We love winter for the steaming hot cups of cocoa, pumpkin pie, and all the wonderful holiday festivities — but not so much the bracing winds, artificial heaters and cold, dry air. In addition to putting away the summer clothes and pulling out the jackets and sweaters, you may also notice your skin feeling a bit dry and tight, your hair dry and lifeless.

It’s not just wardrobe that should be changed with winter; so too does skincare and hair care, and making slight changes can help you maintain a lovely glow and gorgeous locks through winter.

The key to keeping skin healthy during the winter months is to prevent water loss from the skin’s protective barrier (which is called transepidermal water loss). When water is lost from the skin it leads to dry, itchy and irritated skin. The best way to fortify and protect our skin’s moisture barrier is to use a daily lotion or cream that contains key ingredients such as ceramides, hylauronic acid or oatmeal. Apply it liberally morning and night.

During the winter months the ambient humidity drops precipitously. Add large leafy plants indoors. Not only do they brighten up your home, but each time that you water the plants, the water will diffuse through the leaves and into the room, adding much needed moisture.

You can also use a humidifier for added moisture in the air. Not only will your skin feel and look better, but your hair will too.

If you’re a long, hot shower lover, winter is a time to give up that luxury temporarily.  The hot water strips skin and hair of protective natural oils, so turn the temperature down to lukewarm and limit your time in the shower (an egg timer works!) to five minutes.

Many of you are accustomed to hydrating your skin with lotion after washing, but don’t forget that hydration begins in the shower or bath with gentle products that cleanse and moisturize at the same time.

Help keep your mitts supple in cold months by wearing stylish gloves and mittens!

Hair goes dry, weak and brittle during winter, but if you give it the right treatment you’ll lessen those issues. Health and Style Institute has exceptional shampoos and conditioners which aim to protect and heal your hair, and provide added moisturizing while still being right for your hair type.

Continue moisturizing hair, even through cold, wet winter.

And you still have time to save big with our November special:   Buy 2 Salon Products & Get the 3rd for Free!! The free product must be of equal or lesser value of the highest priced item. Offer expires 11/30/13.

It’s also a huge help to have a moisturizing hair treatment once a month to help repair the effects of winter. Ours start at only $6.00!

Follow these tips to ensure Old Man Winter doesn’t wreak havoc on your skin and hair; you’ll get through winter looking radiant and healthy!