“Winter isn’t easy … and we’re not just talking about shoveling snow off the driveway. The cold-weather months bring a blizzard of health issues ranging from flu bugs to dry skin to the winter blues. But there are steps you can take to minimize problems and remain healthy and happy until spring. (An added bonus? These steps don’t require snow boots.)
1-Winter can be rough on your lips. The cold air outside and the furnace-dried air inside work in tandem to dry out your lips, which can leave them painfully chapped and cracked. Lip balms and ointments, drinking more water and running a humidifier can help eliminate dry lips.
2- Caring for your hair during the winter months since it can make the hair brittle. Winter can be tough on your hair. The air outside is colder. The air inside is dry. You’re dealing daily with static electricity, harsh water treatment chemicals and hat hair. “You should treat your hair like a cashmere sweater,” says dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD. “The first rule of thumb is to limit how often you beat it up by scorching it with an iron, overheating it with a dryer or using a caustic chemical on it. Remember, hair is a fiber.”
Everyone’s hair types differ, Dr. Bergfeld says, and while it’s important that everyone treat their hair gently (particularly in the winter), it’s especially important if you have fragile, damaged or fine hair.
Overall, in the winter it’s important to take it easy when brushing your hair, especially when it’s wet, Dr. Bergfeld says. Wet hair is more fragile, so wait to comb it after washing until it’s less damp, she says.
Brushing your hair gently is also important when you hair is drier than normal, which can happen more often in winter months.
Air drying your hair is always best since it uses less heat (heat can make everything worse). Whenever possible, skipping the styling tools is always recommended. Bleaching, lightening or lifting your hair lighter is the worst thing you can do for your hair because they penetrate the hair strands and break down the fatty acids and proteins to remove your hair’s pigment. It can take a long time for your hair to recover. In winter when your hair is drier than in other months, the recovery can take longer.
3-Winter weather can leave your skin itchy, red and flaky. That can turn into a BIG pain given that we’re talking about your body’s largest organ. A long, hot shower feels great when it’s chilly outside — but it’s not the best for your skin.
Once you get out of that quick shower and towel off, applying a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
“The function of most moisturizers is to trap moisture in your skin,” says Dr. Piliang. “When your skin is damp after a shower, applying moisturizer helps lock that in. The timing is important.”
Once you get out of that quick shower and towel off, applying a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
“The function of most moisturizers is to trap moisture in your skin,” says Dr. Piliang. “When your skin is damp after a shower, applying moisturizer helps lock that in. The timing is important.”
“Products with added fragrance can lead to micro-irritations,” she says. “All of those little irritations accumulate, and, over time, that eventually could cause your skin to be dry, itchy and cracked.”
So, try to lean toward unscented moisturizing products, like the old standby petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
4-Sniffing dry winter air can dry out your sinuses. And while the thought of less gooey mucus in your nasal cavities might sound enticing, it’s not ideal. The reason? That gunk protects you by trapping germs before they infect you.
That’s part of the reason why respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, sinusitis and even nosebleeds are so common during winter. Winter asthma can be a big issue, too.
“Limit time outside as best you can when the conditions really seem to affect you,” recommends Dr. Thakur.
This is especially true when exercising, as cold air plus physical activity can be a double trigger. Lean toward indoor workouts when it’s freezing outside if you’re prone to exercise-induced asthma.
So cover your mouth and nose in cold air, wear a scarf or a mask can be effective, add moisture in the air have a running humidifier in the home.
5- Avoid germs, so take precautions by:
- Limiting contact with people who are sick
- Staying away from crowds when illnesses are going around
- Washing your hands often
- Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces”
Cleveland Clinic (9 Tips to Stay Healthy During Winter)
