As we enter October, the cold winter months are approaching. The cold weather can wreak havoc on our skin, especially menopausal black women. Some menopausal women report an increase in dry and dull skin because of hormonal changes. Studies have shown that melanin-rich skin tends to be more prone to dryness.
In addition, there are several reasons why black women experience dry and dull skin at a higher rate than their Caucasian women:
- Dehydration
- Environment
- Medication
- Aging
- Some Chronic Diseases
- Skin Conditions (e.g.. eczema
- Medication
- Harsh Facial Cleansers & Soaps
- Alcohol-Based Products
- Fragranced-Based Products
In this article, “Essential Winter Body Care Tips for Black Women 50+: Nourish and Protect Your Skin,” we’ll explore several practical tips to help you keep your beautiful black skin healthy, moist, and glowing during the cold winter months.
As a bonus, we have two simple skincare recipes you can quickly whip up at home to elevate your winter skincare routine.
Tip 1- Stay Hydrated
Stay hydrated by drinking the recommended water daily and eating in-season, high-water-content vegetables and fruits. Our previous article provides a list of high-water-content vegetables and fruits.
Tip 2 – Change Bathing Habits
Taking a long, hot shower to start my day or as a perfect ending to a long, stressful day has been a part of my self-care routine for as long as I can remember.
However, studies show that taking long, hot showers or baths can contribute to dry skin by removing the body’s natural oils. To prevent or reduce dry skin, consider changing your bath habits by taking a shower or bath in warm or lukewarm water and reducing the time spent bathing.
Tip 3 – Use Gentle Soaps & Bath Gels
Avoid bathing in soaps and shower gels that have harsh ingredients and additives. Instead, use soaps and shower gels that are all-natural, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and great for melanated skin, such as Shea Moisture and CeraVe body wash.
Tip 4 – Exfoliate Skin
Exfoliating your skin gently with a sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells can help keep skin moisturized and glowing during the winter.
Check out the DIY skincare section for a video on how to make body sugar scrub.
Tip 5 – Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin immediately after a bath. Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps seal in the water from your bath or shower. This is crucial for black skin, which tends to lose moisture more quickly due to its structure. Whipped shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the skin, offering numerous benefits, particularly for black women.
Check out the DIY skincare section for how to make whipped body shea butter recipe.
Tip 6 – Cool Mist Humidifier
Consider investing in an indoor cool mist humidifier. The humidifier will help add moisture and prevent dry skin in the winter months.
Tip 7 – Skincare Products to Avoid
Some skincare products and ingredients can cause or exacerbate skin dryness, especially aging or those with already dry and sensitive skin. Below are a few everyday skincare products that cause dry skin:
- Harsh Soaps
- Alcohol-Based Products
- Harsh Exfoliants
- Benzoyl Peroxide
DIY: Make Your Own Skincare Products
There are so many benefits to making your skincare products:
- You know what’s in the product and ultimately control the ingredients.
- You can customize products based on your skin type
- Avoid harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives.
- Cost-Effective
DIY 1 – Easy Brown Sugar Body Scrub Video
DIY 2 – Easy | How I Make Whipped Shea Body Butter Recipe
Whipped Shea Butter Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of African Shea butter
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil
- 15-20 drops of essential oil (Optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of arrowroot powder (Optional). Use only if the butter is too greasy.
Instructions:
- Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler on low heat. The butter should melt slowly to preserve the nutrients. If you need a double boiler, try this method.
- After the mixture melts, please remove it from the heat and let it cool off.
- Add essential oils, Vitamin E oil, and arrowroot powder.
- Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes cloudy and thick.
- Whip the mixture with an electric hand mixer.
- Whip up to 20 or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and think, almost meringue-like.
- Transfer the mixture into a glass jar with a lid and allow it to set.
Important Note: Because these products do not contain preservatives, always ensure your hands are clean and dry before using them. Avoid adding water to the containers, as it can contaminate the product’s integrity.
Following these tips will help keep your skincare products safe and effective!
Remember, winter doesn’t have to mean dry or dull skin; with the proper practices, you can embrace your natural glow all season long. I hope these tips empower you to nurture and celebrate your unique beauty, keeping your skin moisturized and radiant in winter and throughout the year.
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I’d love to hear from you. In the comments, please share your experiences with these skincare tips. What has worked for you? Let’s support each other through this journey and learn from each other’s experiences.
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