Winter has set in and many may find their hair, skin and nails dry and cracked. The key to keeping the outside appearance radiant is moisture, moisture, moisture.
Cold weather causes the air to get very dry because of heat in houses or businesses and other factors. People of color tend to have dryer skin than others, but it’s accentuated in the winter. Through harsh winds, cold temperatures and falling snow, skin, hair and nails can be vibrant. Here are some tips from dermatologists Dr. Susan C. Taylor who specializes in skin of color, and board certified Dr. Christopher Obeime.
Let your skin glow
Dry skin calls for extra moisture. Obeime recommends moisturizer brands such as Cetaphil, CeraVe skin care line, or Eucerin. After showering, towel dry skin and while skin is damp, put on lotion or cream from head to toe. For the face, use an oil free moisturizer.
Obeime stands behind cream emollients, or substances that soften and soothe the skin, versus lotions and if neither seems to do the trick, see a dermatologist.
There’s also no need to exfoliate dead skin during winter months. Skin may seem a bit scaly, but the idea is to moisturize the skin, not irritate it.
Moisturizing is critical during the winter, but Taylor further encourages women of color to guard their skin from the harmful ultra-violet rays from the sun.
“Many women with brown skin do not protect their skin from the sun, thinking extra melanin protects them. What happens without sun protection, they end up with uneven complexion,” said Taylor.
Nail down moisture
Nails and skin are made of the same protein called keratin. Although keratin is much more compact in nails, it too requires moisture.
Hands and nails should be cleansed with gentle soap followed by hand lotion.
Many women wear false, acrylic nails instead of their own natural nails. Taylor states the nail begins to develop white spots, become soft and weak. Start caring for the nails by removing acrylic extensions and cutting nails down as far as possible. This allows nails to grow back healthy and strong.
Women who choose to keep their acrylic nails, should add moisturizer around the grooves of the nails.
Hairology 101
Many Black women rely on their blow dryers, curling irons or flat irons, but heat styling tools can be especially damaging during the winter. Figure in the dry air, wool hats and whipping wind and what do you get? A disaster.
Hair should be cleansed once or twice a week using a moisturizing shampoo with an accompanying rich conditioner. If hair is damaged, consider a deep conditioning mask once a week and easing up on the styling tools.
“Adding a little light moisture for your scalp and hair is a good thing. Not too greasy, though, you don’t want to clog pores,” said Obeime. “Grooming your hair is important, but the scalp needs to be kept moisturized with light, oil free moisturizer.”
This winter, be pro-active in caring for skin, nails and hair. Tips are great for colder months, but dermatologists also recommend daily moisture year round.
