Change your skin care routine when the temperature drops

Shahnaz Husain *

Winter is around the corner. It’s the season when the eager wait for cold weather comes to an end. Winter season marks the reigning period of mild sun and chilly breeze. Changing seasons brings with it changes in our lifestyle.

The fall in atmospheric temperature results in less moisture in the air and the combination of cold and wind dries skin face so much that it turns red and sore. The change in weather wreak havoc on skin, scalp, nails.

Humidity levels tend to drop off during winter months. The drier the air, the more moisture it sucks from your skin, so you're more likely to experience dryness and flakiness during the colder months.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin healthy and moisturised right from pre-winter season by few tips and tricks which will give all type of skin a boost to look fresh and healthy with ingredients from your kitchen.

For winters, go for ingredients that offer lots of hydration like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, and amino acid. Avoid retinoids, which could be harsh on the skin in winters. Choose a product that helps with your particular skin condition. Use acne treatment if you get breakouts in the summer. Use an extra-hydrating and emollient cream if you get eczema during winters.

If the skin is a normal to dry type, cleanse morning and night with a cleansing cream or gel. At night, cleansing is even more important, in order to remove make-up and other pollutants. Massage the cleanser lightly into the skin and remove it with moist cotton wool. Using moist cotton wool helps to prevent further dryness, as it does not absorb any more moisture from the skin.

After cleansing in the morning, tone the skin, using a rose-based skin tonic or even rose water. Using cotton wool, wipe the skin and then pat it briskly. Toning removes the last stages of the cleanser and also stimulates circulation.

During the day, use a sunscreen, before going out in the sun. For extreme dryness, use a cream. A liquid moisturiser should be used before applying foundation.

After cleansing, apply the nourishing cream and massage it on the skin, with upward an outward movements, for 3 to 4 minutes. Then wipe off all cream with moist cotton wool. Apply an outer-eye cream around the eyes and wipe it off after 10 minutes, with moist cotton wool.

Oily skins face the problem of superficial dryness. The skin feels dry after washing, but becomes oily, or gets eruptions, if creams and moisturizers are applied. Use cleansing milk or face wash. Add a drop or two of water before application, to give a lighter coverage. Honey applied on the face daily for ten minutes and then washed off with water, would help to relieve superficial dryness.

The skin on the lips is also very thin and lacks sebaceous (oil producing) glands. After cleansing, apply almond cream or almond oil on the lips and leave it on overnight. This would help to soften the skin. Lip balms are also helpful.

Here are some home remedies

Honey applied on the face daily for ten minutes and then washed off with water helps to relieve dryness and keep the skin soft. For dry skin, add egg yolk or one teaspoon pure almond oil. For oily skin, add egg white and a little lemon juice.

Take one peeled and cored apple and puree it in a blender. Add one tablespoon honey. Apply this on the face like a mask and keep it on for 15 minutes. Then, rinse off with cool water.

Aloe vera is one of the richest natural moisturizers. Apply aloe vera gel daily on the face and wash off with plain water after 20 minutes.

If you have aloe vera plants growing at home, apply the gel or juice directly on the skin. The gel obtained from the plant itself is the leaf pulp, found in the inner portion of the leaves. The aloe juice is found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves.

Mix half a teaspoon honey, one teaspoon rose water and one teaspoon dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water.

This winter season, make a conscious effort to follow basic skincare requirements like drinking sufficient water, eating seasonal produce, avoiding junk food and excess sugar. Avoid exposure to extreme climates, whether it’s heavy rain or snowfall. If you notice any skin condition that seems abnormal, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor