Top 10 Cold Weather Beauty & Health Tips

If you’re anything like me, when the weatherman starts predicting high winds and low temperatures, I pile on the cashmere, fill up a glass of Shiraz, start planning a pasta dinner, and settle in for the night. Sounds like fun for a day or two, but if I did this all winter long, well, let’s just say that come spring, swimsuit shopping would be even less fun than it already is. Baby, it may be cold outside, but that’s no excuse for getting lax with our personal care and fitness routines. Here are my top ten tips for maintaining beauty and health when the thermometer dips.

Go Deep

10. Condition – In the summer, I often let my hair dry naturally, but in the winter, I subject it to daily blow-drying and heated styling. In addition, I cool my color which means additional chemical processing. Deep conditioning is a must, and I usually opt for twice a week, rather than the recommended once weekly treatments. My favorite product is Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner.

9.  Stretch – If you are not already practicing yoga, now is the perfect time to start. Muscles constrict in colder weather and are more prone to cramps and spasms. Warm-up sessions are super important when working out in lower temperatures, and yoga is a great way to get the deep stretches that keep muscles loose and joints more limber. I love the studios and staff of Tranquil Space (DC, VA, and MD locations) and Maruka (near the DC convention center).

Got Protection?

8. Sun – Just because you’re not soaking up rays by the pool, doesn’t mean you’re not soaking up rays. Our skin is susceptible to sun damage even in the dead of winter. However, it’s still important to spend time outdoors – fresh air and all that jazz… But, don’t skip the SPF, unless you’re an indoor kitty for the day.

7. Snow – When we were five, it may have been standard operating procedure to put up a fight when mom approached with those woolly mittens. Muppet hands aside, skin can chap and chafe when exposed to the elements. Stay protected, cozy, and stylish with cashmere knits. Think gloves, scarf, hat. And, a blanket for good measure – just to help take the chill off at home or on airplanes.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

6. Lips –   Remember those old Suzy Chapstick commercials? She was always skiing and smiling and applying Chapstick. That’s because our lips are extra-sensitive to the bite and bluster of the winter months. There is nothing cute or sexy about dry, chapped lips. Whether or not you’re an old school Chapstick fan, lip balm is a cold weather must. I prefer Skincando and Aveda.

5. Face – Rosy cheeks are lovely, but not if they are caused by windburn. Do your face a favor, and use a more intensive moisturizer when the mercury plummets. My top picks are Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote™ Mega Mushroom Face Cream and Alchimie Forever’s Kantic+.

4. Hands & Body – You’re covered above the neck, but don’t forget about the rest of your body. The dry indoor heat that goes hand in hand with winter saps skin of its moisture. A great body lotion is as important as lip balm and facial moisturizer. I swear by Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion and Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey and Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream.

Lighten Up

3. Skin – A summer sunkissed tan looks healthy and natural, but unless you just came back from a trip south of the equator, skip the faux glow. Self-tanners can often have an even greater drying effect on already moisture-starved skin.

2. Make Up – Keep color soft and blended against winter’s paler skin tones. Bright, bold make up looks fantastic with a tan but, on lighter complexions, can take on a garish, almost theatrical appearance. Two exceptions are a lovely red lipstick with natural cheeks and eyes, or a smoky eye with a bare lip. I adore the M·A·C Love Lace collection, released in the U.S. on 26 December.

1. Laugh – Nothing makes us look or feel more beautiful and healthy than a warm, genuine smile. Don’t let seasonal affective disorder or the winter doldrums get you down. Stay connected to loved ones, delight in the antics of a cherished pet, or go outside and make snow angels or ice skate at one of the local outdoor rinks (behind the National Gallery of Art or Pentagon Row are my faves). There are so many ways to enjoy the season – just pick one and have fun!