Winter is that time of the year when skin tends to become dry and if you are already suffering from dry skin problems, to mitigate this condition, you need to take extra care of your skin.
Basically skincare procedures should be geared to nourish and protect the skin during this part of the year, which is the cruelest on your skin.
If you take care of the problems that arise during the coldest months, and when the season gives way to warmer days, you will notice your skin looks better than ever.
But then, what are the methods to ensure your dry skin doesn't deteriorate during winter? Everyone loves hot water to bathe during the cold months.
Paradoxically, hot water showers are not good for your skin during this period, because it takes away the natural oils in the skin layers, and starves it of moisture.
To maintain an optimal balance of moisture in your skin, give up bathing with hot water during this period, and instead opt for warm water in your bath tub or shower.
After bathing, if you have been using gels to cleanse your skin, continue with them.
The market is full of cleansing foams.
It is suggested you should not touch them even with a barge pole, as foams will also rob the natural oils from your skin.
Cold and chilly winds cause dry skin fast Before applying cleansers, having had a warm water bath, (in case you are trying to cleanse only your face wash it with warm water), apply a moisturizer on the damp surface of the skin.
For your feet, knees as well as elbows and hands, a heavier amount of moisturizer is required.
Your skin needs to be protected in the freezing weather, and nothing works better than clothing, which should be layered, especially when you are walking or spending some time in your garden.
Remember cold and chilly winds cause dry skin fast, compared to warmer weather.
When you are out, you should have with you moisturizers, so that you can readily apply them.
It is very important while choosing moisturizers and other skincare creams that you make sure that they are not made of chemicals, alcohol, fragrance oil, etc.
which can cause further dryness of your skin.
Moisturizers normally have sunscreen in them, but if it doesn't, use a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of minimum 15, though many experts recommend SPF30.
If you are spending time outdoors, SPF15 will do.
Rob moisture in the air When you reach home take a shower or bathe.
If you can, add a drop or two of almond oil in the water, or a tiny amount of milk, honey and oatmeal mixed and added to your water for bathing.
It will do an enormous amount of good.
During winter your skin will do well with two moisturizing sessions a day.
Winter is cruelest on the skin, as we noted earlier, and apart from daily care, a weekly attempt to remove dead cells from the skin is needed by dry brushing the skin, which enables moisturizers to work better on your skin.
Indoor heating in your bedroom will rob moisture from the air, so a humidifier is recommended.
Remember, if your skincare program is good during winter, in the warmer weather your skin will be crystal clear and glowing.