Optimal Winter Wellness

5 Tips for Optimal Winter Wellness

As the cooler months roll in, our general health and wellness can take a bit of a knock. Our skin tends to dry out, and so does our hair, and our general health and overall mindset can sometimes seek a quick pick-me-up to see us through. 

1. Hydrate your skin

Use products specifically formulated for dry skin. Think body butter, moisture-rich cleansers and moisturisers. When cleansing your face, avoid hot water, the heat can strip your skin of its natural oils, adding to the plight of dry skin. Consider adding a serum to your daily skincare routine. Serums are specially formulated to hydrate the skin and address some visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. They are typically very light in texture and packed with high concentrations of active ingredients necessary for optimal hydration. Some of the most potent ingredients you’ll find in serums include antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, botanical agents and peptides, all of which benefit the overall look and feel of the skin. 

Tip: don’t forget to apply daily sunscreen. The sun might be hiding behind the clouds more in winter, but that doesn’t stop UV rays from penetrating through.

2. Winter haircare

As the temperature drops, many of us will begin to feel the effects of the colder weather on our hair and skin. Chilly conditions can leave our locks much more fragile as hair becomes more susceptible to breakage and brittleness. Consider your scalp and use a nourishing hair oil formulated to penetrate both the skin and the hair follicle.

Choose hydrating ingredients when selecting shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments. Think coconut, olive, jojoba, and argan oils, and aloe vera.

Tip: ensure to use a detangler hair brush to avoid extra breakage.

3. Vitamins and minerals boost

Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients for general health and wellness. Consider adding these to your daily regimen:

Vitamin A helps boost the production and growth of immune cells.

Vitamin B12 can have a significant impact on energy levels and mood.

Vitamin C is well known as an immune booster ad provides extra antioxidant protection against colds and flu.

Vitamin D, the ‘sunshine vitamin, is produced in the body via sun exposure. Naturally, our sun exposure can be limited in winter, so adding a supplement is advised. A lack of Vitamin D can affect your mental health and general outlook. So this one is a biggie to consider.

Zinc is another nutrient that helps create new cells and enzymes and boosts the speed of healing muscles and wounds.

4. Enjoy daily movement

Brave the cold and go for a walk, don’t forget the gym sesh, or sign up for a relaxing online yoga or pilates class. Physical activity naturally helps boost your immune system.

5. Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy oils have great benefits, whether using an oil burner or simply inhaling the oils from the palms of your hands – it’s a great way to affect our mood and outlook positively and can assist with some ailments, too. And it makes your home or workspace smell refreshed and inviting.

Citrus oils like bergamot, wild orange, grapefruit and lemongrass are known to lift the mood when energy levels are low.

Try these power-packed products:

Sorbet Hydrating Serum 30ml | R249
Contains super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, which helps to improve the moisture content of your skin while also helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier.

Sorbet Hydrating Serum

The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter 200ml | R200
Lock in moisture and spoil your skin with The Body Shop’s Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter. It’s enriched with vanilla extract from Madagascar with hints of hazelnut caramel, maple syrup and nourishing almond milk.

The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter

Flawless by Gabrielle Union 3 Minute Restoring Conditioner 237ml | R200
This luxurious conditioner works in minutes to restore essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, brittle and over-processed hair. Infused with Brazilian bacuri butter to instantly hydrate, repair damage and protect against future breakage.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union 3 Minute Restoring Conditioner

MyEarth Bamboo + Ceramic Burner R150
This burner is a simple and elegant way to diffuse essential oils in your home and workspace.

MyEarth Bamboo + Ceramic Burner

Ethnogenics Stimulating Scalp Lotion 100ml | R180
This scalp lotion prevents hair from becoming dry while promoting hair growth. It also fights dandruff and cools an irritated scalp. Includes vitamin B5, vitamin H and shea butter.

Ethnogenics Stimulating Scalp Lotion

Sorbet Even Affect Day Cream R189
This daily moisturiser contains an SPF 20 to help you maintain a healthy-looking, even-toned skin.

Sorbet Even Affect Day Cream

MyEarth Detangling Brush R71.99
MyEarth Corn Starch Detangling Brush features flexible bristles, which make detangling easy and prevent pulling, snagging, and stretching of hair.

MyEarth Detangling Brush

Clicks Expert Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid 60 capsules R175
Formulated by pharmacists these capsules boost energy levels, cell metabolism and improves brain, nerve and immune function.

Clicks Expert Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid

GNC Vitamin C 1000mg 90 capsules
These Vit C-packed capsules release the power of Vitamin C over 5 hours. It helps prolong to boost your immune system.

GNC Vitamin C