Written by Dr. Shehla Agarwal (MBBS MAMC New Delhi, MD (Dermatology) MAMC New Delhi), one of the best dermatologists in Delhi NCR.
As the mercury dips, so does the health of your skin in winters. Have you ever noticed how your skin responds to the changing seasons? If so, you’ve likely noticed that your skin often seems to get drier and flakier in colder winter months.
Cold air, dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and harsh winter wind can all zap your skin of moisture. This can leave your skin looking a lot less radiant than normal — not only your face, but also your hands, feet, and other areas exposed to the elements.
There are steps you can take to keep your skin looking healthy, even when temperatures dip and there’s no escape from winter’s dry, cold air.
Here is a breakdown of few tips that can help you sail through this season of chills.
1. Customise Your Products
First things first, just like your wardrobe changes in winter, your skincare essentials should also change. The products that you were using during summers will not work in this weather.
2. Say No to Alcohol
Always read the label of the products you include in your winter essentials and avoid those with alcohol base to prevent dryness.
3. Cleanse Gently
Choose a face wash for cleansing your face instead of soaps that could be drying. A creamy cleanser would be perfect in winters, apply it for a few seconds, and then wipe it off. Don’t use very hot water as that can dry your skin further, eliminating natural oils that hold moisture. Use lukewarm water instead.
4. You Can Skip the Toner!
Using a toner is not necessary in this season. However, moisturising is a step that you can’t afford to miss. Use a moisturising lotion on damp face. Avoid applying Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the face – use it only for hands and feet. Once a week scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells.
5. Bath Bliss
Before you take a bath spend 5-10 minutes moisturising the skin. Massage baby oil or olive oil on legs and hands to seal in the moisture. Use a loofah to exfoliate the skin and pumice stone for scrubbing the heels.
6. Drizzle Some Oil
No matter how much you love hot water baths in winter; they are not good for your skin. Add bath oils to your bath water so that too much hot water doesn’t affect the skin. One cap full of oil in a bucket of water is enough, more than this can cause greasiness.
7. Mind Your Soaps
Regular soaps are no good in this season. Use gylcerine-based or moisturising soaps or body washes.
Also read: Oats can give you a healthy body AND glowing skin!
8. Happy Hands
Our hands and feet have very few oil glands which make them more prone to dryness. Apply creams containing lactic acid or almond oil on your hands and cover them with gloves before you step out. Once a week, pamper them with 5-10 minutes of manicure, soaking them in lukewarm water and massaging with a nourishing cream afterward.
9. And Happy Feet
To save your heels from the cracks, apply a cream before going to bed and cover them with socks. Change your socks daily as cracked feet are more prone to infections.
10. Makeup Must-haves
Always apply a moisturising lotion before starting your makeup. Don’t dig into the skin while applying or removing makeup, it can cause broken veins. Replace shimmer lipsticks and blushes with matt. Alcohol based cosmetics are a big no-no. Avoid using medicated or flavoured lip balms and opt for plain ones instead.
About the Author
Dr. Shehla Agarwal is a Graduate and Post-grad from Maulana Azad Medical College. She is one of the best dermatologists in Delhi NCR. She has been practicing for 22 years at her own clinic and is also associated with Apollo Hospital. In addition, she conducts some workshops for public education on skin care, Antiageing and also other skin and hair related problems all over the country and abroad.
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