With winter comes dry skin. For most people, the cold days of winter bring more than just a rosy tint to their cheeks. Winters bring uncomfortable dryness to skin, especially in the face, hands and feet. Sometimes it gets as worse as flaking of the skin or even eczema. Without proper care, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding and the winters only make it worse. Furthermore, indoor heat makes the room devoid of any moisture thereby not helping your already dry skin. Here are 10 tips to maintain a healthy skin even during winters.
1. Wash With Lukewarm Water
While hot showers and baths feel good and warm, they are momentary and do not help your skin. Especially when you’re washing your hands, face, and feet make sure to use lukewarm water rather than hot water. This helps to avoid stripping oils from your skin thereby keeping it moisturized.
2. Moisturize Immediately After Every Wash
your skin does not need only moisture, but it requires moisture even after you wash. Applying moisture to already damp skin can help seal those pores and that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle of moisturizer next to your bed, bathtub, shower stall and at every sink you wash your face.
3. Protect Yourself
This is one of the simplest and common ways to take care of your skin during winters. Get used to wearing scarves, gloves to protect your skin from the wild cold, winds, rain, and snow. Ensure you carry and use a sunscreen. Winter sun can be as damaging as the summer sun. Hence, apply a safe sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to exposed areas.
4. Humidify Your Surroundings
Heaters in your house blast hot dry air to make the room warmer and absorb any moisture in the process. Whereas, humidifiers get more moisture in the air which helps to keep your skin hydrated. Place small humidifiers throughout your home so that the moisture is distributed more evenly in your house.
5. Drink More Water
During winters, most of us tend to drink less water since we prefer to drink hot beverages such as hot chocolate, tea, coffee etc. But, drinking water keeps your body hydrated from the inside thereby keeping your skin moisturized. Your body needs its moisture inside out irrespective of the weather. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.
6. Exfoliate
We often forget to get rid of the dead cells on our skin especially during the winters. If your skin has too many dead cells, moisture can’t get inside your skin. Find an exfoliating mask and use it on your face and your hands, as well as on your lips. Don’t forget to follow immediately with moisturizer to see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.
7. Avoid Toxins, Allergens, And Irritants
If you suffer from eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens or irritants. These toxins may trigger a flare up. Winter skin being for fragile and dry can get flared up easily. Avoid irritating fabrics and chemical-laden detergents and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.
8. Hydrate Your Health, Not Skin
Your body needs moisture from the inside as much as it needs on the outside. Eating foods which are high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Foods like watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwis, and water-filled vegetables like cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes. Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the production of collagen and elastin. Also, consider an omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to make your skin appear supple and smooth.
9. Grease Your Feet
Moisturizers may be lovely in the hot summer months, but the cold winters, your feet more strong stuff. Find lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. Use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically, as it helps moisturizers to sink in faster and give better results.
10. Use DIY Masks
Homemade hydrating masks provide the required moisture during winters. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, and bananas. Mix up the ingredients to your wish and make a cream or paste. Apply on skin and leave for at least 10 to 30 minutes for a lasting hydration.
