Taking a steaming hot bath on chilly winter mornings and roasting smores beside a bonfire on windy winter nights are the real fun of this cold season. But have you ever wondered about the havoc these wreak on your skin? Scaly skin, chapped lips, dry scalp and darker hands all owe their existence to such activities in this dry weather.
A good skincare routine and some simple changes can help you maintain well hydrated and supple skin even in winters. From drinking more water to using hyaluronic acid, all can aid in adding and retaining moisture to your skin, giving it a fresher and more supple look.
Do you want to jump on the bandwagon of working towards healthier skin this winter? if yes, then these simple tips might be all you need this winter.
Stay Hydrated
Although drinking more than what is required does not show any good effects on the skin. But in winter people tend to reduce their water intake to even lower than usual. This can dehydrate you from within and show adverse effects on your skin too. Hence, it is vital to maintain normal hydration levels to maintain healthy skin.
Keep your shower short and not too hot
Taking a steaming hot bath or shower in winters might sound like a good idea, but it comes at a cost. Taking long showers with hot water that reddens your skin, is actually detrimental. Hot water dries out your skin and causes itching.
Scratching dried and itchy skin might leave red marks or scratches which may hurt later. It is always wise to lessen the time and lower the temperature of your showers in winter.
Eat right
Dry and flaky skin can be best fought with good skincare. But the effect of good skincare can be multiplied by consuming a good diet. Foods rich in omega 3and omega 6 fatty acids can help to keep dryness at bay.
Moreover, foods rich in vitamin C and E will also give your skin a glow. Foods like carrot and dark chocolate can help prevent the damage from UV radiation, keeping it healthy and supple.
Do not forget your sunscreen
A lot of people consider sunscreen a summer essential only. But the same sun rises in winters and releases the same harmful UV radiation. Sitting in sunlight on a cold winter morning sounds like a treat, but it is necessary to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful radiations. Using a good sunscreen not only protects from UV radiation but makes the rest of the skincare more effective as well.
Give love to your hands and feet
Hands are more likely to get dry than your face. So it is important to moisturize your hands regularly in winters. In winters feet dry up and crack. Therefore, it is important to keep them moisturized with a heavy moisturizer. Using a glycerin-based lotion can actually help keep your hand and feet moisturized for longer periods.
Don’t forget your scalp
When talking about skin, people tend to consider their face only. But the weather is not impartial to any part of your skin, not even your scalp.
Taking very hot showers and using too much shampoo can dry out your scalp, resulting in dandruff. It is important to keep your showers short and relatively cold in winter and always use a conditioner. It is also beneficial to not shower too much in winters.
Invest in a humidifier
Be it inside your home or out in the open, winter air is relatively drier. Maintaining moisture in your surroundings will help you maintain moisture in your skin.
Using a humidifier in your house or room can help maintain enough moisture in the surroundings to prevent your skin from drying and flaking.
Exfoliate the right way
Exfoliating is as important in winters as it is in summers. Exfoliating your skin helps you get rid of the flaky dead skin. It helps in absorbing the moisturizer and other products better. But winter exfoliation needs to be gentle.
Rubbing your skin harshly with a scrub, loofah or a towel may irritate your skin, as your skin is more sensitive in winters. Using a gentle chemical exfoliant for your face and a suitable physical exfoliant for your body is the way to go in harsh winters.
By following all these simple tips you can welcome your refreshed and supple skin back. But following these simple tips might not cure your specific skin issues.
Despite knowing some simple tips to pamper your skin in winters, some people might need professional care. If you have a certain skin issue or you think that your skin might need professional attention, you should always consult a dermatologist.