So far, it hasn’t been a particularly freezing winter, but if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s to expect snow as late as April (thanks, climate change). But exam stress paired with long dark nights and chillier temperatures is no doubt leaving most of us feeling a little bedraggled, so here’s some tips on giving your hair and skin a little TLC.
1. Water
I started counting how much I was drinking about two years ago, ensuring I had my eight glasses or more. At first it was tough, but now I can’t go without, and I have noticed a huge difference because I am no longer dehydrated. It can do wonders for your skin, helping to clear up acne and bring a healthy glow reminiscent of a summer break in Kavos. Start with a glass in the morning to wake you up, and try to swap a coffee for a nice refreshing glass of H2O. Just remember to bring your reusable bottle.
2. Sleep
Sleep? I ask, one day into exam season. I barely know her. But sleep is so important, especially when you are stressed. It might be tempting to pull an all-nighter but that will only exhaust you. It is much better to get as much as you can fit in, and to get up earlier the day of rather than stay up late the day before. Sleep is when your body recovers and repairs itself, and you want to be in tip-top condition for assessment crunch time. According to Jessica Krant, founder of Art of Dermatology in New York, ‘poor sleep can lead to increased stress hormones in the body’, all of which can lead to skin inflammation, so catch some zzz’s when you can!
3. Lip balm
I could write an entire piece pleading guys—and I do not mean to generalise—to please please please (!) start wearing lip balm. It is not going to harm your masculinity to whip out a fruity balm and apply it. Chapped, cracked lips are definitely going to make me question your sensibilities, though. I have a great Malibu balm in mint, and it has SPF30 to protect against those rays, which do exist in the winter, believe it or not!
4. Hair masks
I love a good bit of hair conditioner. Slap it on and emerge with glossy, silky hair—what’s not to like? But winter can be brutal on your hair, tangling it into a bird’s nest, drying it out, and generally looking less than desirable. Celebrity stylist Nick Chavez notes that in the winter months, ‘people generally don’t take as many precautions to protect their hair’, unlike you would do to protect against heat styling products or the sun. I’d recommend finding a nice hair mask, and take an hour one evening to give yourself a little TLC.
5. Keeping warm
I have found myself not appropriately dressed for the weather countless time, shivering and regretting not picking up my coat all because I did not want it to ruin my outfit. But those old wives’ tales are correct; not wrapping up warm can increase your chance of getting ill, and can lead to dry skin. Harsh weather can also make you hair brittle, so pull on a hat or a scarf before you walk into uni, and do not forget about layers! They are not just for hikers, you know.
Esme Johnson
Featured image courtesy of Ted on Flicker. Image license found here.
Main article image courtesy of @esoproducts via Instagram.
