How to Revive Skin, Hair and Nails for the Holidays
November 22, 2022
Although colder air is more dense than hot air, the molecules in warmer air are farther apart, which allows it to hold more moisture. When there is less humidity in the air, it is much easier for your skin, hair and nails to become dehydrated. This means all three can crack, peel or split.
The Holiday season is truly special for spending time with friends and family, but coupled with the drying effects of heaters, fireplaces, and fire pits, the seasonal difference in humidity can cause unwanted damage at a time when you want to look your best.
Lower levels of humidity in drier air actually draws moisture away from your body. When skin care issues are left unattended, the persistent stress can lead to unsightly problems. In the same way that your skin becomes drier during the Holidays, the lack of moisture also can make hair and nails look dull and fragile.
Natural blood flow during the winter months is somewhat constricted, especially to distal extremities like your hands and feet. Due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, reduced perfusion can hinder regenerative growth and lengthen normal recovery time.
How to Manage Holiday Damage
As long as the damage to your skin, hair, and nails is normal winter weathering, just implement a daily skin care, hair care, and nail care regimen to cleanse, trim, moisturize, and condition the usual trouble spots. That way your best winter look will always be ready to go on a moment’s notice. Perhaps you’ve already noticed changes over the past few months but haven’t taken time to do a pre-Holiday assessment. Listed below are some basic do’s and don’ts for managing your skin, scalp, hair, and nails when there’s less moisture in the air:
HEALTHY SKIN - As the humidity decreases during the winter months, your skin may become dry, irritated, or even itchy. A hot shower may be your go-to respite for comfort and warmth, but prolonged periods of heat actually does more harm than good. It can displace natural oils that serve as physical protection from further dehydration of your skin. In order to nourish and restore its protective function and immune defense, it is important to use mild cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs. When cleansing, use lukewarm water to prevent the stripping of natural fats and oils that provide moisture to outer layers of skin. Immediately after bathing, the skin should be patted gently to dry before applying a fragrance-free moisturizer.
HEALTHY SCALP – Like the skin on your face and hands, the winter cold with its drier air and heating systems running full bore can sap moisture from your scalp and hair. It is not uncommon to experience a dry, itchy scalp once the weather becomes cooler. This can be a common dermatologic condition (seborrheic dermatitis) that is characterized by red flaky patches on the scalp that resembles dandruff. The best way to combat scalp problems is to wash your hair daily using a medicated shampoo. This will deposit a layer of medicine on the skin that continues to work even after rinsing.
HEALTHY NAILS – Your nails can become dry, brittle, and split during cooler winter months. So, it is important to avoid using harsh soaps when washing your hands since this can remove oils that naturally protect your nails and cuticles. Also, avoid nail hardeners. The harsh chemicals found in these products can actually damage your nails leaving them weaker and more brittle. After you wash your hands, apply a high quality moisturizer and rub it into the cuticles and nails to help restore nail strength and natural flexibility.
It’s clear that the Holiday season can wreak havoc on your look, and though they may seem tempting, over-the-counter quick fixes designed to only address the appearance of your skin, hair or nails can result in further damage. For example, hiding unsightly nail fungus beneath colorful nail polish or buying a harsh drugstore shampoo and conditioner may worsen dry skin, scalp, hair and nails. Solutions that mask a problem most often exacerbate medical issues. Moreover, your skin, hair and nails deserve better for the Holidays.
When Is It Time to See a Dermatologist?
While your look is understandably important to you, it is your health that is all the more critical. Since your skin is the largest organ in your body, it is important for good health to take special care of your skin, scalp, hair, and nails. Medically, there is a great deal of overlap between hair care, nail care, and skin care, but only a dermatologist can diagnose, treat, and cure an injury or disease. If an annoying problem persists, now is the time for a physician-directed treatment plan to improve your health, look, and life.
To restore the natural vibrancy to your skin, scalp, hair and nails, schedule a consultation at Associates in Dermatology. Our experienced team of providers include board-certified dermatologists, as well as skilled nurse practitioners, and physician assistants specialized in dermatology with the expertise to identify and effectively treat skin, hair and nail-related conditions or diseases; and we accept most health care plans. So get a healthy start to this Holiday season and call today to schedule an appointment at one of the seventeen Central Florida locations near you.
