Lets face it, if mum is happy, then there is a big chance that the whole family will be a lot happier!
Too often once we have children all of our attention goes to families, work and managing the home and we forget to take care of ourselves. Where once we may have popped out on the weekend to pick up something nice to wear, we now tend to be popping out to grab milk, more nappies, and more clothes for growing children!
What about you? Who is looking after you?
It is all too easy to for us mums to treat taking care of ourselves (and in particular our appearance) as an extravagance. But taking care of how you look doesn't have to be hard work or break the bank. The fact is - when you are pleased with the way you look - you feel happier! And lets face it, if mum is happy, then there is a big chance that the whole family will be a lot happier!
Winter Care for Mums
There are lots of simple things that you can do (that don't take too much time or money) to ensure you take care of you! The EB Team have tracked down some easy tips to keep you feeling great throughout winter!
With so much time spent indoors in cooler months, you would expect that your skin and hair would be more protected than ever! Not so, time spent indoors is often in a heated environment which is very drying for hair and skin. Plus, with less fresh air and sunlight, hair and skin can become dull and lifeless if you don't pay them some extra attention.
Skin
Heating and a lack of fresh air and sunshine can leave skin feeling dry which can make you look older. Try the following simple tips to combat;
- If you find yourself in artificially heated environments in winter you may find it helpful to switch to a heavier moisturiser to help reduce dryness.
- Try applying moisturiser when skin is still moist to assist absorption.
- Exfoliate weekly to keep skin looking fresh
- Take advantage of those long winter nights - once a week get the kids to bed early then jump into a luxurious bath with a hydrating face mask. Afterwards moisturise your whole body, apply a good night cream and get yourself to bed early. A good night's sleep is a great way to maintain the health of your skin!
Hair
Hair can also be come dehydrated in winter. Reduced humidity can lead to static, brittle hair. Try the following;
- Apply a conditioning treatment to hair once a month to give it a moisture boost
- Try changing your shampoo and conditioner to give your hair a lift
- Try not to wash hair too frequently to give your scalp a break - aim for twice a week but ideally no more than 3 times per week.
- Blowdrying (especially on too hot a setting) will exacerbate dry hair issues in winter. Try a lower temperature setting on your hair dryer and don't blow dry every day.
Fashion
It is so easy, particularly on the days that you're planning to stay in with the kids, to throw on some comfy track pants, a warm top and enjoy lolling about with the kids for the day. Don't fall into the trap though, of doing so day in and day out as cold weather continues.
If you are at home with kids a lot, pick at least one day each week to "dress to impress". That doesn't mean getting out a ball gown - but do make the effort to pop on some make up, do your hair and throw on some nice clothes when you head to pick up the groceries or out to pick up the kids (and don't forget to accessorise!).
Visit the EB Beauty and Fashion forum where you can chat to others about fashion, skin and hair care and beauty. Get tips from other members or just have a chat to others who are more than likely facing some similar challenges !
