Skin care needs to adjust to the seasons, especially winter, which can be harsh and damaging. Winter weather can pose a lot of challenges for your skin. It can be especially harsh because the possibility of dryness is greater. The cold wind and low temperatures can wreak havoc on one's skin and lead to dry, itchy and chapped skin.
The few reasons why your skin gives you trouble in winter is because of low temperatures, low humidity levels, and dry air. But the skin can be properly safeguarded against these winter miseries. Here is how you can go about it:
- Dry Skin: Dry skin is a very common skin problem when environmental humidity is low. After taking a shower in luke warm water, pat your skin dry (instead of rubbing with your towel) and apply moisturizer. This helps trap more moisture in the skin. There are several excellent moisturizers which can be used. You can either use a glycerin- or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer (oil-free) which absorb water from the air, or use baby oil, mineral oil, petroleum jelly etc which replace oils in the skin and prevent water from evaporating from your skin. Many moisturizers contain a combination. You can also use a humidifier, at your home or at office, to restore moisture to the air and protect your skin from the onslaught of dry skin. Add lavender essential oil to your bath water to prevent dry skin.
- Chapped Lips: Another common problem during winter is dry, chapped lips. This results in a lot of pain as well. Make sure you liberally apply petroleum jelly on your lips. It is better if you can get one which is made especially for lips, for example lip balm. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Also, avoid licking your lips. You may feel better briefly, but it only makes chapped lips worse.
- Cracked Heels: Cracked heels are another painful condition, especially in winter. This result in a lot of pain while walking. They are also a breeding ground for bacteria causing infection. Petroleum jelly can help resolve the problem. Wipe your feet with a dry towel to make sure they are dry. Apply petroleum jelly on the cracked heels and cover them with plastic wrap. Wear socks to keep your feet covered at night. You should notice improvement in three nights. Dry cracked heels can also be treated with warm water soaks, scrubbing the heels and moisturizing them.
- Dry Hands: Your hands are the most hit in the winter season. By washing your hands regularly you keep germs away, but you invite dryness. Massage your hands with olive oil prior to bathing. Let it stay for around 10 minutes and then wash off with a gentle soap or body wash. Wear gloves to keep your hands and fingers from drying up.
Apart from these usual problems, there are a various other tips that can help you tackle skin problems. Here are a few:
- Do not indulge in long, hot showers which will dry your skin out further. Shower using lukewarm water is a better choice. Apply some oil to your skin prior or post bathing.
- Twice a week, use a gentle scrub or exfoliator to get rid of all the dead skin. Clearing away dead skin cells lets a moisturizer better penetrate dry skin.
- Consume flaxseed oil or cod liver oil supplements to moisturize your skin from within.
- For very dry skin, avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can reduce skin's moisture levels.
- Peels and some masks can strip your face of much needed oil, so try to avoid overdoing them in winter months.
- Dressing in layers will keep the body warm and prevent overheating.
- Do not use harsh soaps to cleanse, as they will strip your skin of precious lipids. Use a non-soap cleanser or very mild soap to cleanse.
- Sunglasses and sun protection caps are good way to protect the skin, especially if you live in a area where it snows as snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays back to you. You can use sunglasses in winter too, as it will prevent your eyes from the harsh ultra violet rays.
- Be careful about using other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and itch-suppressing creams or lotions. Many of these products contain chemicals that can irritate or cause allergic reaction.
You can easily prevent all winter skin problems by following the tips and remedies mentioned above.
