Winter is around the corner and it's time to change your skincare regimen. Try these tips to have great-feeling skin
Switch to gentle cleansers
Choose hydrating bath gels, body washes and facial cleansers that clean and soothe your skin, while retaining natural moisture. Make it a point to apply the moisturiser immediately after bathing or washing your skin, so that the pores absorb moisture and hold it in longer. "Preferably use oil-based moisturisers instead of water-based ones, as oil creates a protective layer on your skin that retains more moisture," says beauty expert Blossom Kochhar.
Skip hot baths
Soaking in a hot tub may seem tempting and delightful on a cold winter morning, but it can damage your skin. Hot water robs skin of its moisture and causes it to become dry and dull. "Instead, take lukewarm showers using a moisturising shower gel, oatmeal or baking soda and moisturise with a lotion afterwards," says dermatologist Dr Sirisha Singh. It will relieve your skin. For extra dry skin, use a lotion that contains cocoa butter for deep moisturising.
Replenish your skin
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart and keep your skin healthy from the inside out. Incorporate foods such as salmon, tuna, walnuts and flaxseeds in your diet; they help increase natural oils in your skin and hair. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water; hydrating the body from within helps to keep the skin from drying out.
Protect the skin from harsh weather
If you spend a lot of time outside in harsh weather conditions, layer your skin with petroleum jelly. Rubbing exposed areas of skin with jelly protects it from the damaging cold and wind. Also, dressing well is extremely important. Wear layers of clothes, so that you can adjust your body temperature as needed. Add scarves and gloves (if needed) to protect those parts of your body that are usually exposed.
Don't stop sporting sunscreen
Your skin will still be exposed to the sun, whether it's a sunny day or a winter afternoon. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to avoid skin damage. Apply it for about 30 minutes before going outside and add a fresh layer every two hours. "When sunscreen is applied directly on the skin, some people experience a stinging sensation. This is a sign of having dry skin. To treat this you can go for sunscreen with added moisturiser.
Protect your hands and heal your heels
Painful cracked skin on hands can be a problem. Washing your hands frequently may keep germs at bay, but it wreaks havoc on your skin's moisture level. Wash your hands with cool or lukewarm water and use a mild soap. Pat your hands dry and then use a moisturiser immediately to restore any moisture lost. Moreover, if you are used to washing your hands frequently during the day, try using a hand sanitiser instead. When it comes to your feet, do not forget about pedicures. If you don't take proper care of your feet, you can suffer from dry, cracked heels, which can be painful. "Before you go to bed, layer your feet with petroleum jelly, cover them with socks and leave them covered until morning," says Dr Akriti Kochar, beauty and make-up expert.
Remedies from your pantry
Skin moisturiser (for dry skin)
Take ¾ cup rose water, ¼ cup of glycerine,1 tsp vinegar and ¼ tsp honey. Mix it well. Your moisturising paste is ready. Store it in a bottle and use it as a cleanser to clean your skin regularly.
Face pack (for normal skin)
Take half a tomato and mash it to make a paste. Mix it with 2 tsp curd. Blend well and apply it on your face in the upward direction. Allow the face pack to dry and wash it off with cold water.
For your knees and elbows
Cut a lemon into half and rub it on your knees and elbows. Leave it for half an hour and then scrub your knees with a towel soaked in hot water. This will help you safeguard your exposed body parts during winter.
For your bath salt
In a bowl, add some some baking soda, oatmeal, and vanilla extract and blend it into a paste. Add it to a tub of warm water. Soak in the tub for as long as you like and say goodbye to dry skin!
