Dry skin and hair? Here’s how to keep your body hydrated in the cold

With the cold wave that hits São Paulo and the central-south region of Brazil, in addition to taking their coat out of the closet, the population must take extra care to maintain skin hydration, prevent allergies and hair drying.

The low temperatures have been caused by a succession of cyclones coming from the ocean, associated with cold air from the south, between the coastal regions of countries like Argentina and Brazil itself, according to meteorologists.

Also this Wednesday, a forecast by Inmet (National Meteorology Institute) indicates that strong winds should hit Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to Santa Catarina, where it snowed on Tuesday (17). Gusts can reach an average of 110km/h.

​In the capital of São Paulo, Friday (20) should be with a minimum of 7ºC and a maximum of 16ºC, with the expectation that the temperature will drop even further in the extremes of the city, with the possibility of frost at the highest points.

Despite the cold asking for a very hot bath, the dermatologist at the Hospital das Clínicas in Salvador, and president of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology in Bahia, Ana Lísia Giudice, recommends avoiding high temperatures, in addition to reducing the time in the shower.

“A bath that is too hot affects skin hydration, damages the skin barrier, dries the hair and increases the production of sebum”, he points out. “The ideal is to use the warm shower or, if you choose the highest temperature, take a shower in up to ten minutes at most”, he says.

One of the tasks is to increase the skin’s protective layer, Giudice said. For this, if the person takes two baths, only in the first bath of the day should the soap be used all over the body. “In other baths, if necessary, pass only in the groin, armpit, hands and feet”, he guides.

In addition to dryness, this time of year also makes the skin more susceptible to allergies, especially itching in the elderly. Applying a moisturizer right after a shower can be the way out, says the dermatologist.

“Therefore, at least once a day, it is recommended to use a good moisturizer 24 hours, up to ten minutes after the bath”, he informs.

But it’s not just the cold waves that make the skin dry. Even those who live in warmer regions but spend the day indoors with air conditioning can be affected. “Today, life is practically in places with air conditioning, which takes the humidity out of the space”, analyzes Giudice.

In addition to the moisturizer, dermatologist Hassana Barros also adds that it is important to give preference to facial soaps without detergent. “And the use of sunscreen, as a finalization to the skin treatment, which can have a more hydrating texture, if necessary”, she completes.

Dryness can be even worse for people with black skin tones. Hydration and care should intensify even more. Applying moisturizer once a day may not be enough.

“At least twice a day. It depends on the need, as some have a more visible dryness, which bothers patients”, he says.

On the hair, dermatologist Giudice advises avoiding thermal damage caused by devices such as a flat iron or even a hairdryer. Blacks should pay special attention to the way they treat their hair during the period. “These devices damage hair a lot, because, generally, curly hair is more fragile, thinner, dries faster.”

Even washing the hair with shampoo and conditioner can be done less times a week. “If you need to get wet, on other days, use vegetable oils before getting in the shower”, adds Giudice.

Hair therapist, the trichologist of the vegan cosmetics brand Betobita Feito à Mão, Kátia Almeida, echoes the dermatologist’s recommendations. It indicates avoiding washing your hair with very hot water. “Warm water is indicated, although we are talking about colder seasons of the year”, she says.

In addition, he continues, it is recommended to use hair products with ingredients made up of butter or vegetable oils, such as sunflower, jojoba, linseed, safflower, coconut or grape seed to make the hair look healthier.

“These are products that help form a cover, a film on the thread, which helps to protect against the cold. They can be found in cosmetics stores or natural products stores”, he indicates. “Preferably, do the wetting before bed”, she guides.

To make the wetting it is necessary to pass the oil on the hair strands before going to bed and remove it in the morning.

The frequency of washing should be at most twice a week. This way it is possible to maintain the health of the scalp. “Regardless of the type of hair: curly, wavy, curly or straight. If possible, with a cleansing conditioner and moisturize every time you wash”, he points out.

At bedtime, satin becomes an ally. “For preserved hair, it is recommended to sleep with a cap or satin pillowcase to avoid friction and tangles, especially for curly or frizzy hair”, he concludes.