Protect your skin, hair and nails from the ravages of cold weather

Keep your skin, nails and hair in tip-top condition this winter.

Do you notice that your skin becomes flaky and dry in the winter, that your lips are always chapped and conditions such as eczema suddenly become worse? Your hair may become extra brittle and your nails constantly flake and chip. Cold winter winds, central heating indoors, hot baths or showers and a reduced intake of fresh fruit, salads and fluids all play havoc with the condition of your skin, nails and hair.

This winter, there are some steps that you can take to protect your body from the harsh effects of the colder weather. Include in your diet a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Seasonal goodies, such as satsumas, squashes and pumpkins are all full of nutrients, including beta-carotene and vitamin C, which are central to skin health. Vitamin C is needed by the body to make collagen too.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during the winter-months. It may be harder than it was in the summer, but it’s just as important, as central heating is dehydrating to the body. Avoid drinking too much tea and coffee, which dehydrates you further, but enjoy herbal teas and hot soups instead.

Nutritional supplements can help to ensure dietary intake of nutrients that may support hair, skin and nail health, which are all made up of connective tissue. This connective tissue contains primarily collagen and keratin, which are strong, fibrous proteins. Certain nutrients are vital to the formation of these proteins, therefore ensuring an adequate supply of these will go a long way to supporting the condition of your hair, skin and nails.