Winter weather is a lot of fun for many things but not your skin. The cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air. This air slowly steals all the moisture from your skin throughout the day. You are not safe from this even inside your house, as hot showers or baths and harsh heaters do the same thing.
Soon you will experience itching, redness, and If you don’t keep your skin hydrated, it will lead to cracking and bleeding. The worst thing is someone else sees you like this, the embarrassment can’t be healed.
Hence, here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy in Winter.
1. Use only Lukewarm Water :
We understand that hot showers and baths are very relaxing in winter. However, this relaxation comes at a cost. Warm water strip away the natural oil from your skin.
Hence, it is wise to use lukewarm water for all of your activities, including washing face or hands.
2. Always keep your self-moisture :
Moisture is very important for your skin; for this reason, doctors advise you to apply it just after wash. Applying moisture after a bath seal the dampness into your skin.
If you feel like the dampness is fading away in the rest of the day, then apply the moisture again.
3. Everyone has a different Moisture type :
Every one of us has a different type of skin; not all moisture will suit everyone. In winters, it will wise to go for oil-based moisture rather than water-based as the oil helps you retain more moisture in the winter.
You can try a chemical product which suits, but we suggest you go for something natural moisturizing oils. Lavender, jojoba, chamomile, are just a few of many that will keep your skin hydrated for a long time.
4. Cover your skin :
As mentioned above, the dry air is trying to soak oil from your skin. So, wearing gloves and scarves to protect your skin is a must. Plus, always use sunscreen as the winter sun is as much damaging as the summer sun.
5. Use humidifier instead of heating systems :
Many people have a heating system installed in their home, and it works well. However, it also dries out the air, so using a humidifier is a much better option. It will put moisture back into the air and even the air drying out.
6. Drink as much water as you can :
Our skin needs hydration in winter, and drinking hot coffees and teas won’t help, but drinking water will. Hence, drink as much water as you can because it doesn’t hurt. You can also try warm water and lemon to refresh yourself while hydrating.
7. Overnight Moisturize :
Nights are longer during winter, and this gives you the opportunity to reduce your skin dryness. You can apply moisture on your body and then sleep under a blanket. The moisture seals under your skin until morning without any disturbance. After a few nights, you will see your skin dry less due to it.
8. Exfoliate :
In a lifetime, we shed over billions of dead skins. And if we forget to shed the dead cells during winters, no matter how much moisture you apply, it won’t penetrate inside.
Hence, you should prepare an exfoliating mask and apply it on your face, hands, and even other bodies if your doctor suggests so.
9. Stay away from wet clothes :
When you wash clothes in winter, there is a good chance they won’t dry due to lack of sunlight. This could force you to wear wet clothes.
Wearing clothes doesn’t feel much discomfort during winter. But it can cause itchiness and dryness. Plus, you are also prone to cold.
So, stay away from wet clothes, whether it a shirt or even gloves.
10. Food keeps you hydrated from inside :
Just like water, food also plays a major role in keeping you hydrated. You can try eating the following food –
• Fruits – Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Apples, Oranges, and Kiwi.
• Water Vegetables – Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots.
These foods have a high Vitamin C and zinc that will keep the production of elastin and collagen high. You can also eat meat or fish for omega 3.
All of these will act as building blocks to keep your skin smooth and soothe.