Unless you live on a tropical island, wintertime probably means shorter days, chilly winds, and maybe even snowstorms. As the weather changes, so do your daily routines and health.
Most Americans complain of itchy or dry skin during the winter months. A combination of cold temperatures, low humidity levels, and dry indoor heat create the perfect storm for an uncomfortably dry environment – one that impacts everything from your skin to your hair.
Dermatologists and other healthcare professionals highly recommend adopting preventative strategies to avoid dryness. In most cases, that involves using hydrating products, but you’ll also need to consider how you’re protecting your body and its environment.
At Original Sprout, we understand the struggle of cracked knuckles and brittle hair around the holidays. That’s why we’re here – to help you understand how to prevent dry skin and hair with the best tips and products.
Focus on Nourishment
For Your Skin
The key to soft, radiant skin during winter lies in proper moisturizing.
As temperatures drop, they can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, flakiness, and uncomfortable irritation. At the same time, flu season tends to coincide with winter weather, so you’re likely washing your hands frequently (which can dry them out more).
Wondering how to prevent dry skin when the odds are stacked against you? Focus on using cleansers and moisturizers that are specifically designed to hydrate – without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Steer clear of standard products that can be loaded with parabens and phthalates. Instead, look for soaps, body washes, and lotions that have non-harmful moisturizing ingredients, such as fresh calendula or rosemary extract.
Although most of us remember to put lotion on our hands and legs when they’re dry, don’t forget often-neglected areas like your lips and nose. There’s nothing worse than a painful smile accompanied by cracking and bleeding, so invest in a great lip moisturizer for everyday use.
For Your Hair
You know how to moisturize your skin with lotions and soaps, but what about your hair?
Your locks can easily become a casualty of winter's dry air, which can cause brittleness and breakage. We recommend adjusting your hair care routine to accommodate the changing weather, just like you do your skin care routine.
Opt for a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils. For some added moisture, try a deep conditioning treatment every few days or so.
Another great way to limit your hair’s dryness is to reduce your use of heated styling tools, which can also contribute to brittleness. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant first to minimize the damage.
Stay on Top of Hydration
In Your Body
As with so many elements of wellness, success starts within your body. You can use all the moisturizing products you want, but if your body isn’t properly hydrated inside, you’ll still battle many symptoms of dryness.
According to the American Heart Association, there are many things that can cause our body to lose water during the winter. Central heating dries out interior environments, and in cold environments, our kidneys actually extreme more urine.
Additionally, many of us feel less inclined to carry a water bottle around when it’s cold outside. As a result, a good majority of Americans don’t get enough water during the winter, resulting in low hydration and resulting issues with dry skin and hair.
Make a conscious effort to drink an adequate amount of liquid throughout the day. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon are excellent warm alternatives to keep you hydrated. You can also include more water-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, broths, and vegetables.
In Your Home
Winter wellness isn’t just about what you put on or in your body, but also what’s around it. Cold temperatures and dry air can dramatically change your home’s environment, triggering physical symptoms in your body.
If you continuously struggle with dry skin and other ailments (like nosebleeds) during the winter, you might want to use a humidifier to add moisture to your indoor air. Most of us are comfortable in 30% to 50% humidity, but levels can sometimes fall below that during frigid temperatures.
Choose Your Products Wisely
As you browse store shelves from November to March, you’ll see a lot of “moisturizing” products at varying price levels. Although everyone should find the products that work best for them and their families, we recommend reading ingredient lists carefully.
Many supposedly hydrating hair and skin products are littered with artificial scents, benzones, fake coloring, and alcohol. If you or your children have sensitive skins, ingredients like these can actually trigger more redness and irritation.
Additionally, be mindful of the products you use in your home. Harsh cleansers and strong detergents can strip your home's surfaces of moisture, contributing to an overall dry environment. Opt for gentler, natural cleaning products to maintain a healthy balance.
Combat Dryness With Non-Toxic, Effective Solutions
Embracing wellness during winter should involve a holistic approach. By adopting a proactive skincare routine, nourishing your hair, and creating a moisture-friendly home environment, you can prevent the dryness that often accompanies the cold season.
At Original Sprout, we’re committed to creating hydrating products that are soothing, non-toxic, and safe for the whole family to use. We carefully select all of the ingredients that go into our moisturizers, and every product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Winter is a hard enough season without the added risk of aggravating products. Whether you’re looking for a hydrating shampoo or a calming body lotion, we’re here to help you on your road to a happy and healthy body.
To learn more about Original Sprout products, visit our product list. If you have questions about how we produce our products or what goes into them, feel free to contact our team directly.