How To Keep Dry Skin At Bay This Winter

Winter has already set in various places and in my city the chills have already started. Though I cannot completely declare it as winter, but the gradual dry skin and chapped lips are enough an indication that it is time to bring out the luxurious body butters and lip balms. Dry skin is a nightmare during winter. For those suffering from dry skin, the problem aggravates during this season. Therefore, we need to take various precautionary measures to keep the dry skin at bay during winter. The only solution to dry skin is the moisturizer along with certain protective measures. In today's post, there are various methods to help deal with dry to very dry skin and how to keep the skin protected from harsh chilly winds. Let us see the points in detail.

1. Homemade Skin Masks

Ripe banana, avocado, and papaya are great for dry skin in winters. They have vitamin E which replenish the moisture of the skin and keeps it soft and supple. Use these face masks which will hydrate the skin from outside. Also, you can use these ingredients for massaging the hands and legs if you feel they are extremely dry. Avoid face packs like multani mitti, sandalwood powder, and besan during winter which will absorb the oil leaving the skin dry.

2. Avoid Excessive Shaving

Shaving excessively will make the skin very dry. The harshness of the razors constantly exfoliates the upper layer of the skin, more than what is needed. Moreover, in winter we can take the liberty to cut down the number of times we shave. Always use a good body oil after shaving which will replenish the skin with moisture. Also, avoid shaving with hot water as it will make the skin dry to a large extent.

3. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is as important in summer as in winter. No matter how many layers of primer, cream or foundation you are applying, make sure to apply a good sunscreen that protects you from both the UVA and UVB rays. This will prevent the wrinkles, pigmentation and allergies particularly if you have sensitive skin.

4. Hydrate From Inside

Your body requires more water in winter than summer. This is because the dehydration is more likely to be during winter than in summer. We still lose water vapor through our breath in the form of the steam that flows from our mouth when it's cold. While thirst is a good indication of dehydration, it is actually a late indicator that means your body function has already been compromised. Drink a lot of water to keep the body hydrated naturally. Also, indulge yourself in detox water to add a glow to the skin.

5. Moisturizer Is Your Best Friend

Immediately after washing your face, use a moisturizer to hydrate the skin. This is a step sworn by every skin specialist. Leaving your skin bare for a long time after washing will cause it to dry immediately during winter and in no time you would notice fine lines and wrinkles. Invest in a moisturizer which suits your skin type and make sure to blend it completely onto the skin.

6. Body Oil, Butters & Creams

Not only the face but also the body requires equal care. Our skin may not be exposed, but it does dry up and loose its moisture due to the dry and cold climate. Moisturize your body with oils, shea, cocoa butter and various replenishing creams in the market. Avoid hot water baths no matter how indulging they are. Also, avoid the loofah, harsh soaps, and harsh body washes. If at all needed, massage oil on the skin before 1-2 hours of bathing. After that, exfoliate the skin well with mild body wash and soft loofah. You would notice that your skin is much softer than before.

7. Humidifier

The primary reason due to which the skin loses its moisture is the harsh climate which is dry and lacks moistness. A humidifier in a room adds moisture which keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness. Of course, we can't completely stop going out but we can take precautions when we are inside the house. Therefore, whenever you are indoors, try to use a humidifier which will help the skin rejuvenate.

8. Use Socks & Gloves For Hands & Feet

Our hands and feet are exposed to the climate most of the times. If you have the problem of dry skin on hands and cracked heels, it exaggerates in this season. For this reason, always use a good hand and foot cream to prevent the dryness. While you are at home or even stepping, try to apply a layer of the cream and wear the socks and gloves. The body heat generated will be trapped in the fabric and keep the skin moisturized. This is a great way to prevent dry hands and cracked heels.

9. Exfoliate

Dry skin has a very thin layer of dead cells which makes the skin look dull, dehydrated and lifeless. Although harsh exfoliation is a strict no, mild exfoliation is suggested during winter to take off the layer of dead cells. Also, use a very good moisturizer immediately after scrubbing that will prevent the skin from drying. Exfoliation renews the layer of the skin and keeps it glowing.

10. Eye Cream

We use a lot of moisturizers, anti-aging creams and other creams for hydration but seldom pay attention to our eyes. The eye area is extremely sensitive and doesn't produce sebum or the natural oils. The skin is extremely sensitive and prone to wrinkles due to excessive dryness and stretching. Be sure to invest in a good eye cream with retinol that will replenish the eye area and prevent it from dryness during this harsh season.

Follow these simple steps and you can surely keep the dry skin at bay this winter!

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Contributed By: Salomi Das