Winter Blues...Let's Chat About Scalp Health
With winter still here…I only have myself to blame. The last week of January I said out loud while shoveling, “I think I’m ready for Winter to be over.” So que up your voodoo dolls, because I put this curse upon us.
In between witchcraft and shoveling, and work - yes if you’re reading this you’re a client of mine and do work for a living, a rarity in these parts - I’ve been noticing some Winter Blues. While at the start of every winter, I’m excited for cozy days inside reading my smut and drinking tea, this time of the year I tend to contemplate my existence, and the pesky appearance of fine lines as the dryness from having my meager heat turns me into a prune. There are some not so great habits we develop in the winter to give us a semblance of joy, and I’m here to remind you to knock it off. Winter Blues build character! Stop enjoying self-care by using scalding water to shower, you pleb!
Joking aside, let’s make this fireside chat productive and address protective skin and hair care so you have one less thing to dread about winter.
An unfortunate side effect of winter for many people can be dandruff
Direct heat on the hair is a major factor that can cause this. Since we’re all trying to avoid having our wet hair freeze outside, we start using more heat on our hair in wintertime. Try towel and air drying at home or protective hairstyles such as braids to keep your wet hair out of your face, rather than the heat tools.
High levels of sugar can also contribute to dryness in the scalp, so try to avoid excess sweets when possible (I know it’s easier said than done).
One of the hardest changes that will benefit your hair and your skin is reducing the heat in your showers, or the length. Long, hot showers dry out the scalp and when that is mixed with the cool winter air, dandruff can worsen.
Using dandruff or anti-fungal shampoo is a sure way to lessen the effects and soothe the scalp.
Another hair issue I see often is adult cradle cap. This can look like white or yellow rough patches, dandruff, or redness most commonly on the scalp. The causes of this are not entirely known, and the condition can come and go throughout your lifetime. It’s believed to be related to the overproduction of oil in the skin and hair follicles. It isn’t caused by poor hygiene and it tends to be more common in males. Some things that put you at higher risk for this are stress, other skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis, environmental conditions, and the use of alcohol-based skin products. The triggers for this are (of course) dry or cold conditions, changing of seasons, high amounts of stress, high levels of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and harsh soaps.
Some remedies for dry scalp or dandruff will also help with cradle cap as well! Most importantly are anti-fungal and dandruff shampoos because a fungus called Malassezia may also play a role. Malassezia is a yeast naturally found in your skin’s oil, but it can sometimes grow abnormally and lead to an inflammatory response. The inflammation impairs the function of the outermost layer of the skin and causes scaling. (Healthline)
Exfoliating your scalp with a brush or scalp massager before your shower will help get rid of some build up. Use a gentle or dandruff shampoo afterwards, then apply hair oil on your scalp to help with dryness.
Tea tree oil is a great natural remedy! Try rubbing a couple drops on your scalp after your nice, bareable lukewarm shower.
Apple cider vinegar can work against the bacteria and yeast that cause the dandruff.
Coconut oil is antifungal and antibacterial and can be a great home remedy for those wanting a natural and budget friendly remedy.
Vitamin B, zinc, and Omega 3 also have excellent nutritional value for the hair and can be found in foods such as egg, fish, bananas and spinach.
Does half your hair stick straight up every time you take off your winter hat? Yeah, mine too
Static hair is actually also caused by similar factors to dry scalp! A lack of moisture in the air as well as your hair causes electrons to build up under your hat, shocking you and giving you a fun new hairdo. Make sure your hair is receiving enough moisture with a hydrating shampoo and a good leave-in conditioner to help avoid this.
Dryer sheets are actually a great way to combat this! Try carrying a couple around and rubbing over your hair after you take off your hat.
To help bring moisture back into your skin during these brutal months, and the subsequent joy at not looking 25 years older than you are…here are a few tips.
Just like with your hair, hot showers are not your friend. That’s right, I’m taking the joy right out of your bedtime routine like the Grinch of self-care. They dry out your skin very quickly so limit the number you take or the length of them to help combat dry skin.
You can also try switching from your water-based moisturizer to a cream based one or incorporating more oils into your skincare routine.
Make sure you keep using your sunscreen! I speak from experience, you can get sunburnt during winter and it is objectively worse. Dry, peeling skin is not fun in the slightest.
Something that can worsen dry or itchy skin are retinoids or products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Try not using these products for a week and if you can see a difference, maybe hold off into incorporating them back into your skincare routine until warmer months.
Keeping your body hydrated by drinking water will also help keep your skin hydrated!
I know as soon as we accept and prepare ourselves to deal with a long winter, it will then end, so start taking care of your dry skin now! I will be doing my part by staying in my cabin manifesting summer for us for the rest of the season.
