The Week talked to beautician Archana Rimal from Charm Herbal Beauty Home for her views and tips on some of the top winter skin and hair problems and their solutions.Common skin problems and remedies
"I have eyebrow dandruff."
First of all, don't panic or be grossed out. They are not exactly dandruffs. When you wash your face, you probably don't get into brows, so over time, dead cells stack up, forming flakes. At home, morning and night, while washing your face target those brows too. Gently slough skin with your face wash or cleanser. Also skip brow products until flakes are gone, so that there is no build up.
"My nose is red and raw"
A dry-air assault from indoor heat and outdoor cold coupled with wads of tissues from nose blowing gives you Rudolph syndrome. Dab on a cream with ceramides, hydrating lipids that dry air depletes. Cracking, too? Layer on barrier cream, a protective ointment or botanical oils are also available in the market.
"My hands feel like sandpaper."
Skin on our hands has few oil glands, so there's less natural defense against cold and dry air. Before heading outside, rub on glycerin or Vaseline, then slip on gloves—warmth helps ingredients penetrate. Don't ignore cuticles as well since they tend to tear. If they already have though, doctors recommend oils that contain small molecules that seep in deeply like almond oil. Apply gently and daily.
"My legs are scary scaly."
Like hands, legs don't have many oil glands, so they get rough fast. One culprit: a steamy hot shower. We love it, but for the legs' sake, set the water temperature at lukewarm—hot water drains skin's moisture barrier. Ditch soap or gel body wash for a creamy formula with hydrators such as shea butter. Post-shower load up on moisturizer, better yet use a good quality body butter. After that, slather some Vaseline on super dry areas such as knees and shins.
"My dry skin cause winter itch."
Winter itch is a common name for the skin symptom of generalized itching in winter. It is primarily caused by dry skin and is most common in the elderly. Winter itch caused by dry skin may also be commonly seen in those with a history of eczema, allergies, or asthma. External factors, including cold temperatures, low humidity, and the use of central heat, tend to worsen dry skin during the winter season. Maintain a good skin care routine but if there are no improvements, visit a dermatologist.
Hair care tips
Keep washing your hair to a minimum, say two to three (maximum) times a week, this will prevent your hair from drying out too much. And always make sure you dry your hair before leaving the house. Not only because you will get a cold, but the moisture in your hair combined with cold air will further damage your hair and make it brittle and dry.
During the winter months, it's a great idea to treat your hair once a week to a deep conditioning treatment. This will help replenish the moisture, which tends to get depleted from things such as the dry heat in your home, especially if you tend to use heaters, and the cold winter air outside.
This hair care ploy is not winter season's exclusive, but in fall and winter your hair needs more natural ingredients than ever. By keeping your products all natural you prevent further dryness and itching. But using synthetic and alcohol-based products can further strip your hair of nutrients and damage natural protective layer of your scalp. Vegetable oils are another go-to component in hair treatment. Adding a few drops of coconut oil for example to your shampoo can make your locks supple and radiant.
Stock up on heat protectant products this season especially if you love styling your locks. Winter can mean excess usage of hair dryer, iron and curlers, which are highly harmful to your locks. So it's best not to indulge in it without a good heat shield to protect your hair. Not only do they keep your hair healthier, but they also make your hair style last longer.
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