Above: Sheetal Rawal, Scientist (human genetics) & Founder of Apsara Skin Care
Winter is the season of festivities and joy, a time when you meet your friends and family. However, while the cold and gushing winds might invigorate your soul, your skin is another matter. Without proper attention, it can look chapped, dull, and lifeless.
Therefore, skin care is even more essential this season. So, how do you get your skin to look as supple as a baby’s bottom? Read on to learn our top 10 winter face care tips!
1. Use Lukewarm Water to Wash Your Face
Nothing can beat the joy of soaking in a hot bath on a cold winter’s day. However, the high temperature of the water is not good for your skin. Hot water can wash away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable. Whenever you shower/bathe, wash your face, or even wash your hands, use lukewarm water if you don’t want dry skin.
Says Dr. Denny Engelman, a dermatologist surgeon based in Manhattan, "Hot showers sound great, but not so much for your skin. Ceramides, lipids, and cholesterol help form the top layer of the epidermis and hot water removes the surface lipids, allowing the moisture to leak out of your skin, causing dryness. So, although initially, it can moisturize, when the lipids are gone, water can actually dry skin even more."
Related: Apsara Skin Care's ROOP Saffron Bright Skin Potion can fade dark spots and brighten up your skin.
2. Moisturize!
You cannot get enough of a good thing! Rub the goodness of your favorite moisturizer into your skin immediately after you step out of your shower. Moisturizers lock in the dampness on your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. Be sure to use non-greasy moisturizers so that you don’t have to deal with an off-putting layer of oiliness on your skin.
In addition to moisturizing, try to give your skin an oil massage regularly. Oil massage, called “abhyanga” in Ayurveda, is a wonderful way to rid your skin of flakiness. The oil goes deep into your skin, giving it much-needed nourishment through essential fatty acids. The result? Wonderfully radiant and supple skin! If you would like to oil massage your skin at home, our Ylang-Ylang Massage Oil is a great option.
3. Protect Your Skin from the Elements
Cold winds are not going to do your skin much good. Even if you find the cooling breeze refreshing, that doesn’t mean that your skin will too. Apply your facial lotion before you step out to nourish your skin and lock in your skin’s moisture.
4. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
Dry and dead skin cells can make your skin look aged and encourage the appearance of wrinkles. The cold winter months can dry out your skin even further due to a lack of humidity in the air. To reduce your skin dryness and encourage softer, more supple skin, you must exfoliate your skin with a facial scrub as part of your weekly skin care routine.
5. Hydrate Your Body & Skin
Considering how we all seem to indulge in more coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot drinks during the winter, cold weather doesn’t encourage enough daily water consumption, which takes a toll on your skin. Dermatologist Dr.Justine Hextall, medical director of the Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, adds, “Your skin will become drier and often more sensitive with the onset of colder weather and central heating. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated during the day; swap coffee for green tea, which has antioxidant effects.”
Water is an essential part of your winter skin care routine, and nothing beats chugging down water, not only for skin hydration but bodily functions too. Whether you feel thirsty or not, try to consume at least 3 liters of water per day. You can infuse water with ingredients like mint, cucumber, or fruits like oranges or apples for added flavor to increase your water intake.
6. Maintain a Nightly Skin Care Routine
While it is essential to follow a nightly skin care routine throughout the year, it becomes especially vital during the cold winter months. Your skin rejuvenates and repairs itself at night. Using your toner, serum, and lotion before bed will help your skin repair itself even better, especially if your skin care products contain natural ingredients.
7. Invest in a Humidifier
Harsh winters can be troublesome for your skin, no matter how much moisturizer you use. One way to get around this is by investing in a good humidifier. A humidifier will increase the humidity of the room and make your skin less likely to dry out. Your bedroom is the best place to use one, and you can leave it on as you sleep to keep your skin hydrated and supple until morning.
8. Wear Protective Garments
As we have already covered, your face will need extra care during the winter. But when it comes to tips for dry skin in winter, you have to remember that the rest of your body matters too.
Cold winds in winter dry out your skin, making protective clothing essential. So bundle up, and put on your gloves and scarves before you step out!
9. Get a Facial
One interesting remedy dermatologists swear by is a professional facial every four weeks. Some skin care experts even advise a superficial peel or exfoliation to get rid of the dead skin cells for better absorption of the skin cream. Of course, make sure your facial does not contain any harsh chemicals that could damage your skin.
10. Avoid Changing All Your Beauty Products
Despite what our tips would have you think, it is better to make simple changes to your winter skin care routine rather than a complete overhaul. Says Dr. Bei bei Du-Harpur, a renowned independent dermatologist based in London, “I don’t think there’s a need for it. Make simple changes to help the skin adapt to a change in the environment.’
FAQs
1. Will sitting by the fireplace dry out my skin?
As with hot showers, sitting next to a fire will dry out the moisture in your skin, resulting in dry skin and chapped lips.
2. What is the best way to take care of chapped lips?
Lip balms that contain camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus can further dry your lips, so it is best to opt for a natural lip nourishing salve instead. Try not to lick your lips, bite them, or remove the flaking skin to avoid bleeding and cracks.
3. Why does my skin develop crow's feet and wrinkles in winter?
Fine lines and wrinkles tend to increase in winter. The best remedy for this is hydration and moisturizing. You can use a moisturizing serum to make your crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles look less pronounced.
Related: Homemade Sugar Body Scrub to Remove Dead Cells Fast
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Go natural. It is good karma!