What is that you fear the most in winters – the chills or a dry, chapped, flaky skin? Ask anyone around, it is the latter. The weather does a considerable amount of damage to the skin.

If the summers are held responsible for dehydrating the body, winters are guilty too for doing the same to your skin. But just like there are remedies to counter the effects of summer heat, there are some really effective ones to counter the winter woes.

Below enlisted are some to help you in your fight.

The Applicants

The weather has changed, but unfortunately your cosmetic counter looks the same. Pay attention.

The weather has a profound effect on your skin’s texture and appearance the sun may not be harsh, but that role is now played by the winds, they lack moisture and are definitely harsh.

So, what you apply on the skin will compensate what is lacking in the atmosphere. Choose a moisturizer heavier than the one you have used in summers in case your skin’s texture is dry.

If your skin is oily, you must change your moisturizer, but make sure it is non-comedogenic. People with eczema need to be extra watchful, winters can take a toll on their condition. They are advised to use creams containing ceramide.

The Indoors

Alright. The indoor air isn’t that cold, but is still harsh on your skin. How? All because of central heating.

It is responsible for making your skin dry. Though you have humidifiers as a solution. But they come with their own set of risks. So maintain room heating at a fixed level (40% is preferred) or keep a bowl of water on the radiator to boost humidity in your room.

Sometimes when the sun is out, allowing fresh air to enter the room is also helpful.

Shower Time

Nothing allures us more than a hot water shower on a cold winter day. But that is harmful and extremely drying. According to the experts, temperature inside the shower room is drying in nature.

While you enjoy a room full of steam, the hot water is draining natural oils from your skin. So the best solution to this is to take a warm water shower (warm enough so that you don’t feel cold) and restrict it to no more than 10 minutes.

After Shower Care

Apply a lotion/moisturizer as soon as within 1-2 minutes of taking a shower while the skin is still damp. This is the easiest method of locking moisture in the skin. A word of caution – make sure none of the products you are using contain alcohol. Alcohol is known for its skin dehydrating abilities.

Some Extra Care for the Hands

Both your face and hands are the most exposed parts of the body. Unfortunately, hands work more and are constantly at the receiving ends due to frequent rinsing, harsh detergents, and more.

In some studies, it was found that creams containing urea are supremely effective in taking care of the skin. Urea along with glycerin helps the skin to stay hydrated, but should be given a miss if there is some cut or scrape. It might irritate a compromised skin.

For lips and cuticles

How can these be spared when other parts are not. For lips, dry brush is found to work really well. It will remove the dry skin, bringing out natural beauty of your lips. Use Vitamin E on the lips. Dip your cuticles in olive oil for 10-15 minutes.

Julia Roberts’s secret to beautiful hands, even at this age is olive oil. This remedy is anti aging as you know now.

Food

Yes, the food helps in keeping your skin hydrated, soft and supple. Here are a few examples.

  • There is nothing better than water to keep your skin hydrated. Gulp a minimum of 1-2 liters of water in a day. Keep away from tea, coffee and other such drinks, which are diuretic in nature.
  • Drink soups and avoid dry, salty foods. The latter can dehydrate the skin.
  • Consume good fats like omega 6 and omega 3. These include walnuts, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and more.

Do you know more ways to maintains skin health in winters? We’d love to hear, do share with us.

Author Bio:

Tressie Dawson is a rabid health and skincare aficionado. Her inspiration lies in all things healthy and skin friendly. Living by her words, currently using Lifecell skin cream and recommend it highly.