Everyone knows how much damage the cooler weather can do to your skin and hair. Here, four experts weigh in on how to maintain your best skin and hair all season long.
Don't Neglect Your Neckline Area
"The neckline of our hair gets so knotty! The reason for this is our winter attire: We wear scarves and sweaters that have texture and will knot up the hair as we move throughout the day. I suggest making sure that you brush it out everyday. Adding a bit of L'Oréal Mystic Oil to the neckline hair will also help by creating a little slip to preventing matting." —Roxy Brennan, senior stylist at Rittenhouse Spa & Club
Take Protective Measures Against the Sun
"You still NEED sunscreen! It’s a very common misconception that you only need UV protection in the summer. Although the strength of the sun's UVB rays diminish slightly in the winter months, the UVA rays remain constant throughout the year. Additionally, snow also reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays, which is higher than sand and water. This makes a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) as much of a skin staple in the winter as it is in the summer. To combat dryness, use a moisturizing sunscreen at the same time." —Becky Fenlin, practice coordinator at About Face Skin Care
Restore Your Hair's Moisture
"One of the major issues that people deal with in winter—when the heat in your house and car are turned on—is the drop in temperature and humidity. That means there is lack of moisture in the air [affecting] your skin, and can cause some challenges for chemical or color-treated hair. Seeing static is a sign of not enough moisturizer in your hair. I recommend a leave-in conditioner during the winter months; for heavier hair, I recommend using a masque weekly. People with curly hair will notice a loss of definition to the curl [in the winter months]. With the rage moving towards bohemian natural textures, we recommend adding a root volume spray to your existing regimen. Remember, products that work in the summer do not work in the fall or winter!" —Will Bostock, owner of Blue Hair Studio
Develop a Steadfast Routine
"Cleanse your skin every night to rid it of makeup and impurities that accumulate throughout the day—this action alone helps rejuvenate, balance, and stimulate healthy skin. Try to use a gentle, more hydrating cleanser during the drier winter months because most skin types get dehydrated on the surface. Mature skin needs the most hydration! Layering a skin oil or serum under a rich moisture is awesome. Combination skin types or oily skin should wear a sheer moisturizer, just to protect the surface by making sure your skin doesn't get parched." —Kelley Hughes, co-owner of Parlour Hair & Skin
Don't Over-Dry Your Skin
"Avoid super-hot showers and baths, which can dry out skin (also, keep them on the shorter side) and moisturize your skin—especially after getting out of the bath or shower! Wash skin with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that doesn't contain alcohol, and use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air and help dry skin. Try an ointment or cream, rather than lotion, to moisturize; sometimes ointments and creams are more effective than lotions!" —Dr. Jennifer Caudle, family physician & assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine