work it through the hair and into the ends. This works as a two-part moisture boost for hair and scalp during the winter months. Look for a sulfate-free, paraben-free conditioner.

TRY Murumuru Butter and Rose Blooming Conditioner from Love Beauty and Planet. $6.99, Target

PAMPER YOUR NAILS

Yes, even your nails need moisture! During the winter months, your finger and toe nails can be stressed and dry. A home manicure, complete with a good nail conditioner, will have your nails looking great in no time!

TRY DermaNail Nail Conditioner. $30, Summers Laboratories Inc