It’s that time of year again. The air is cold with lower humidity. Many of my clients are complaining about dry, irritated skin and brittle, dehydrated hair. It’s the perfect time to break out those natural oils I’ve mentioned in previous posts. (see My Top 4 Favorite Moisturizers)  I’ve also stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, diet, and drinking plenty of water to keep the skin and hair hydrated. (see my very first blog) This is number one in my book.

But another very important, simple, and affordable thing one can do is to change the water you are bathing in. Invest in a shower filter and don’t take such hot showers!

I know it may be hard during these cold winter months not to have that steaming hot water running first thing in the morning. But the cooler water will save your skin and hair. Cold water closes the pores and cuticles, in turn, will lock in more moisture. It strengthens the hair and makes it shinier. It also helps with overall hair loss. Other benefits of cold water include reduced swelling and dark circles under the eyes and makes for a healthier glow. Colder showers also trigger better circulation which can help with all kinds of problems including varicose veins.  And it’s simply invigorating and energizing.

Personally, I have a really hard time with cold showers in the winter. But I am mindful not to take piping hot ones anymore. If you have a hard time, like myself, you can ease into the cold by starting off warm and finishing off as cold as you can stand.  But remember to at least end cooler to seal those pores and cuticles.

As for the shower filter… this one’s easy. First of all, I will say we are fortunate to have clean running water in this country. But it’s a little too clean to the point where it’s toxic. How is that so? Chlorine! Chlorine is added to our water supply to kill off harmful micro-organisms. It’s also a toxic gas that attacks living cells and organic materials such as the skin and its natural oils. Add hot water to the mix, and it is an especially bad combination. Hot chlorinated water vaporizes and those toxic chemicals are inhaled in high concentrations and more easily absorbed in the skin. Remember, hot water opens pores. Cold – closes. Five times more chlorine enters through the skin during a shower than through drinking 8 glasses of chlorinated tap water, according to some experts. A shower filter will remove the chlorine and naturally soften the water. Your skin will look and feel smoother and be less itchy. It’s especially great for people with extra sensitive skin. It  helps with brittle hair, split ends, and colored or chemically treated hair.  I highly recommend getting a shower filter. They can be found online or at most health food stores.