Hair's the Scoop

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Hydrate, repair & prevent winter-wear with these miraculous must-haves for every budget:

FACE

Splurge: Chanel Mousse Confort Rinse-Off Cleanser
Non-drying mousse formula thoroughly and comfortably cleanses, soothes and tones, with deeply moisturizing effects. ($45, Chanel.com.)

Steal: Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser
Helps visibly reduce redness and calm dry, irritated or sensitive skin whilst gently cleansing. ($7.29, Walgreens.com.)

Splurge: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream
Korean herbs like milk-vetch and white mulberry promote an ageless complexion, as jojoba, avocado, mango seed, and sunflower oils moisturize and condition for soft, smooth skin. ($220, BergdorfGoodman.com.)

Steal: L'Oreal Skin Expertise Youth Code Day/Night Cream
This luxurious, potent anti-aging cream is fresh on application, leaving a light, smooth and velvety soft finish on the skin. ($21.99, Walgreens.com.)

Splurge: Fresh Crème Ancienne Eye Cream
Proven to visibly reduce the signs of aging, diminish puffiness and under-eye circles, and provide supreme nourishment. ($95, Fresh.com.)

Steal: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
This exclusive combination contains pure retinol plus essential minerals, and is clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles, hydrate and firm whilst you sleep. ($19.99, Target.com.)

Splurge: La Mer The Lip Balm
A luxurious emulsion that helps lips look and feel smoother and softer. ($45, CremedelaMer.com.)

Steal: Caswell-Massey Dr. Hunter Lip Salve
Restores comfort to chapped lips, whilst preventing dryness and cracking from exposure to the elements. ($4, Beauty.com.)

BODY

Splurge: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream
From the moment of application, this supremely elegant formula, enriched with Caviar Extract, transforms dull, fatigued skin into shimmering satin as it infuses the body with deep hydration. ($390, LaPrairie.com.)

Steal: Dove Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion
A deeply penetrating and fast absorbing all over the body lotion that leaves your skin extra soft, extra smooth and extra beautiful. ($4, Amazon.com.)

Splurge: Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
A rich skin conditioner and natural botanical cleanser for the entire body. ($41, Dermalogica.com.)

Steal: St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Wash
This rich and creamy formula creates a gentle lather that helps clean and soothe dry, itchy skin. ($2.69, Target.com.)

HAIR

Splurge: Shu Uemura The Art of Hair Moisture Velvet Shampoo & Conditioner
Rebalances moisture levels and leaves hair feeling silky smooth. A truly addictive duo. ($45-$55, ShuUemuraArtofHair-USA.com)

Steal: John Frieda Smooth Start Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner
Smoothes strands, hydrates to replenish vital moisture and restores hair’s natural defense against frizz. ($4.79 each, Drugstore.com.)

Splurge: Rodin by Recene Luxury Hair Oil
This incredible elixir is both universal and hardworking, leaving lifeless, damaged hair healthier, more lustrous and consistently residue-free. ($60, OlioLusso-Shop.com.)

Steal: Proclaim Natural 7 Argan Oil
Uiquely formulated with argan oil and other natural ingredients to nourish and condition hair, moisturize skin and stimulate nail growth. ($5, SallyBeautySupply.com.)

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Q: I suffer from eczema, and it's just awful. My skin looks red and irritated, and is constantly itching. Help!
— Patricia M., San Antonio TX

A: Thank you for your query, Patricia! You're certainly not alone. Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of people, including stars like Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt. And though there's no known cure, there are loads of easy ways to avoid outbreaks and help speed up the healing process.

Things to be cautious of:
• Fragrance/colorants in laundry detergent, cosmetic and body care products, etc.
• Soaps and harsh detergents, as they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness.
• Tight-fitting, rough or scratchy clothing.
• Anything that causes sweating, as it can irritate the rash.
• Washcloths, sponges or loofahs, or anything that will abrade the skin.

During an outbreak:
• Clean the area with a hypoallergenic, moisturizing soap every day; soap up only at the very end of your bath/shower.

Healing aids:
• Apply a nonprescription steroid cream (hydrocortisone) along with anti-itching lotion (menthol/camphor, such as calamine). The cream should be applied as often as possible without skipping days until the rash is gone.
• Oatmeal is a common remedy to relieve itching, and can be applied topically as a cream or, as a colloid, in the bath.
• Chamomile is another herbal treatment that can help to relieve discomfort. Simply apply a cloth soaked in strong chamomile tea to the inflamed areas.
• Helichrysum (oil) has been found by European researchers to be an excellent cell regenerator, to reduce tissue pain, help improve skin conditions, reduce redness and heal the formation of scar tissue. It’s one of the best oils for dermatitis, particularly eczema.
• If the condition of your skin does not improve, consult your dermatologist, as you may benefit from the short-term use of a topical steroid (like Clobex), or a pimecrolimus (immunosuppressant) cream, like Elidel.

Preventative measures:
• Always use a hypoallergenic, moisturizing soap; soap up only at the very end of your bath/shower.
• Apply a fragrance-free barrier-type moisturizer, such as Cetaphil, immediately after cleansing the skin.
• Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.
• Dietary elements that have been reported to trigger eczema include: dairy products and coffee [both caffeinated and decaffeinated], soybean products, eggs, nuts and wheat, though food allergies may vary from person to person. (Also, a diet rich in omega-3 [and low in omega-6] may be able to reduce symptoms.)

Have a beauty-related that question that you've been dying to ask? Drop us a line at hair@lifetimetv.com.