Winterizing Your Skin: Steps to Keep Moisture In

Although it's not winter yet, the temperatures are dropping and skin is becoming drier. Winter is a season that some look forward to and some despise. For some, it is a break from the perspiration notably associated with warmth; however, for others, it is the introduction of wintery blues filled with snow and ice. It is no hidden fact that people tend to slack off on taking care of things deemed important in 'skin baring months...feet go unpedicured, legs go unshaven and skin receives less SPF coverage. What one must realize is that our skin requires the same, if not more protection in the colder seasons. It is important to maintain a healthy skin condition throughout the winter months, so that your face is prepared and ready for spring and summer.

Below are some tips for maintaining healthy skin in the winter months:

• One of the most common mistakes that people make in winters is to use hot water for taking a bath. Don't worry; we are not asking you to splash in freezing water. However, it is advisable to go for lukewarm water and limit your shower to 4-5 minutes, at the most.
• Moisturizing is one of the most important skincare essentials in winters. The best time to use moisturizer would be within two minutes of coming out of the shower. Try to stick to creams, rather than lotions, for nourishing your winter skin.
• Exfoliation is another step necessary to keep your skin in a luminous state this winter. Apart from helping you get rid of the dead cells on your skin, exfoliation will also prove effective in refining pore size and improving the overall texture of your skin.
• When it comes to taking care of your face in winters, one of the first steps would require you to get rid of the astringent and stick to a toner. Astringent ends up drying your skin due to the high level of alcohol.
• One of the body parts that are worst affected by the harsh cold of winters is your lips, which become dry and chapped. So, make sure to wear a lip product when you go out in the winters. Carmex is the best winter staple for lips!
• The worst thing that you can do in winters is wear wool or other scratchy fabric next to your skin. As such fabrics come in contact with the skin; they irritate it and lead to itching. So, make sure to wear cotton camisoles or undershirts underneath any wool clothing.
• Before stepping out, wear gloves in your hands. This will protect your hands from the cold temperatures and dry air that are often associated with triggering eczema. You will also have to face much lesser instances of cracked and splitting cuticles.
• In winters, dryness is the main enemy of your skin. So, you will have to bring some humidity inside your bedroom, living room or office, by making use of humidifiers. In case you cannot afford that, consider placing some plants throughout your place or adding a pan of water on top of radiators