skin care set for dry skin

7 REASONS YOUR HAIR IS DRY 

Everyone desires soft, silky hair, and the hair care industry thrives as a multi-million-pound market, with leading brands like Herbal Essences and Pantene setting the standard.

Dry, brittle hair can result from everyday factors such as weather changes or an unsuitable hair care routine. However, it may also indicate a lack of essential nutrients in your diet or an underlying health condition.

To help you achieve strong, healthy locks, here are the top seven reasons your hair may be dry and brittle—along with lifestyle changes that can restore its vitality. Because when it comes to hair care, you deserve the best!

YOUR HAIR CARE HABITS

The way you care for your hair plays a major role in its health. Overwashing can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair soft and hydrated. Similarly, hair dyes with harsh chemicals can cause immediate damage, leaving hair dry and brittle. Frequent use of heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners further intensifies dryness due to prolonged heat exposure.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, can contribute to dry, brittle hair. Constant exposure to the sun, wind, or water—such as frequent swimming—can also take a toll on your locks. To protect your hair, consider wearing a hat in sunny or windy conditions and using a swim cap if you spend a lot of time in the water.

MALNUTRITION

A lack of essential nutrients in your diet can have a significant impact on hair health. Malnutrition ranks alongside heat and chemical damage as a major cause of brittle hair. Ensuring your body receives the necessary vitamins and minerals can help maintain strong, healthy hair.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that leads to excessive weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Since hair health depends on proper nutrition, dry and brittle hair can be an early warning sign of this condition. A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, is essential for overall well-being and hair vitality.

MENKES SYNDROME

Menkes Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from properly absorbing copper, a mineral essential for healthy hair, skin, and bones. While dry hair is a minor symptom of this serious condition, it can serve as an indicator of an underlying issue.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, regulates the body’s metabolism, including how it processes proteins and energy. When the thyroid gland underproduces hormones (a condition known as hypothyroidism), symptoms may include dry hair, fatigue, weight gain, depression, and muscle or joint pain.

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM

The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels in the body. When these glands fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone, a condition called hypoparathyroidism occurs. This can lead to dry hair and skin, muscle cramps, spasms, and even cataracts. In some cases, the condition arises due to damage sustained during head or neck surgery.

IN SUMMARY

Dry and brittle hair can result from everyday factors like weather exposure or an unsuitable hair care routine. In these cases, simple lifestyle changes, a nutrient-rich diet, and hair care supplements can help restore its health. However, persistent dryness may also signal an underlying health issue. Paying attention to your hair’s condition can not only enhance your appearance but also serve as an important indicator of your overall well-being.

THE WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE THAT’S TOTALLY CHANGED MY SKIN

I have dry, oily, and sensitive skin, and my face is often red and irritated. The winter dryness only makes it worse, which is why I scheduled a dermatology appointment last month. My dermatologist told me that I had been overdoing it with harsh creams, acids, and serums, and advised me to simplify and soften my skincare routine. Each product I now use is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from parabens, dyes, alcohol, and phthalates. They’re all formulated with prebiotic oat, an antioxidant that helps soothe skin and nourish the moisture barrier. The results have been amazing, and my skin has never felt so calm.

If you struggle with sensitive skin, keep reading for my new winter skincare routine! It’s just five simple steps, and trust me, you’ll never settle for irritated skin again.

When my dermatologist recommended simplifying my skincare routine, I knew I had to make some serious changes. I went from about ten steps (depending on the time of day) to just four core steps, plus SPF in the morning. Here’s my new routine:

PRE-CLEANSE

My skin is dry, oily, sensitive, and prone to breakouts. So, I start by pulling my hair back and massaging a gentle cleanser onto my dry face. This step helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and any daily buildup like dirt and grime.

MOISTURIZING OATMEAL CLEANSER

Next, I wet my face with warm (not hot!) water, and use a gentle moisturizing oatmeal cleanser. This cleanser hydrates while it cleanses, leaving my skin feeling soft and nourished. I massage 1-2 pumps into my skin in circular motions for about a minute, then pat my face dry.

TRIPLE OAT SERUM

Once my face is dry, I apply 3-4 drops of a serum formulated with a Triple Oat Complex (oatmeal, oat extract, and oat oil). This serum instantly makes my skin feel smoother and more hydrated after just one use. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Plus, the dropper makes it easy to dispense just the right amount—no more wasted product!

OAT GEL MOISTURIZER

After the serum has dried, I apply a generous amount of an oat gel moisturizer to my face and neck, massaging it in with upward and outward motions. This moisturizer is formulated with prebiotic oat, which soothes sensitive skin and helps repair the moisture barrier. As someone with combination oily skin, I appreciate that it’s a lightweight gel that absorbs easily, leaving my skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

SPF

Lastly, I finish my routine with a daily sunscreen that has SPF 30. Both my mom and my dermatologist would be disappointed if I didn’t mention this step—sun damage can seriously harm your skin, even on cloudy days. I make sure to apply sunscreen every morning, even if I’m staying indoors, to protect my skin from sunburn and the harmful effects of pollution and blue light.

And that’s it! This simple, winter-friendly skincare routine has completely transformed my sensitive skin. If you’re looking for gentle products that nourish without irritation, you can find everything I use at Target or on Target.com.

Thanks so much for reading!