Your skin can look absolutely devoid of moisture, unhealthy and unattractive in the winter months. The skin worsens under the conditions of low humidity, indoor heating and outdoor exposure. Experts suggest that protecting and moisture massaging your skin can be the best ways to fight the cold harsh winter winds, rain and snow. Discover other tips to manage your skin in winter by going through the article below.
The most common complaint of winter is dry and itching skin. Even in severe rain and snow conditions, the internal heating system can trigger possible skin rashes, acne and pimples. Researchers claim that sometimes, freezing cold winters can cause flaky, cracked and inflamed skin.
Think about the enjoying ice sports like skiing and skating – such frequent outdoor activities and adventures can be very damaging and taxing for your skin. The skin condition for people suffering from thyroid disease becomes a persisting problem with the onset of cold winter months.
Causes for Dry Flaky Winter Skin
Winter months does not simply mean rosy cheeks but freckled, scaling dry skin. The various skin problems associated with the winter occur due to the following reasons:
- Low temperatures and humidity levels
- Indoor heating system
- Dry and recycled air
- Frequent outdoor exposure
All of the above causes your skin to lose its moisture and appear dull, dry and unhealthy. Your skin can get back its luster and shine if you could prepare a quick checklist of winter skin tips for yourself.
Winter Skin Care Tips
Skin care tips for winter months are absolutely essential to bring back your original skin radiance and complexion. The following winter skin care tips can help you win back your flawless and glowing skin:
Protecting and Preparing Your Skin
Protecting and preparing your skin for the harsh winter months and winter sports can be effective way to get rid off the dry and cracking skin. Here are few winter skin tips to survive the cold winters:
- Switch on to creamy soaps and moisturizers
- Start taking shorter baths to prevent drying up of your skin
- Use rosewater to clean the dirt and grime off your face
- Wear sum protecting lotions and lip balms while going out
- Prepare yourself for an appropriately warm indoor heating
- Wear suitable fabrics in layers and change when they get wet or damp
- Use humidifiers to increase moisture and humidity
- Use moisture-laden shampoos and avoid blow drying your hair as low temperatures and indoor heating is enough for your hair to dry up
- Apply conditioners to reduce the rough and dry texture of your hair caused by the harsh cold winter winds
- Massage your scalp with warm oil before taking a head wash to reduce dandruff and a dying scalp
- Wear warm caps or hats to protect your ears, head and air from the harsh winter winds
Caring for and Nourishing Your Skin
Your skin can become soft, supple and smooth only if you learn to take care of it in the following ways:
- Avoid soaking yourself in hot water
- Exfoliate your skin with gentle scrubs or cloth
- Drink plenty of water
- Apply oil-based moisturizers after taking a shower and irrespective of being indoors or outdoors
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
- Wear gloves to keep your hands and fingers from drying up
- For oily skin and dry patches on your skin, apply less rich moisturizers like hazelnut and jojoba
- Intake of flaxseed oil is also helpful for moisturizing your body from the inside as it is rich in fatty acids
- Avoid licking your lips when they get too dry
- Wear cotton fabrics below the knit and other warm clothes that will absorb moisture
Home Remedies to Improve your Skin in Winters
- Prepare a facial mask containing yogurt, crushed almonds, honey and wheatgerm oil.
- Prepare a natural hand cream with wheatgerm oil and one of your favorite oils. Massage your hands and legs throughout the day and before going to bed at night.
- For completely cracked hands, apply a solution containing chamomile, sandalwood, rose oil and hazelnut.
- Exfoliate the rough skin at your heels or feet with the help of an effective scrub or cloth.
- Use emollient creams to soften and smooth en your skin at the heels and feet.
Tips to make your skin feel comfortable even during harsh winters
Humidifier: because we keep our windows closed during winter, this can make the air the house become very dry. It causes the skin to crack and also leads to itchiness. The best way to combat this problem is by the use of a humidifier. This helps replenish the loss of moisture in the air. Humidifiers are found in various ranges in the market. If you find it to be expensive then there are also the inexpensive humidifiers that you can find at your local drug store. Place around two or three of them around the house, especially in the places where you tend to move more often.
Moisturizing: During winters it is not just enough to use any moisturizer. Be sure to use an oil based one. This is because an oil moisturizer prevents water loss and protects the skin. Stop using lotion based ones and shift to ointment based moisturizers as they consist of around 80% oil and 20% water. The ointment with help of oil and water combination forms a protective layer on the skin. They are more beneficial when the humidity is less.
Before Stepping Out: Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer containing sunscreen with SPF 15 or above to the skin that is exposed. The sunscreen is essential because the winter sun is harsh on the skin and robs off all the moisture. Apply it liberally and it will protect you from all the elements of nature from harming your skin. The sun’s reflective powers are very high during summer; there are many products available in the market today to combat this situation. If you are unsure then it is best you talk to a dermatologist.
Dress in layers: Cover your body well. Make sure you use material that doesn’t irritate the skin. On the other hand it is also important not to overdress and overheating of the body can also lead to scratching and itching. It is always best to wear loose fitting cotton fabrics on the skin.
All of the above winter skin tips can help you get back your soft and supple skin. Massaging your skin often, enriching your diet and fluid intake are the best measures to check a dehydrating skin. Consult a dermatologist in case of severely cracked skin.
