Five cold weather tips for healthy skin and hair.

Across much of the country, the temperatures are dipping as the chill of winter begins to settle in.  Whipping winds, dry air, and cold temperatures can have a damaging effect on our skin and hair. The cold air outside and heat inside can strip moisture from locks and pores, making your hair brittle and skin itchy and dry. But you don’t have to suffer – here are five cold weather skin and hair care tips to offer relief.

1. Cracked Hands – you’re washing your hands frequently to avoid the latest bug going around, and then you do the dishes, too.  All that washing dries out your skin and can cause painful cracking.  Try keeping lotion by the sink and applying that after each wash and using rubber gloves while doing dishes and cleaning.
   
2. Chapped Lips – Always keeping lip balm nearby is a good first step, but winter winds can make it hard to keep up with chapped lips.  If your lips are so dry, they’re flaking, try using a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate and slough off the dead skin.  Then look for a lip balm with lanolin or beeswax – they’re completely natural and help reduce evaporation. 
   
3. Dry Hair – because the air is already drier, you need to give your hair some extra care.  If you normally wash and dry your hair every day, try giving it a break.  Try washing every other day or going even longer between shampoos.  You can also try skipping the shampoo and opting for a quick rinse and conditioner to keep hair moisturized.
   
4. Rough Feet – you know the seasons have changed when your feet are rough, dry, and calloused.  Save some money and skip the pedicure.  While you’re in the shower, try sloughing off the dead skin with a good pumice stone.  Then, before going to bed, rub Vaseline or a heavy cream lotion on your feet and pull on some socks.  The socks will keep the moisture locked in and your feet will wake up feeling smooth and soft.
   
5. Irritated Eyes – cold, dry air even affects your eyes.  You might not think of sunglasses when the temps are sub zero, but your eyes need the protection from wind and glare, especially if there’s snow on the ground.  Keep a bottle of non-medicated saline eye drops on hand to refresh moisture when necessary.  And don’t forget to keep those germy fingers away from the eye area.