How to prevent winter causing skin damage
By Devanshi Thakkar
Winters are here and so is the time of dull, dry and pale skin – all thanks to this cold weather. The condition worsens as we enjoy all the winter ‘comforts’ like the things that make winter wonderful, such as sitting by a roaring fire, heaters and blowers, being out in the sun and bathing with hot water.
This all can wreak a havoc on your skin — making it dry, itchy, and irritated. And it can feel like there’s no escape.
Schedule your winter skincare, so that you can feel your best all winter long.
There are many simple ways to combat the causes of dry winter skin and help keep your skin feeling moist and subtle all season long.
1.Moisturize Frequently, Especially Your Hands
You need to protect your skin from the cold wind or snow or rain if you are stepping out in winter.
The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands as compared to the skin on any other body part. That’s why moisture escapes from your hands quickly, making them prone to cracks and itchiness. Apply a moisturizer before you go out.
So, wear gloves and caps and do not forget your sunscreen lotion. The warm sun rays feel pleasant, but the UV rays can still damage your skin a lot. Choose a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
2.Apply Sunscreen — Even on Grey Winter Days
Single most important treatment for your skin with major benefits, which is not just for the months of summer. The sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage. The sooner you start using sunscreen, the better your skin will look and feel in the long run.
Don’t be fooled by darker, grey days in winter. The UVA and UVB rays of the sun result in ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and of course, skin cancer, which is why wearing sunscreen must be an irreplaceable part of skincare.
3.Remember to Eat Right and Stay Hydrated
It is important to maintain a healthy diet all over the year and to maintain it, Drink loads of water content and boost sebum production in the body. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin E, A and C results in good skin health.
Some winter fruits rich in Vitamins and antioxidants are Gooseberry,Papaya,Avocado,Pineapple and Banana
It’s worth considering the possibility that alkaline foods like fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and soy do wonders for your skin by providing your body with nutrients that maintain the pH level of your blood.
4.Change Out of Wet Clothes Quickly to Avoid Itchy Skin
Wearing wet clothes and shoes can irritate your skin and cause itchiness. So, be sure to remove them as soon as possible.
If you still experience dryness, discomfort, and irritation for a long period, talk with your doctor. That’s when you may need a prescription-strength moisturizer to overcome winter’s drying effects on your skin.
5.Get A Mild Cleanser
You require a milder, more moisturizing and weakly acidic cleanser that won’t dry out your skin rather balances your skin’s pH levels.
You may have to change your cleanser during the winter months.
Cleanse your skin once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and before going to bed. After washing your face in the morning, apply a light daily moisturizer to lock the moisture in. And at night, use a heavy moisturizer
6.Purchase A Humidifier
Use a humidifier to add moisture to closed spaces. This will help your skin retain moisture naturally.
7. Try home remedies
Home remedies have always been best and barely results in further side effects.
Some home remedies which you should definitely try at home are-
Apply Cocoa butter and olive oil
Nourish your skin with the goodness of olive oil and cocoa butter for an amazing moisturizer. A dash of ginger paste will help remove the excessive dirt off the skin
Apply Milk cream and honey
Trust honey to clear your skin off the bacteria that are responsible for the growth of pimples and acne on your face.
Milk cream or malai is one of the best natural moisturizing creams that you can apply on your skin to make it supple and soft.
8.Always Carry Lip Balm
Winters make our lips dry and chapped so make sure to keep applying balm on your lips.
It is totally an inexpensive item to have on hand that can provide protection and relief almost instantly. There are also sugar scrubs and lip exfoliate sticks that can help eliminate dry skin that’s flaking on the lips.
9. Bath in lukewarm water
Hot showers in winters do relax your muscles, but nothing is worse for your skin condition than hot water. It makes your skin dry. The effects of it are even more adverse if you have a sensitive skin. And though taking a hot shower might seem like a good way to warm up, hot water dries out your skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
10.Exercise
By getting the heart rate up and improving blood circulation, exercising can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin – a big anti-ageing secret. While you follow this daily routine, it is also equally important to eat well. It keeps your skin healthy and promotes the production of collagen and new skin cells to help you with glowing skin.
It is not necessary to have a hard-core workout but in you should at least start with a daily 30mins walk, yoga or light exercise.
We know that after exercise, the brain releases the “feel-good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression while boosting wellbeing.
The rise in your body temperature, during a workout, has a soothing, calming effect on your body.