Picture this: stepping outside under cold, gray skies and squinting because it's still so bright. Along with being the essential no-makeup accessory, sunglasses can prevent up to 10 percent of skin cancers that are found on the eyelid and protect your eyes from developing cataracts. A great pair of sunnies can also help prevent other fine lines from becoming permanent wrinkles along the outer corners of your eyes.
Sure, daylight hours dwindle in winter and you spend most of your time inside, but don't skimp on sunscreen. UVB rays can damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. Plus, the thinning ozone layer means the sun's radiation, particularly UVA rays, is penetrating the atmosphere at higher and higher rates. (Think of the ozone as more of a porous sheet than a thick blanket -- not much protection, right?)
"Because sun damage is cumulative, it's the main cause of many aesthetic facial issues including wrinkling, mottling, freckling, reddening, loss of clarity and loss of elasticity," says Dr. Kraffert. The good news? You can prevent this cumulative damage with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher and active ingredients like zinc oxide, avobenzone and Mexoryl SX.
Combat dry hair in a snap with dry conditioner, which contains oils and nutrients suspended in a powder-like aerosol form. Used on clean or unwashed hair, it's the perfect way to freshen up lackluster hair by adding texture and body. Dry conditioner may seem new, but dry shampoo's ultra-nourishing partner-in-crime has been around the block. Simply mist your hair from mid-shaft to the ends while tousling your hair with your fingers. Dry conditioners offer just as much moisture, shine and protection as leave-in conditioner without getting your hair wet (which can strip your hair of natural oils).
Fine lines and dark circles may be one of the most dreaded signs of aging, but they're only noticeable when you're thisclose to the face. Nothing downgrades your look quite like a pair of chapped lips -- you can spot them a mile away. Exfoliating during the cold weather months is key. A bit of gentle scrubbing gives you smooth, supple lips and increases blood flow (which helps to maintain moisture longer). Plus, a smooth surface helps lipstick, liner and gloss stay put longer.
For a DIY lip scrub, mix together equal parts brown sugar, olive oil and honey until blended. Apply it to your lips using your fingers or a toothbrush, gently scrubbing the area for a minute. Wipe away the scrub with a warm, damp towel, then seal in moisture with a lip balm.
Frigid weather and all of those hours spent in dry heat can do a number on your hair, turning it dry, brittle and frizzy. To protect your hair, start at the root -- where a healthy, shiny head of hair starts. Your scalp dries out in the colder months, but shampoos that contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, coal tar or urea soften scaly, dry patches and make them easier to shampoo out. Starting at the roots, massage the shampoo into your scalp for three to five minutes. This vigorous massage is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp because it stimulates blood circulation and promotes stronger hair follicles. For extra brownie points, try a product with exfoliators to help beat off dead skin cells and allow moisture to penetrate more deeply into your roots. Finish with a moisturizing product to prevent over-drying.
