Winter is here! It is a wonderful month to dress warmly and curl up, cozily sipping your favourite hot chocolate. However, winter also comes with its woes and plays havoc on the skin; it feels flaky, dry, and parched. It appears dull and lacks its regular glow. Your smooth, supple skin suddenly feels dry, rough, and patchy. With the air outside containing less moisture, extra pampering and care during this season is necessary. Since the weather is cold, we also tend to take hot water baths and use harsh soaps, robbing the skin of its natural oils and making it drier. Let's now look into the winter skincare regimen.
The cleanser is an integral part of the skincare regimen. It removes dead skin, dirt, dust, and grime on the skin surface. It also prevents the clogging of pores on the skin surface. The cleanser should be chosen according to your skin type and climate. During winter, it is best to choose cream-based cleansers. Milk-cream-based cleansers not only add moisture but also replenish essential nutrients in the skin.
Toner is often skipped in winters though it is an essential part of the skin regimen. It shrinks skin pores and cleanses the skin. Toners to be chosen for winters must be free from alcohol. Else the skin will dry up. Toners with moisturisers should be chosen to prevent drying of the skin.
Moisturisers for face
Moisturisers are very important to keep the skin hydrated and supple. During winters, it is best to choose a creamier, rich moisturiser. These moisturisers protect the skin and keep the skin supple and soft for a longer time.
Hydrating serum
Serums are the most sought-after product that every woman must possess. Serums rich in retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C work great on the skin. Winter is when collagen content in the skin is reduced, and Vitamin C helps replenish the skin. Retinol and hyaluronic acid together prevent fine lines and wrinkles. They boost the production of collagen. New blood vessels are produced in the skin, which helps in improving the skin tone, softening rough patches, and fading age spots. It works like a magic potion on the skin and keeps it young and supple. Serum must always be applied to the skin before moisturizing the skin to get the best results.
Exfoliating cream
Accumulation of dead skin cells can be removed by gentle exfoliation. It is generally overlooked during winters, as we tend to fear harming the skin texture. Exfoliating can be done both by physical and chemical methods but during winters, chemical exfoliation is preferred. Chemical exfoliators such as AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHA’s (beta -hydroxy acids), and enzymes are commonly used.
Moisturising Facewash
Unlike other months, during the winter months, it is best to use cream-based facewashes to prevent loss of natural oil, clean the skin without drying it.
Intensive moisturizing body lotion
Winters cannot be passed without intensive moisturising body lotion, as the skin of the hand, legs, and feet become flaky and extremely dry. In such conditions, cocoa butter and shea butter come to your rescue. High-fat content in these creams act as a barrier between the external, dry, harsh environment and the skin surface and protect it. They also might contain retinol, Vitamin E, and ceramides which provide essential nutrients. They nourish and deeply moisturize your skin and leave them smooth and shiny.
Lips are a delicate part of the mouth and tend to crack and bleed if not cared for or tended to in harsh winter months. Cracked lips can be very painful too. Proper hydration can protect, nourish and leave the lips looking plump, soft, and pink. The use of good lip balm helps in protecting it.
During winters, most of us feel sunscreens are unnecessary, but the winter sun is equally damaging in the summer. The skin of the face, neck, and hands needs to be protected from harmful UV rays. These UV rays cause premature aging, brown spots, and wrinkles. So investing in a good sunscreen is important. A thick coat of sunscreen is to be applied over the moisturiser. A combination of moisturiser and sunscreen is also available. The use of good sunscreen, with a high sun protection factor, is preferred. Encapsulated gels,non-greasy formulas leave your skin clear and non-oily.
Nourishing night creams
Pampering skin with a nourishing cream infused with natural ingredients such as wheat germ oils, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe, cucumber is essential in winters. This nourishing cream repairs skin of its uneven tone, dark spots, dark circles, soothes skin, and boosts collagen as skin is more receptive at night.
Use of humidifier
Investing in a good humidifier is a good option to protect the skin. A humidifier infused with essential oils can be used to replenish moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Exposing the skin to the moisture of the humidifier all through the night replenishes and repairs it.
Appropriate hydration
We tend to consume less water in winter than in summer. But consuming the appropriate amount of water is essential to keep the skin hydrated.
To keep your skin radiant and healthy, massaging periodically with good oils such as almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil works wonders on your skin. Massaging these oils removes dead skin and improves blood circulation in the skin, making it retrieve its lustre.
Use of moisturizing face masks
The market is flooded with face masks. There are many different kinds of masks available, which suit all types of skin. The mask might contain anti-aging, skin firming, brightening, detoxifying,de-tanning bioactive compounds. Using these masks regularly leaves the skin radiant and bright.
With the skincare regime, it is also important to consume food rich in nutrients that provide necessary vitamins and protect it. Foods to be consumed in winter include:
1) Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E that removes free radicals. Vitamin E also helps in keeping the skin hydrated.
2) Fruits rich in vitamin C -seasonal fruits like oranges rich in vitamin C help build collagen and maintain the firmness of the skin.
3) Carrots -Carrots being rich in Vitamin A, protect the skin from UV damage.
It is inevitable to experience dryness in winter but managing your skin by following the skin regimen discussed above, eating the right food, hydrating appropriately, and using humidifiers go a long way in helping you enjoy your winter months without any concerns.
