Those who like to cocoon themselves during this period, suspended in a deaf seasonal hibernation, as well as those who feel “active” despite low temperatures, may like the idea of taking care of themselves by recreating not only a spa. a similar atmosphere, with fragrant oils, massages and candles, and experimenting with new outdoor situations. Thinking about your well-being is more than a desire, it is a need: the body and mind need special attention, and preventive restoration of the skin, which is now exposed to cold without adequate acclimatization, is urgently needed. It is better to start with comprehensive ultra-gentle treatments, proper fitness, Oriental-inspired detox, and a “sensory suspension” experience to relieve fatigue and stress. Here are the top ten to try right now.
1. Head straight
Let’s start from the top, that is, from the scalp, which, due to sudden changes in temperature, can dry out, peel off and, therefore, itch. As a preventive strategy, showers that are too long, too hot, and using a hair dryer at maximum power should be avoided: excessive heat damages the hydro-lipid balance of the skin. Once a week, however, it is useful to massage with a special scrub – some contain peat, skin cleansing natural – followed by rinsing with apple cider vinegar for a feeling of absolute cleansing. In case of frost, wear a hat or scarf in a royal style – super chic – but without synthetics.
2. Magic cocoon
In the 1950s, American scientist John S. Lilly began experimenting with sensory deprivation in a tank used by scuba divers. His research has served as an inspiration for Hollywood films (the famous unforgettable State of change) and many superstars such as John Lennon and Robin Williams were bath aficionados to the point of owning their own home. Today you can try art “floating” latest generation without going too far. The practice consists of submerging 600 liters of body temperature water with 200 kilograms of Epsom salts in a mega-chest-like structure that closes, leaving us to float in the dark and warm for an hour. The goal is to achieve a kind of auto-trance state in which the brain begins to emit theta waves and produce endorphins and dopamine for a feeling of complete well-being. The result: no stress until the next session and very soft skin. In Milan, you can try the Cocoon Milano floating center (information: cocoonmilano.it).
3. Super detox
As in nature, the seasons change each other, and in our body, according to Chinese medicine, something similar happens. In winter, we find ourselves in the water element associated with maturity, black color, bladder and kidney organs. Even the diet adapts: the preferred foods are tubers, roots and legumes. Among the tastes, spicy is preferable, which warms and activates, protecting the weakened body from the cold. During this period, it is also necessary to accumulate energy and purify fluids. To prevent congestion, you can take – on the advice of a specialist – supplements based on birch, whose macerated leaf extract is indicated to improve the drainage of body fluids and the functionality of the urinary tract, chestnut, which works in the venous and lymphatic system. , and finally, horse chestnut, which acts at the vascular level, protecting the venous circulation.
4. Who does it himself
practiceself-massage, it is better if it is an Ayurvedic remedy and if taken in the morning as soon as you wake up, it is ideal for relaxing muscles, improving digestion and reducing dryness due to cold. First, we heat the organic sesame oil in a saucepan. It starts with a head massage, continues with light circular movements on the arms and legs. Finally, a warm shower to get rid of excess oil.
5. Herbal tea?
Here are three antifreeze potions, very easy to prepare. Herbal tea from star anise and orange against colds and runny nose. Squeeze the oranges, one for each cup, bring the water to a boil and, turning off the heat, add a teaspoon of hibiscus and star anise, leave to steep for three minutes. Finally, filtered orange juice is added to the herbal tea. Ideal before leaving the house in the morning. Ginger tea improves blood circulation, restoring warmth and vitality. Ginger is cut into thin slices, about 4/5 for each cup, and boiled for five minutes. Filter and sweeten with honey. Great before exposing yourself to the cold. Herbal tea from mallow and lemon balm soothes coughs and sore throats, relieves stress and fatigue. Take a spoonful of dried herbs for each cup, boil for 5 minutes, strain and sweeten. Ideal before bed.
6. Let’s dress up
Not only in the evening, after cleansing, but even in the morning, perhaps before you go to the shower, you can apply a face and eye mask with soothing and firming properties for a few minutes to protect the epidermis from the weather. A DIY alternative is a chamomile face mask. Organic flowers are taken to make an infusion, which is then applied with cotton gauze over a fifteen minute posture. The effect is super decongestant.
7. On the lips
Dry and dehydrated winter lips need more care than ever. Here, too, evening masks for deep moisturizing, but at first very light. scrubs raw linen handkerchief to remove dead cells without peeling the cuticle. Finally, give preference to lipsticks and glosses, which consist of natural oils and vitamins that strengthen the hydro-lipid barrier.
8. Hair in the wind
In addition to the frizziness caused by moisture, the effect of cold and pollution is added, due to which the hair becomes dull and brittle. To strengthen the bulbs during this period, it is good to take supplements based on bamboo extract, zinc, selenium and biotin. Beneficial for treatment based on glyxin, glycogen, amino acids, phospholipids and trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and silicon. They promote cell renewal, helping stems stay hydrated and strong.
9. Hands up
Some essential oils are warming and can increase blood flow, quickly warming the body and therefore the hands. Try a mixture of 50 ml of mountain arnica oil with 5 drops of cypress essential oil, 7 drops of rosemary and 5 drops of ginger. The north pole is proof, it rubs against the hands to start the “engine”.
10. Move, move
Walking, running, trekking in the city or in the mountains. The good news is that exercising in the cold increases basal metabolic rate, allowing those who exercise regularly to better withstand cold temperatures. Exercising outdoors, even in winter, also allows you to be exposed to the UV rays needed to gain Vitamin D essential for bone health and muscle function, thereby preventing fractures and osteoporosis. |
Products for the winter beauty routine
Source: Elle