Sunday, January 9, 2011

Don't let winter leave you looking dull. Get your glow back (guys, too)!

Go ahead, blame it on the cold weather and the heat blasting inside your house and car, but that won't make it disappear...

Dry skin and parched hair are almost impossible to avoid this time of year. But if you can't beat it, treat it! Try some of the tips below to get your glow back!

Condition hair with extra care...
Hair seems to be especially dull, dry, and lifeless during this time of year. Take hair conditioning to an all new level with an "innerlink" treatment, offered at a local Merrick hair salon, Harvey Allen (Harvey Allen on facebook or call 516-868-0188 for an appointment and pricing). This treatment really works from the inside out, to restore and re-hydrate your strands! It takes all of 10 minutes at the sink, and includes a pack of four intense conditioners to help you maintain your treatment throughout the month.
Can't afford a salon treatment? Try to avoid over washing your hair, which leads to dry out. Amp up the effectiveness of your conditioner by leaving it on for a few hours while you relax around the house.
For the guys who are possibly experiencing some dandruff during the season- purchase an OTC dandruff shampoo such as Selsun Blue to nix the flakes in no time.

Add a serum to your skin care routine...
Working in the beauty industry for a few years afforded me the luxury of trying many skin care products. One product that I feel you should never live without is a powerful face serum. Serum is more concentrated than face cream and is meant to be applied after you wash your face, before you apply your usual moisturizer, for the intended results. You will literally see and feel the difference in your skin once you incorporate this step into your regimen! Almost all skin care lines have a serum product, so choose the one that fits your budget. One OTC serum that I recommend is L'Oreal's "Skin Genesis Multi Layer Cell Strengthening Daily Treatment." If you want to splurge, go for Elizabeth Arden's "Prevage Advanced Anti Aging Serum."

Try an oxygen mask...
If you haven't already heard, oxygen treatments are taking the skin care industry by storm. Celebrities seek out oxygen facials, but you don't have to be a celebrity to reap those benefits! My all time favorite face mask that I have been dedicated to for the past 2 years is from Bliss product line (available at the Bliss website or at your local Sephora retailer). The Bliss "Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask," will have you looking renewed in a matter of 5 minutes. Simply smooth a dime size amount of the wonder product onto damp, freshly clean skin, and watch in wonder!

Choose the right hand sanitizer...
Most hand sanitizers are sure to wreak havoc on already cracked, dry hands. I much prefer a cream-based antibacterial lotion that I first discovered at Bath and Body Works, called "HandiBac™ Moisturizing Hand Lotion." For guys or girls who prefer an unscented product, try Gold Bond Sheer Moisture Hand Sanitizer .

Hydrate from the inside out...
Yeah, yeah, 8 glasses of water a day. How many times have you heard that? Well, I hate to admit it, but I am not a big water drinker! Try as I may, I just cannot seem to get myself to drink the recommended amount. BUT, there are a few things that help me when trying to stay hydrated.

1- Give cucumber water a whirl! If this sounds weird to you, just give it a try. I fill a glass pitcher with spring water, add freshly cut slices of cucumber (skin on), toss in a few ice cubes, and let the pitcher sit in the fridge for a few hours before drinking up the most refreshing water in the world! Added bonus: when the water is finished, use the chilled cucumber slices to help de-puff tired eyes.

2- Eat water-rich foods. Watermelon (duh), honeydew, cucumber, romaine lettuce, apples, etc. These foods will help you hit that 8 glasses requirement that much faster.

3- Add a fish oil supplement. Your hair, skin, and nails will benefit from this supplement, which you should take in addition to your standard multivitamin (always check with your doctor first if you are on medications, etc.) Omega 3 fatty oils are also found naturally in salmon and other fatty fish - choose fish over steak for a healthy dose of skin saving omega 3's!

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