Winter Skin and Hair Tips – Snow Protection!

Whether you live in an area where it snows or your ideal winter vacation is a snowy destination, skin and hair care is an important part of your daily routine. As if the dry winter air wasn't enough, snow exposure can do its own damage to your skin if you don't provide ample moisturizing and protection. According to Health Scope Medical Centers, snow has the ability to reflect approximately 95 percent of the UV rays from the sun. If you're planning to hit the slopes this winter, here are some important ways you need to protect your skin and hair:

Wear Sunscreen. A hot summer day out by the pool or beach is not the only time you need to protect your skin from UV rays. The snow reflects sun's rays back onto your exposes skin, and even your eyes. Protect your eyes from snow burn by wearing sunglasses or ski goggles that offer 100 percent UV protection. Look for a waterproof sunscreen, such as Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30, and apply it amply to exposed skin frequently while you're outdoors. Don't forget your lips, which have delicate skin! Look for a formula like Blistex Lip Balm Deep Renewal Lip Protectant/Sunscreen and apply before you head outside.

Moisturize. With dry winter air, it's important to moisturize frequently to prevent that tight, dry feeling in the skin that no one likes. Before heading outdoors, moisturize skin with products like Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. A lotion with a built-in SPF, such as the Aveeno Moisturizer, will provide you extra protection from windburn or snow glare while you spend time outside.

Protect Your Hair. Just as the cold wind and lack of moisture strips away natural oils in your skin, your hair will suffer the same fate if you don't protect it. Hydrate your hair with a conditioning spray, such as L'Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Style Conditioning Spray or John Frieda Conditioning Spray, and then brush the product through your hair with a brush or comb, then style. Many of the conditioning sprays replenish moisture in the hair and add shine to your style.

Each of these tips will help you look and feel your best, no matter what conditions you are in on vacation. Whether you live in cold, dry climates or want to travel to them on vacation, hydrating your skin and hair are two important steps in daily care and shouldn't be forgotten.