“Winter is the season of recovery and preparation.”
Almost everyone waits for the dreadful summers to come to an end so that they can get all cosy. Even though the spirits of the season are exciting, your skin might lack nourishment. Due to lack of moisture in the air, your skin turns dry, flaky, and rough, thereby, making it a necessity to take extra care of your skin. We know your skin is your most precious possession and you certainly do not want your skin to look red and itchy in any season, let alone winters.
We have curated a list of a few tips and hacks that will make your skin look and feel its best.
1. Stay hydrated
As the weather is cold outside, it is natural not getting thirsty so often, and as a result, we do not drink enough water. It is quintessential to regulate our water intake, or dehydration would result in dull, unhealthy looking skin. Keep sipping water throughout the day. You can keep a separate bottle or sipper for yourself or set alarms at intervals to remind you to drink water if you keep forgetting. Consider indulging in tea flavours like ginger and lemon, which will keep you hydrated and warm as well; either way, it is a win-win situation for you.
2. Shower at right temperatures
It undeniable-taking long and warm showers on a cold winter morning are nothing short of bliss. However, the hot water wreaks havoc on our skin; it strips the skin of its natural oils and makes it arid and flaky. If your skin turns red, then the water is too hot for your skin. Also, take notice of the amount of time you are taking in a shower. Exposing yourself to hot temperatures of water for too long during winters can make your skin rough and anhydrous.
3. Use moisturizers frequently
During summers, we do not feel the need to keep reapplying moisturizers as the humidity in the air does not dry out our skin so often as it does during winters. The skin in your hands has lesser oil glands than compared to the rest of your body, so they tend to dry out quickly, making it all the more prone to itchiness. Consequently, moisturizing our skin frequently is of great importance. Use cream-based moisturizers or petroleum jelly for your feet to prevent your heels from cracking.
4. Change your skincare regime
It is good to ramp up your skincare regimen as the season changes.
• Cleansers – Do not use too many chemical-based products as it can dry out your skin. Instead buy alcohol- and fragrance-free cleansers which are gentler on your skin. Go for cream-based products which keep the moisture intact and clean the dirt off gently.
• Exfoliation – Limit the amount of exfoliation, especially if you are the dry skin type. Exfoliating your skin with a nourishing scrub only once in a week to get rid of the flaky skin is enough.
• Moisturizers and Lotions – Choose the relevant lotions and moisturizers for the winter season. Opt for oil-based moisturizers and lotions instead of water-based ones, so that your skin is hydrated throughout. If you run out of body lotions or body butter, you could use coconut oil as well.
• Lip balms – Carry a lip balm with you at all times because nobody likes chapped lips. You can also use petroleum jelly if you do not have lip balms to keep your lips plump and healthy.
5. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is crucial for your skin irrespective of the season; just as important in winters as it is during the warmer days to shield you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. A minimum of SPF15 is feasible for the winter season. Keep reapplying it after every two hours or after sweating. Also, bear in mind to wear sunglasses when you step out. The harmful sun rays can cause the area around your eyes to develop fine lines, spots, and other issues.
6. Break a sweat
It is demanding to leave your blankets on the chilly winter mornings, but you do have to get out of your bed and get moving if you love your skin. Workouts and exercises increase your heart rate, which pumps more blood to your organs and skin. The oil glands in your skin shrink during the dry season, making it difficult for your skin to maintain its health on its own. Therefore, it is upon you to put in a little extra care to keep up the glow and health.
7. Eat right
Consume fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and antioxidants like blueberries, grapes, strawberries etc., because your skin needs them to remain healthy during the dry season. If you feel your skin is too dry, you can consume omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supplements regularly.
8. Home remedies for that healthy-looking skin
The arid weather is going to cause skin problems, making it pale just like a gloomy winter morning. Additionally, other daily concerns like stress, inadequate diet, and lack of sleep can make your skin look tired. Due to all these problems, maintaining healthy-looking skin can be challenging.
Try out these ingredients which you can use for that instant glow!
• Coconut oil – This is an absolute saviour for everyone in this season. You can achieve a dewy, fresh look with just some coconut oil; all you have to do is heat a few drops of it and apply it at night before sleeping and wake up to nourished and healthy skin.
• Aloe Vera – Another sought-after remedy and a boon for all the people with dry skin. Aloe vera acts as an excellent moisturizer keeping acne and wrinkles at bay. As it has a non-greasy texture, it is also great for people with normal to oily skin type. You can mix it with turmeric or honey for a quick and rejuvenating facemask.
• Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) – It is suitable for people with oily skin type as it controls excess oil production and cleanses the skin by removing impurities.
• Honey – A magical daily skincare ingredient. Apply it directly on your face for 10-15 minutes and wash off with water for supple and smooth skin. It keeps away bacteria from your skin due to its natural antibacterial properties and gives you glowing skin.
• Buttermilk – It contains lactic acid which removes dead skin cells and fades away dark spots with regular use.