Wearing well through the wrath of winter

It is no secret that when the winter weather prevails it wreaks havoc on our skin and hair. Winter’s wet climate, rain, sleet, snow and hail ironically does very little for the hydration of our skin or hair. In fact, quite the opposite. The season’s colder temperatures actually result in less humidity in the atmosphere. When we combine that element with the need for warm, artificially heated homes and work spaces we have double the extrinsic elements viciously attacking our skin and hair. Even the most genetically blessed individuals with fabulous Hair and Skin cannot escape from the harsh winter conditions that bleed our skin of moisture, leaving us with Dry, Flaky, itchy tight skin, and dull brittle hair.

Both Hair and skin are made of proteins and lipids (good fats), a natural barrier which helps to lock in moisture, thus helping to keep our complexion and hair hydrated, supple and radiant. However, the afore mentioned extrinsic factors can damage this barrier, breaking down the cells and the integrity of the skin and hair. This results in the inability of this protective barrier to hold and maintain efficient water balance. The outcome…. thirsty, parched, dehydrated Skin and Hair. This lack of defense from the protective layer also results in the ability of irritants, bacteria and allergens to find their way into the skin consequently causing more aggravation and further breakdown of the protective barrier.

Do not fear however, there are steps you can take to help maintain supple skin and hydrated hair. The three main components of a well-functioning skin barrier are cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides. These are all types of fat molecules that must be present in the right ratio to keep your skin moist and healthy.

It is important to exfoliate your skin during these harsh winter months to eradicate the buildup of dead flaky skin cells and encourage new cells to reproduce at an expedited rate. Do avoid abrasive exfoliators however as these can intensify any irritations you may have. Use a hydrating cleanser to remove daily grime, harsh bar soaps can have a similar effect on the skin as rough environmental conditions. Hydrate your skin with an appropriate moisturizer for your skin type to replenish lost hydration. I recommend Jan Marini’s Age intervention cream or Transformation cream. These are still light in texture but contain suitable peptides to leave your skin hydrated without feeling greasy. I highly recommend having a monthly facial during this time of year. Facials are for skin what dentist office cleanings are to teeth. A deep cleaning and exfoliation. As like teeth though, the skin needs maintaining with a good at home skin regime for optimum results…..no teeth brushing on a daily basis results in rotten teeth. No taking care of your skin at home results in undesirable skin conditions. If you are prone to oily skin, you are unfortunately not free of the environmental monster we call winter. Your skin can still become dehydrated and the above recommendations apply to you too. Regular cleansing is imperative to remove extra oil that leaves us greasy. There is a difference between hydrated skin and oily skin, and often skin lacking in hydration can become oilier as our bodies defense mechanism produces more oil to compensate for the loss of trans epidermal water, (when the natural water inside our bodies creeps out through cracks and crevices). For advice on Skincare specifically relating to your skin type, please schedule a facial and consultation with one of our skincare experts at HM Spa & Salon.

You may find that hair during these winter months does not need to be cleansed quite as often. Cleansing your hair everyday can further strip your hair of essential oils and hydration, leaving your locks brittle. Condition your hair after a cleanse to replace moisture balance. Heated styling tools can result in split ends and hair breakage. If these can be avoided do so, if not, use appropriate protective heat styling products. I highly recommend a deep conditioning treatment or split end repair treatment that can be done in our Salon (HM Spa & Salon) to again give your hair the necessary “face lift” during the wrath of winter leaving you with luscious locks! Schedule a treatment with our Hair experts. Internal elements can also be a factor during these months. Try eating a diet rich in fatty acids, drink plenty of water and I recommend taking Biotin as a daily supplement to strengthen Hair, Skin and Nails.