From open fires to central heating to frigid southerly winds, winter can be brutal on your face, sucking moisture from the skin and causing cracks in your outermost layer. Scalp is skin too, so don’t forget it needs added nourishment too, during the winter months. According to dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner, “This is called ‘barrier dysfunction,’ causing your skin to break down and flake off.”
You don’t need us to tell you that this will not win you friends – or dates. So, as the days grow short and the temperature plummets, here’s your plan to fight back.
Keep Showers Short
Yes, a steamy 20-minute shower is a rare treat on a frosty winter’s morning. But according to Zeichner, long, scalding showers can strip your skin of essential oils and lead to dryness. “Shorten your shower to no more than 10 minutes and use lukewarm water only,” he advises.
Don’t Forget Your Scalp
Dandruff is the skin condition behind your shoulder snow and while it may not look impressive, it can be controlled. This winter don’t forget to look after and keep your scalp moisturised. Look for a treatment shampoo that nourishes and protects your scalp like Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo. Their 3 Action formula can help cleanse, protect and moisturises, plus it’s enriched with almond oil, which helps hydrate your hair and provide long lasting dandruff protection.
Pat, Don’t Rub
When you get out of your (brief and lukewarm) shower, go easy with the towel. “Many people think that they’re sloughing away any remaining flakes, but the friction of the towel fibres against your skin can actually worsen damage to the surface,” says Zeichner.
Moisturise When Wet
Damp skin is more receptive to moisturisers, allowing the product to penetrate deeper and repair more effectively. And look for moisturisers that contain a type of fatty acid called ceramides. “These help fill cracks in the outermost layer of your skin, kind of like spackle,” says Zeichner.
