Are you suffering from super dry skin, rough elbows, knees, chapped lips & flaky face? Say hello to winters, which is here to wreck your skin from head-to-toe. Every other human face a similar problem when winter arrives, so does your dermatologist. It is believed that when the air starts to chill, human body adapts to hold in heat by narrowing blood vessels, as a result of this the epidermis of skin starts drying up and the skin becomes dull, leading to some problems such as flaking and cracking of the skin.
So, here I am, sharing the golden tips to snap the cold and keep your skin glowing and hydrated in the winters from head to toe.
1. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!
The first and foremost important tip is to moisturize your skin well. Now, the biggest task is to decide which is the best moisturizer for your skin type?
So, the answer is that it completely depends on your skin type. For normal to dry skin, the cream based moisturizer is best suited to lock in moisture, whereas in case of oily skin it is advised to use the gel-based moisturizer. Vitamin C based moisturizer or antioxidant serums support building blocks of your skin, help in collagen and elastin production thus reduces dullness and also brightens up the skin.
2. Cleanse! But not dry out your skin
Always use essential oil and moisturizer based face wash. Do not use hard drying soaps or scrubbers that can strip off the essential oils produced by the skin. Further Glycerine based body washes should opt for your skin in winter.
3. SPF is a must!
I know its winters, but you still need sunscreen. It is the common thought that sunscreen is not required in winters, BUT IT IS A MYTH. We all require sunscreen for 365 days. Though UVB decreases around winter season, levels for UVA are still significant, which is responsible for aging effects on the skin. So, always apply sunscreen.
4. Keep yourself hydrated internally too!
The skin has the tendency to dry out and become furthermore sensitive in winters. Make it a point to keep yourself hydrated internally as well. Drinking a lot of water is always advisable. Further swapping your tea and coffee with green tea is recommended, as it has amazing anti-oxidant effects.
5. Protect your parched lips!
To prevent dry and cracked lips always use a hydrating lip balm as many times as you want in a day. Lip balms containing coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter are highly recommended. You can avoid long-lasting matt lipsticks as they can dry out your lips. Lips balms with correct SPF should always be used.
6. Do not avoid your palms and soles
Parching and cracking of heels are common in winters. To prevent it you can dip your feet in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes and then apply paraffin and urea-based thick moisturizer on hands and feet.
7. Treasure in your own kitchen
You might not be aware but your kitchen is your treasure house. Sneak in to find out remedies to soothe the winter tortured skin.
The best source of lactic acid – yogurt aids in exfoliation along with calming down the irritated skin because of its anti-inflammatory ingredient which is vitamin E.
Looking for an Easy way to lock in moisture? Oatmeal bath is your answer, which not only removes dirt but also locks moisture and hydrates your skin. The best natural moisturizer is honey which is full of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties too. Last but not least, an evergreen solution to dryness is coconut oil.
8. Consult your dermatologist
In spite of all these precautions if you still have itchy, dry and flaky skin one should always consult the dermatologist before it worsens up to eczema or dermatitis. It is always advisable to prepare beforehand and plan your skin regimen and treatments to be followed so that your skin is prepared to combat winters.
Stay hydrated and keep glowing! Happy winters!