The low humidity during winter can cause an uncomfortable degree of dryness and itchiness in your skin and flare up hair problems. Those of us who are not so much into regular skin care feel the brunt of it even more. The flaking and cracking if left unattended not only makes you unattractive, it can even bleed and at times get infected. We have compiled some easy tips that can keep your skin moist and glowing through the winter months.

 

Soothe the Dry Skin

If your skin is getting dry and scaly, it is important to clear away dead skin cells to make skin care products reach where they are needed. Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate regularly. Once your skin feels smoother, apply an oil-based moisturizer. You don’t always have to rely on fancy creams and lotions.Applying almond oil or simply glycerin will work just as well. Irrespective of the product you choose, be sure to apply it right after yourshower and pat dry. If your skin is very dry, itchy and irritated, it is advisable to consult a doctor as the condition maybe more than just dry skin and may require some medication.

Avoid Very Hot Baths

 

Hot showers feel great in cold weather, but hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can cause a loss of moisture. If your skin is getting dry, use lukewarm water which helps your body retain its natural, skin-protecting oilsand keep your showers brief. Do not forget to apply your body lotion after a warm shower.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

 

You may be using soaps or body wash that are scented, deodorant, or anti-bacterial. Most of these products are relatively harsh. If your skin is starting to feel dry, switch to a milder cleanser. Dove and Neutrogena are some of the good gentle cleansers available in the market. Cetaphil is a medicated soap-free product available at chemists.

 

Pick the Right Skincare Products

Peels, masks, toners and astringents that work fine for you in summer may leave your skin uncomfortably dry in winter. Avoid using alcohol-based toners or astringents as these can strip vital oil from your skin. For soft skin in winters, it would be better touse cleansing milk. Also avoid using clay-based masks, which tend to draw moisture out of the face. If you must use a mask, pick ones that are deeply hydrating.

Some Home Remedies that Work

Mix equal parts of glycerin and rosewater. Add a few drops of lemon juice. Use this at bedtime on your face, hands and feet for soft dewy skin.

 

If the skin on your arms and legs is feeling dull and dry, massage with coconut oil instead of applying body lotions. A teaspoon each of milk cream, honey and oats mixed together makes a great moisturizer cum scrub in winters. Apply on your face for 10 minutes and gently rub off. You can use this pack once a week. You can also use it as a body scrub before your shower.

Caring for Chapped Lips

Lips tend to dry out more quickly than other parts of the body. Remember that saliva is not a moisturizer, and licking your lips will not moisturize them. It only dries them out much more. Vaseline is the best bet for your lips. Keep it handy and apply as often as you need. If your lips are dry and flaky they may also need some scrubbing. You can use your facial scrub for your lips; just remember to be much gentler. A soft toothbrush with some Vaseline on it can also help remove dead flakes from your lips.Use it in gentle circular motion.

Caring for Cracked Heels

 

For minor cracks applying any thick foot cream every night should be sufficient. If you have deeper, stubborn cracks, get some propysalic ointmentfrom the chemist. Mix it with petroleum jelly in equal proportion and apply over the cracks of your heel after cleaning your feet with warm water.

 

Hair Care in Winter

If you can manage to do it regularly, there is nothing like good old warm coconut oil massage to prevent your hair from looking dull and lusterless in dry weather. For the lazier amongst us, the right shampoo and a conditioner are the best remedy. Using a conditioner for your hair is as important as using moisturizer for your skin. Products with wheat germ oil are helpful for dry hair. Leaving on the conditioner for a longer time is also an effective trick for deeper conditioning. You need not apply conditioner close to the roots if you are worried about your scalp getting too oily.

Manage Dandruff

Seasonal changes can affect the severity of dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos are effective for most cases of winter dandruff. If you think it is too harsh for your hair, alternate it with your regular shampoo. If your usual antidandruff shampoo is not helping stop winter dandruff, try an antidandruff shampoo with different ingredient. A common mistake that people make is washing off their medicated shampoo too soon. Let the medicated shampoo stay on your hair for about 5 minutes.

Continue the sunscreen

 

 

It’s a misconception that sunscreens are for summer. The winter sun is harsh enough to damage your skin and sun damage only makes dry skin problems worse. So do continue using your sunscreen prior to sun exposure.