Winter brings with it unique beauty challenges that go way beyond hat head. Our complexions dull, our hair dries out, our lips chap, and our whole body itches from dry skin. Looking in the mirror can get downright disheartening.   

Ideally, we would ship ourselves off to a spa each week and have someone take care of us from top to bottom, fixing our hair, skin, and nails—and throwing in a massage for good measure. Since that’s not an option for most of us, we’ve gathered some survival strategies that will keep you feeling put together until spring.

1. Pour a Spot of Tea
The best spas always offer clients tea, knowing full well the health—and relaxation benefits—that steep in that little cup. Re-create the spa mood at home whenever you need a comforting moment. Pick your potion: An herbal tea made with honey and lemon eases a scratchy throat; chamomile relaxes; ginger soothes an upset stomach; ginseng provides perk; and peppermint aids in digestion.

2. Ban Alligator Skin
Zap scaly skin with the help of a humidifier. Skin gets dry and flaky in winter when indoor humidity drops to about 5 to 10 percent. Unfortunately, it only needs to drop below 50 or 60 percent for water to start leaving the skin. Use a humidifier or keep pots of water on your radiators to increase your home’s moisture levels. If windows start to fog up, that may indicate too much humidity, a condition that can lead to mold. An inexpensive humidity gauge will help you keep the air just right.

As tempting as it is to linger in a steamy bath or shower during colder months, try to wash with warm rather than hot water and use gentle soaps. These measures help prevent your body’s natural protective oils from being stripped away. Look for soap ingredients that include shea butter or olive, jojoba, palm, or coconut oils.

3. Body Care
Daily dry brushing is a great way to support your lymph and immune systems. Invest in a soft bath brush, preferably one with a long handle so you can reach hard-to-get-at places.

Using this dry brush, begin brushing at the soles of your feet and work your way up your legs and trunk. Then brush from the palms of your hands up your arms and then across your back and abdomen.
Start with gentle pressure, brushing a bit harder as your body gets used to this routine. Follow with a warm bath or shower.

Immediately after washing, trap moisture into your skin by applying a cream or lotion. Part of the fun of going to a spa is the heavenly smelling products the staff uses on your skin. Relive that sensation by using moisturizers containing almond, sesame, avocado, or borage oils. Also look for products that contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate skin by attracting moisture to it.

Pay special attention to your lips at this time of year. To prevent cracking, use natural lip balms and lipsticks containing beeswax, vitamin E, and jojoba or other plant oils. Ingredients such as shea butter and castor oil will protect lips without drying.

4. Hair Care
To ensure your hair gets the pampering it deserves, look for quality ingredients in shampoos and conditioners, such as aloe, calendula, chamomile, lavender, nettle, rosemary, and sage. Those with thick, heavy hair or curly and thick hair should use a deep-conditioning treatment weekly, starting the application about two inches from the scalp and leaving it on for about 30 minutes.