For a lucky few the cold days of winter bring a rosy glow to their cheeks, but to many the cold only brings a rather uncomfortable dryness to the face, hands and feet. And, for some others, it is worse as their skin begins to flake and crack.
If you are one of those several dozens, who suffer from very dry skin during winter, you have hit the right page. We present to you some quick tips and remedies to protect your skin during winter. These are not remedies off a text book or manual, they are tried and tested tips and remedies that keep your skin moist and healthy through the coldest of winter months.
1. Moisturize-Moisturize and Moisturize More
The more you moisturize your skin during winter, the better. However, it is important that you choose the right kind of moisturizer lest your skin may not be able to reap the benefits of moisturizing. Use an ointment based or oil based moisturizer rather than the regular water based brands, as oil tends to create a protective layer on your skin and helps in retaining much more moisturizer than a regular lotion. You can simply use a night cream as they are generally oil based.
2. Slap on Some Sunscreen
Now, if you thought sunscreen was only for summers, you were wrong. It is said that winter sun in conjunction with snow glare is all you need to damage your pretty and soft skin. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen above 30 SPF for your face and hands and be sure to use it at least half an hour before you step outside. Keep re-applying through the day, especially if you intend to stay outdoors for long.
[ Read: How Does Sunscreen Work? ]
3. Switch to using Warm Water
Keep your skin happy and glowing by shifting to lukewarm water instead of very cold or hot water. Use lukewarm water for a quick wash, bath or shower. Hot water tends to sap the natural oils present in your skin and makes it dry and dull. You should also keep your bath time shorter during winter, never over ten minutes. The more time you spend in the shower, the more dehydrated will your skin get. Gently pat dry your skin using a soft towel and never rub hard.
4. Do not sit too close to the fire place
There is nothing more romantic than curling up in front of a warm fireplace on a cold winter night. But, did you know that open flames can cause your skin to get dehydrated and dry out. If you suffer from dry skin during winter, we suggest you do not get too close to the fire place!
5. Guzzle on Water
Summer makes you thirsty, but isn’t the only season to reach out for tall glasses of water. If you keep your body hydrated in winter, your skin will remain soft, supple and moisturized too. So, whether you are thirsty or not, ensure that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water even during winter.
[ Read: How To Increase Your Water Intake ]
6. Bring Home a Humidifier
Space heaters and central heating systems in most buildings, both commercial and residential, tend to blast gusts of hot dry air. Humidifiers on the other hand, draw in some moisture from the air and thus protect your skin and prevent it from drying out. If it is a feasible option, switch to using humidifiers during winter. Place several humidifiers in your house and they will disperse moisture in a more even manner.
7. Go easy on your Beauty Regimen
If your skin is particularly dry, say no to masks, alcohol based skin products and harsh facials and peels, as they will do more harm than good. These products will strip the vital oil and moisture from your skin, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Use a mild cleansing milk, moisturizer and toner that are deep hydrating and preferably clay based. This will keep your skin soft and moisturized even through the chilliest nights.
8. Lather on some Yogurt
A bowl of yogurt from your kitchen pantry can help banish winter dryness. Not only is yogurt a wonderful skin hydrating agent, it also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe dry and itchy skin that is common in winters. Simply apply yogurt onto your face, hands and legs ten minutes before bathing and watch the dryness vanish.
9. Oatmeal scrub
A good oatmeal scrub will leave your skin soft and moisturized and relieve dry skin and itchiness almost instantly. Oats is rich in protein and creates a protective barrier on the skin that further helps in preventing water loss and locking in moisture. It also has antioxidant properties that nourishes the skin naturally. Throw in a cup of oat meal in your bath and soak in it for ten minutes. This will make your skin soft and beautiful in no time at all.
[ Read: How To Use Oatmeal ]
10. Apply some Coconut Oil
There is nothing better than a nice coconut oil massage to nourish your skin during winter. Coconut oil contains a high percentage of fatty acids that will replenish the moisture lost by the skin. Apply warm coconut oil to your hands, feet and face before you go to bed. Wash it off the next morning. You can also apply a little oil after having had a warm bath to double the results.
11. Go shopping for Food
Did you know that you can eat to moisturize your skin? Yes, you heard it right. Food such as fish, sweet potatoes and even avocados can help increase the moisture levels in your body and make your skin soft and supple even during winter. So, what are you waiting for? Head out to the grocers, and fill up your shopping cart!
These are a few of the many tips you can follow to keep your skin, soft, supple and moisturized even during winters. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and very effective. So, ditch those expensive creams and lotions, and try these simple tricks to reveal beautiful and soft skin, naturally.