Well, I suppose it is really officially winter now isn't it? In the UK at least. The weather has become substantially colder to the point where it's meant to snow? Brilliant news if you're a snow baby like me. No really, it snowed so much when my mum was in labour they weren't even sure if they'd make it to the hospital. ANYWAY.
However, one downside to the colder weather is the sh*t it does to your skin and hair. If you're one of those lucky people who's body isn't remotely affected by the elements then embrace it, because it's such a massive nuisance.
As I sit now and look and my cracked fingers which are bound to get inevitably worse as winter goes on, I thought I'd create a brief list on how I try and protect myself for the harsher months ahead.
Skin
Everyone who doesn't enjoy having pale and crusty hands over winter, say I.
If you're one of those unfortunate people like me who has fingers which make you look like part lizard when there's a hint of frost in the air, then come here and let me give you a virtual hug.
One thing I do not enjoy, is crusty, dry and half bleeding skin. Which seems to be more prone to bouts of eczema when I'm stressed or when winter is coming. Nope, I will not stop quoting Game of Thrones/Sean Bean so there's no point in trying to stop me.
I have in the past I've also had my face become more oily around this time of year, yet I know for others it can become drier. So how do I combat this you cry? Well, it's simple really - invest in a very heavy duty moisturiser. Personal favourites for my hands and feet include E45 cream. You may not smell of roses or unicorns but it's brilliant at tackling issues for very intense skin conditions.
Lush also has some seriously thirst quenching products for your skin, especially their hand creams. Having tried the Helping Hands moisturiser, I was so surprised by how long the cream stayed on my skin and how lovely and soft they felt afterwards. Also as you know with any Lush product, it's made with very natural and fresh ingredients so you won't be treating your skin with anything nasty and potentially harmful.
Speaking of Lush, if you're finding that your body seems to find it hard to deal with the not so smooth transition to the colder environment - have a bath! Having a good old soak, especially around this time of year, is a brilliant way to unwind and an especially hot steamy bath can help sweat out any infections that you're likely to pick up. Of course you pick up bath bombs/melts anywhere, but since I've been really feeling the hype of Lush products lately, I'd really urge you to give a least one a go.
If you are trying to save for Christmas and are looking for something on the slightly cheaper side, there is also Palmer's Cocoa Butter which I have started to use recently.
People have been raving about Palmer's Cocoa Butter for years and it's no wonder. Whilst it may not be as thorough like creams such as E45, it still tackles the dry skin on my hands very well and the little tube is perfect for keeping in my bag so I can apply whilst I'm at work or just on the go. At £2.10 at Boots, I don't see how you can go wrong.
For anyone who is more concerned about different parts of their body such as their face - I highly recommend looking into brands such as Clinique who have a vast range of products for all skins types.
Hair
I have quite a strange predicament when it comes to my hair and winter. Though my scalp seems to become slightly oilier, probably due to all the artificial heat in the air and the multitude of hats I end up wearing so my ears don't drop off. I also find that my ends become drier, again with all the artificial heat and what not - don't quote me and that as I could be talking complete rubbish.
Head & Shoulders is always staple if my scalp is on the slightly oily side, but unfortunately it's not great for dyed hair as it can strip away at the colour with each wash - so watch out! But if an oily scalp isn't an issue for you, but dry ends are then let me just say three words. Leave.In.Conditioner.
A personal favourite which I have been using for a long time now is the Frizz Ease - Miraculous Recovery by John Frieda. Oh boy, does this thing condition. I use the product about once a week - the recommended amount, leave it in for 5 minutes, wash out and the results are just astounding. Be gone any dry frizzy ends and hello soft sleek hair!
I mean, my barnet will always be fairly unruly but it's a significant improvement from the mess it can otherwise be. There's lots of leave in conditioners on the market so look around. Some are better for dyed hair, others have heat protectant and well yeah, you get the picture.
Hopefully this post will help at least one person with similar problems to mine. You're in my thoughts for the perilous months ahead.
Victoria
Everyone who doesn't enjoy having pale and crusty hands over winter, say I.
If you're one of those unfortunate people like me who has fingers which make you look like part lizard when there's a hint of frost in the air, then come here and let me give you a virtual hug.
One thing I do not enjoy, is crusty, dry and half bleeding skin. Which seems to be more prone to bouts of eczema when I'm stressed or when winter is coming. Nope, I will not stop quoting Game of Thrones/Sean Bean so there's no point in trying to stop me.
I have in the past I've also had my face become more oily around this time of year, yet I know for others it can become drier. So how do I combat this you cry? Well, it's simple really - invest in a very heavy duty moisturiser. Personal favourites for my hands and feet include E45 cream. You may not smell of roses or unicorns but it's brilliant at tackling issues for very intense skin conditions.
Lush also has some seriously thirst quenching products for your skin, especially their hand creams. Having tried the Helping Hands moisturiser, I was so surprised by how long the cream stayed on my skin and how lovely and soft they felt afterwards. Also as you know with any Lush product, it's made with very natural and fresh ingredients so you won't be treating your skin with anything nasty and potentially harmful.
Speaking of Lush, if you're finding that your body seems to find it hard to deal with the not so smooth transition to the colder environment - have a bath! Having a good old soak, especially around this time of year, is a brilliant way to unwind and an especially hot steamy bath can help sweat out any infections that you're likely to pick up. Of course you pick up bath bombs/melts anywhere, but since I've been really feeling the hype of Lush products lately, I'd really urge you to give a least one a go.
If you are trying to save for Christmas and are looking for something on the slightly cheaper side, there is also Palmer's Cocoa Butter which I have started to use recently.
People have been raving about Palmer's Cocoa Butter for years and it's no wonder. Whilst it may not be as thorough like creams such as E45, it still tackles the dry skin on my hands very well and the little tube is perfect for keeping in my bag so I can apply whilst I'm at work or just on the go. At £2.10 at Boots, I don't see how you can go wrong.
For anyone who is more concerned about different parts of their body such as their face - I highly recommend looking into brands such as Clinique who have a vast range of products for all skins types.
Hair
I have quite a strange predicament when it comes to my hair and winter. Though my scalp seems to become slightly oilier, probably due to all the artificial heat in the air and the multitude of hats I end up wearing so my ears don't drop off. I also find that my ends become drier, again with all the artificial heat and what not - don't quote me and that as I could be talking complete rubbish.
Head & Shoulders is always staple if my scalp is on the slightly oily side, but unfortunately it's not great for dyed hair as it can strip away at the colour with each wash - so watch out! But if an oily scalp isn't an issue for you, but dry ends are then let me just say three words. Leave.In.Conditioner.
A personal favourite which I have been using for a long time now is the Frizz Ease - Miraculous Recovery by John Frieda. Oh boy, does this thing condition. I use the product about once a week - the recommended amount, leave it in for 5 minutes, wash out and the results are just astounding. Be gone any dry frizzy ends and hello soft sleek hair!
I mean, my barnet will always be fairly unruly but it's a significant improvement from the mess it can otherwise be. There's lots of leave in conditioners on the market so look around. Some are better for dyed hair, others have heat protectant and well yeah, you get the picture.
Hopefully this post will help at least one person with similar problems to mine. You're in my thoughts for the perilous months ahead.
Victoria
