Do you remember those headaches you used to get as a kid when you ate ice cream too fast? Well, that's what going outside in insanely cold weather is like. Your entire body instantly starts to tingle, ache and then go numb. Even with a hat on, my head will start to throb like I've just downed an entire box of Popsicles. My knees get stiff, and then the joints on my fingers start to bend very s l o w l y. Needless to say, walking anywhere can be quite a painful experience, even when dressed appropriately for the weather.
Should you ever find yourself stuck in some good 'ole northern Canadian weather, here are some simple things to have around the house that will help your skin, hair and extremities survive the frigid cold. A few things are expensive, but most are just basic things you can find around the house.
Vitamin E Ointment
Vitamin E in a gel form is pretty much like magic. It soothes chapped skin, helps to heal cuts, and creates a nice barrier of protection for cracked lips. I use it all over my face before and after going outside in the extreme weather. For those of you with oily skin, there's an added bonus: it doesn't make you break out. You can use it all over your body, although I like it most on my face.
Olive Oil
Cheap, you can find it at any grocery store, and it's awesome for the skin. Cold weather is very drying and irritating for face, hands and everything else. Olive oil is a nice way to combat peeling, cracked skin -- as long as you can deal with smelling like an Italian kitchen. One piece of advice: I tend to avoid using it on my face, as it is quite heavy. I prefer it for feet, knees, hands and legs. Other good options are: Coconut oil and Castor oil, although I know they can sometimes be harder to find.
Moroccan Oil
Cold weather will slaughter, murder and otherwise destroy your hair. My hair has a horrible habit of drying out at the ends while staying oily at the roots. Moroccan Oil works magic on my dry ends, without weighing my hair down and making it look flat or greasy. It also stops those horrible static fly-aways that happen when you have to wear a lot of hats. Plus, it smells really nice. You can find it on amazon.com, amazon.ca or in a local salon. Expensive, but totally worth it.
Dryer Sheets
They work on hair like magic. Seriously. When I'm in a pinch, I use them to tame static and gnarly ends. It makes your hair smell nice, to boot. Find a brand you like, and try it out. Personally, I am a sucker for Snuggles, that cloyingly sweet bear that you see on all those dryer sheet commercials. I also heard of another excellent (albeit) illegal use for dryer sheets, but I'll save that one for another time ... if ever.
Other must haves:
A long scarf: You need it long enough to drape around your neck, mouth and nose. Breathing through a scarf really cuts down on the horrible my-lungs-are-getting-frostbitten feeling that can happen when ever you step outside. I usually double wrap mine around my mouth and nose for added warmth.
Mittens in Gloves: Double up! Take a pair of mittens and wrap a pair of heavier gloves around them. Relying on a single pair of mittens or gloves won't work; you need two layers. It helps, trust me!
Ski socks: They work. 'Nuff said. Find them at a sporting good store. Your feet will thank you.
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