HEALTHY SKIN IN WINTERS

There’s a nip in the air and the winter season is here. It’s the festive season and the time to go out and enjoy the weather.

However, winter is usually the worst season for people who have dry skin and scalp.

Our skin becomes vulnerable to damage on exposure to cold, dry air.

Flaking, itchiness, red patches, frostbite, dandruff are common problems.

The following tips will help keep the skin healthy and glowing through the bitter winter months.

 

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

• Protect your face from the elements just as we do for our body.
• Avoid using soaps as they further dry up the skin.
• Avoid very hot showers as it leads to a loss of moisture.
• People like to enjoy the winter sun, but prolonged exposure to the sun can hasten skin aging. Therefore always apply sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping out.
• Use cleansers containing aloe vera which has anti-oxidant and healing properties and also helps in removing dead cells.
• A good body and face scrub once a week removes the dead cells and keeps the skin glowing.

STAY HYDRATED

• Use cleansers containing aloe vera which has anti-oxidant and healing properties and also helps in removing dead cells.
• Nourish the skin with a night cream rich in Vitamin A and E.
• Add a few drops of jojoba or almond or sesame oil into your bathwater. It nourishes and softens the skin.
• Apply body lotion after a bath, when the skin is still damp.
• Flaxseed oil or its capsules are taken regularly moisturizes the body from within.
• Omega-3 fish oil pills soothe super dry skin.
• Use humidifiers in your home or office as they restore environmental humidity, prevent irritation of mucus membranes, and heal dry skin.

 CHAPPED LIPS

• Do not lick your dry and chapped lips, instead use a good lip balm. A few drops of olive oil mixed with a few drops of honey applied on lips keep them hydrated.

CRACKED HEELS

• Chilly winds, prolonged hot showers, excessive scrubbing, and harsh soaps all contribute to causing cracked heels.
• Massaging heels with sesame oil before bed is one of the best remedies.
• Glycerin mixed with rose water also helps to cure cracked heels.

 

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKINCARE

• Sugar mixed with lemon juice can be used to scrub hands as this has a softening effect.
• A mixture of 1 tsp honey, 2 tsp milk powder and 1 tsp egg yolk applied on dry areas for 15 minutes softens the skin and also reduces tanning.
• Honey with rose water is a good toner for winters.
• Massaging almond or coconut oil all over before a shower nourishes and softens the skin.
• 2 tsp of gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and 2 tsp of milk gives a good glow.
• A face pack made of egg, honey, olive oil, and rose water works well too.

 

Besides surface skincare, a good, balanced diet is also essential as hair and skin receive nourishment from what we consume. The fundamental principle is that what is good for you is good for your skin and hair.

 

• Eat food rich in vitamins and minerals especially Vitamin A, B, C, and E, iron, selenium such as whole grains, dark leafy greens, seafood, walnuts, and almonds.
• Consume anti-oxidant foods such as blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, cherries, strawberries, grapes, etc.
• Avoid refined foods such as white bread, pasta, cakes, cookies.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, tobacco.
• Use healthy oils in food like olive oil.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, chicken, and fish.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercise regularly.

 

Enjoy the winter sun and stay glowing and healthy.