Save Your Winter Skin

Dryness, flaking, uncomfortable itchy feeling on the face, hands, and feet are synonymous during winter. Cold dry air can strip skin of natural moisture. Based on the climatic conditions, a few changes in the skin care regime need to be adapted.

We provide you a few tips that help your skin stay moist and healthy through the winter months.

Avoid using soap on the face in winter as they dry out the skin. Wash your face with cold or lukewarm water. Avoid washing your face with hot water.

Strictly follow a regime of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. A good body scrub and facial exfoliate will make your skin free from all that old dry cells.

Visit a dermatologist and get your skin type analyzed. Take his/her advice on your current skin care regimen and the skin care products to use.

Remove traces of make-up, dirt and grime every night before going to sleep.

Exfoliation should be done in circular motion and skin under the eyes and other such delicate areas must be avoided. To rinse off, use cold to lukewarm water.

Scrub your face once in 7-10 days using a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains may cause irritation to your skin.

Creams and lotions may tend to dry out the skin rather than keep it moisturized and soft. Instead, use oil based moisturizer. Keep a small bottle handy during winters. Use it whenever you wash your face.

Keep your skin hydrated throughout the night by applying body oil or glycerin or a night cream before going to bed.

Steam your face to loosen debris that may be embedded into the skin. When steaming, your pores get widened and the skin is softened, which help in cleansing the impurities more easily.

Water does wonders to your skin. A minimum of 10-12 glasses of water is recommended. Carry a bottle with you when you go outside.

Drink herbal tea to give your skin a healthy glow.

Put moisture back into the air by using a humidifying system which can be purchased from your local drug store.

Nourish you skin by adding a few drops of jojoba or sweet almond bath oils into your every day bath. It will do wonders to your skin.

Limit the usage of blow drier in winter. Hot air dries out your scalp and can irritate your skin as well.

Use a good quality lip balm or Vaseline to treat Chapped lips.

Wear gloves when you go outside to minimize the dryness on your hands. Slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

Avoid Wet Gloves and Socks as they can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.

Apply a vitamin E-enriched moisturizer to the face. Vitamin E is essential to skin health and will not clog pores. This also soothes irritation caused during winter months.

Avoid long hot showers. Hot water dries out the skin and eliminates natural moisture balance. Opt for warm, shorter showers with a mild oil-free cleanser.