Brighten Winter Hair and Skin
By Susan M. Keenan ©2007

If winter skin and hair have you down, then do something about it. The long, cold days of winter are gone, and it’s time to show off your skin and your hair. While nothing is an instant cure all, certain things will help to reduce the dullness and dryness of winter weather.



First, purchase a few things if you don’t already have them- a loofah, body lotion, and even a new shampoo and conditioner. Before every shower, use the loofah to gently brush your skin. Pay particular attention to those trouble areas- the elbows and knees.

You won’t see instant softening and a fresh new look, but eventually, you will be able to see a major improvement in the tenderness of those areas in particular and a softening of your skin everywhere. Brushing with the loofah helps to loosen dry skin cells that are dulling your skin. Dry skin cells aren’t as soft and supple as new ones either.

Therefore, removing dry skin cells on a regular basis is a situation with dual benefits. It removes the dullness and toughness of your skin’s feel due to the older, dryer skin cells.

Plus, it allows the new skin cells to shine through with their glowing presence.

After your shower, use a body lotion to continue the softening process. Gently massage the lotion into your skin. Allow it to soak in thoroughly before dressing. This is a great time to perform other small personal hygiene tasks. Remember that you need to continue using the moisturizing lotion on a regular basis. Once your skin is softer, you might be able to skip a day or two each week.

Pay particular attention to the type of skin lotion that you purchase. If your skin is sensitive, purchase a smaller size of several lotions to see which one performs the best without irritating your skin. Additionally, today’s lotions are available in an entire array of choices that include UV protection and self-tanning capabilities. Remember, however, that the primary purpose of your skin lotion is to moisturize your skin.

Now, to brighten up your hair, you can try out a new shampoo and conditioner. Typically, using a new product, even temporarily, will remove any residue or build-up that exists. Once you see an improvement, you can return to your usual brand, unless you have discovered that you like the new one better. This treatment can work during any season. If you ever notice a dull sheen to your hair, try something new.

Additionally, try rinsing your hair products from your hair with colder water. Coolness tends to invigorate and revitalize. Even your scalp deserves some refreshing treatment now and again. In fact, if your hair is not only looking duller, but is also feeling dryer, purchase a shampoo and conditioner combination that features moisturizing agents.

Remember that just because winter’s weather has created dry and duller looks to our skin does not mean that we have to accept them. Nor are the summer months going to repair the damage on their own. Take up the task and repair the problems for a brighter, newer look.