Keeping it clear: Skincare and hair tips for the winter season

As the months get colder, the air gets dryer. While some are thankful for the lack of humidity during the winter, many people struggle to keep their hair and skin from feeling itchy and dry. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure your skin, scalp, and beautiful locks remain healthy.

• Invest in a humidifier. Humidifiers have always been great for adding moisture to the air, and this moisture is known for helping the respiratory system function more efficiently throughout the winter. But did you know a humidifier can also help with dry hair and skin? Every night before bed, re-fill your room's humidifier and watch your body reap the benefits.
• Exercise. Exercise increases blood flow, carrying oxygen to working cells throughout the body — including your skin. The increased blood flow also carries toxins, such as free radicals, away from the skin, leaving your body with fewer waste products to deal with in dryer seasons.
• Moisturize. Moisturizers are not just useful in helping the body heal after a sunburn — they are great at keeping the skin moist and glowing when the air is dry. Add moisturizing to your morning or nightly routine and enjoy your skin's new glow.
• Ingest collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are a great, healthy source of protein that helps rebuild tendons and ligaments, but they are also a fantastic supplement to take when you want to focus on skin and hair care. As the body ages, collagen's natural production in humans decreases, resulting in saggy skin and thinner hair. A collagen supplement can help people get the collagen they need to prevent (or even restore) wrinkles, droopy skin, and lost hair follicles.
• Exfoliate. Dry skin leads to dead skin, and dead skin is the enemy of an itchy body. Take time at least once a week to exfoliate your pores. By getting rid of those dead skin cells, your new skin will have the opportunity to flourish.
• Protect your head. Want to evade a dry and itchy scalp? Wear a hat. Seriously, a hat can go a long way towards protecting your scalp from dry conditions, especially when the temperature is below freezing.
• Consider a cooler shower. Sure, a hot shower can feel amazing on a cold day, but a lengthy stint under hot water is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to managing dry skin. If you need to take a hot shower, make it short. If you prefer long showers, try cooling things down a bit. It might not be fun in the moment, but it could be worth it.
• Drink lots of water. The winter season is always tied to fun, tasty drinks: hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, limited-time sodas, etc. What your body needs — especially in those dryer months — is water. Arguably the most important thing you can do during the colder seasons is hydrate, and clean water flush with natural minerals (i.e., spring water) is the best way you can do so.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. If you have any concerns, please speak with your doctor.

Sinclair Broadcast Group is committed to the health and well-being of our viewers, which is why we initiated Sinclair Cares. Every month we'll bring you information about the "Cause of the Month," including topical information, education, awareness, and prevention. January is Shape Up U.S. Month.