5 Tips for Brighter, Healthier Hair and Skin
Does dull, damaged hair cause you daily frustration? Do you find yourself wasting time picking at zits and blackheads in the mirror? Believe it or not, these problems may be related. Skin and hair both rely on a protein called keratin for their structure, so they can be cared for in similar ways. Follow these simple tips to work your way back toward lustrous hair and glowing skin.
Use Higher-Quality Products
It may be tempting to save a few extra dollars by purchasing discount hair and skin products — or heaven forbid, a cleanser without moisturizer. Just because it says “soap” or “lotion” on the bottle doesn’t mean that it will help you achieve the results you want. In fact, most contain fillers and chemicals that do more harm than good. Look for products that are free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and synthetic colors/fragrances.
Limit Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are Enemy No.1 for your skin. Damage from certain wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation goes deep into the skin, and may take years to appear in the form of age spots, wrinkles, and cancer. Hair damaged by UV will experience bleaching and significant protein loss. You can combat harm by always wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors, and protecting your hair from bright sunlight with a hat.
Practice Good Nutrition
Health begins with the foods you put into your body. If you are consuming a diet heavy in processed foods, you can expect your hair and skin to look unhealthy. Your cells need vitamins and minerals to look and feel healthy. Eat a diet rich in whole foods like seeds, nuts, fish, vegetables. and fruit, and your hair and skin will reward you. Taking a skin and hair health supplement like Vibrance Healthy Hair Vitamins (Amazon) can accelerate results.
Skip the Heat
Your hair is not a fan of heat, but most people bombard their strands with high temperatures from hair dryers, flat irons, and hot rollers. If your hair seems dull, dry, and constantly plagued by split ends, you are most likely turning the heat up too high. Give your hair a break and use heat tools sparingly, letting it dry naturally instead. When you need to use them, put the heat on the lowest possible setting.
Moisturize!!
Your hair and skin both benefit from regular deep conditioning. Moisture is important for maintaining healthy hair and skin. Weekly deep conditioning with products like Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner (Amazon) will give your locks a hydrating boost that makes it shine. Keep your skin dewy by applying a moisture-locking lotion like Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion (Amazon) after showering. If you have naturally dry skin, you may need to do so more frequently.