Cold cream advertisements announce that winter is round the corner. Your shopping list now includes a moisturiser for sure. Nobody is exempt from dull, dry and flaky skin in the winters. If I could give you just one tip, regular moisturisation would be it.
Recognition of the external and internal factors that can keep skin soft and supple will make it easy to love the way your skin looks and feels in the winters.
EXTERNAL FACTORS
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A steamy shower feels comforting and soothing on a cold winter day but hot water robs the skin of its natural moisture being a major reason for dryness. Use only cold or lukewarm water for bath. Do not spend a long time in the bath. Adding 2 tsps of coconut or olive oil to the bath water is an effortless way of giving your skin the moisture benefits. Pat dry after bath instead of rubbing with a towel as rubbing damages the protective top layer of the skin.
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Soap not just cleanses the grime but also removes the natural oils protecting the skin. Use only a moisturizing glycerine based soap in winter or use a creamy body wash. You may also use soap only on armpits, feet and skinfolds and clean the rest of the body only with water. Do not use an antiseptic soap unless advised by a doctor.
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There is no substitute for moisturisation in the winters. Using a moisturizing lotion or baby oil immediately after shower helps trap the moisture. The frequency of moisturisation needed depends on how dry your skin feels. Moisturise as often as required. For very dry skin substitute heavy creams for moisturizing lotions.
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Shaving scrapes away natural oils so use sufficient amount of gel or cream before you shave. Also shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize friction. Use a moisturizer if you feel the need to, after shaving.
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Sun exposure is a major contributer to dehydration of skin. Even in the winter months we are susceptible to the harming effects of the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. So one needs a sunscreen cover all through the year to keep the skin looking its best. A quick tip will be to blend together the moisturizer and sunscreen and apply after bath.
INTERNAL FACTORS
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Smoking and drinking have severe dehydrating effect on the skin. Abstain from them.
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Tea, coffee, foods with high salt content dehydrate and make the skin dull and parched. Limit their intake.
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Raw veggies, fruits, fruit juices, green tea are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Include 5 portions in your daily diet.
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Nuts and seeds have healthy oils to keep skin soft and supple. Consume nuts as a snack daily.
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Consumption of fish (for the fish oils) and flax seeds has been proven to improve the dryness of skin.
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The importance of drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water a day cannot be overemphasized. There is no substitute to water.
Look the best you can. You owe it to your creator.
