It’s officially winter, and that means chilly temps, whipping winds, and parched skin. I don’t know about you, but my normally dry skin is extra dehydrated once December hits. Winter weather calls for an extra dose of beauty TLC, which is why I was so excited about the launch of the new AVEENO Active Naturals line and incorporating my 6 Tips for Healthier Skin and Hair This Winter.
As I’ve mentioned before on my Snapchat and Instagram stories, I’m a long time fan of the AVEENO family of products. Their eczema cream is the most effective treatment I’ve found for stubborn rough spots — ever! — and I am the first to recommend it to friends and patients. AVEENO is a dermatologist recommended brand trusted for its use of natural ingredients. The Active Naturals line is rich in oatmeal colloidal oatmeal, which is a natural ingredient most recommended by dermatologists in helping prevent dry skin. Oatmeal aides in restoring the skin’s normal pH and locks in moisture to help prevent and protect dry skin.
The new AVEENO Active Naturals line features yogurt rich body creams and washes. The scents are incredible — yummy Apricot & Honey and Vanilla & Oats. I’m not sure which scent I prefer! They’re both so delicious and cozy for winter. The formula is toted to keep skin hydrated for 48 hours, and after a week of use, my skin has never felt better! Aside from using rich emollient based products, these are my 6 Tips for Healthier Skin and Hair This Winter:
1. Keep It Cool — A piping hot shower might feel great on a bitter cold day, but a 20 minute shower strips moisture from hair and skin. A healthy compromise? Stick to warm or lukewarm water, and apply lotion immediately after stepping out of the shower.
2. Stay Hydrated — We tend to drink less water in the wintertime and turn to dehydrating and sugary beverages like tea and hot cocoa. Looking for something to warm you up? Try warm water with lemon, which also aids with digestion.
3. Bundle Up — It goes without saying, but staying warm is so important in the winter months. Layer on the heavy coat, gloves, and hat to avoid windburn and prolonged exposure to the elements.
4. Dry, Itchy Scalp — Hair needs a little extra TLC during wintertime. Shampooing strips moisture from the scalp, so wash hair every other day. I usually style my hair down on Day One, and put it up in a ponytail or bun on Day Two. I also wash my strands with an anti-dandruff shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders, once a week. Finally, I use a rich conditioning balm or mask once a week.
5. Dry Hands — Unfortunately, tight and cracked skin is a reality in the medical world. Clinicians move from room to room washing hands and using harsh alcohol based hand sanitizers all day long. It really strips the skin, making it feel tight and burning. Which is why it’s so important to keep a hand cream in your lab coat pocket for frequent application.
6. Get Your Vitamins — Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, apples, oranges, and water rich vegetables such as celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin, which starts to break down in our 30s. Also, consider an omega-3 supplement or fatty fish and flaxseed to keep your skin looking timeless.
Do you have any hair or skin care questions for me? Thank you so much to the AVEENO Team for sponsoring this post, and thank you to my readers for supporting the partnerships that keep Partial to Pink up & running!
