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Drying, cracking, flaking…no, we are not talking
about your room that needs a coat of paint - this about
your skin that needs a coat of protection in the cold
winter months!
Winter is hard on skin. Dry air and harsh wind can sap
moisture from the skin, causing cracking, chapping, and
irritation. And even though it's not blazing hot, your
skin is still vulnerable to damage from the sun's ultraviolet
rays. Luckily, you can take action to minimize winter
skin problems. Here are some tips to help you keep your
skin as youthful-looking and healthy as possible throughout
the winter months
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Continue to protect your skin from sun
damage. Even though you are all bundled up - you still
need protection. A modern day sunscreen is a useful aid,
even more so because we tend to spend more time out on
the sun now. A good moisturizing cream or lotion will
prevent dryness of the face. Use a face mask periodically
to help put back the lost oils and moisture..
Don't take long, hot showers. They may sound appealing,
but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing lipids.
Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost
dry, then put on a good moisturizer while skin is still
damp. Rub your damp skin with 'mustard oil' - one of the
most effective body oils . If that does not appeal to
you, use one of the many body oils available in the market.
They are combination of herbs and various oils and are
made specially for the Indian Skin .
Humidify indoor air. If you don't have a humidifying system
within your heating ducts, consider buying a humidifier.
These will help keep skin and nasal passages from drying
out. (If you do experience dryness or minor bleeding in
your nose, you can use Vaseline to soothe and moisturize
the area.) .
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| If you develop severely dry skin, eczema,
or "winter itch," see your dermatologist. He
or she can prescribe a mild steroid cream or other treatment
to restore your skin to good health. |
| The dry air of heating systems or of room
heaters can sap moisture out of your skin and cause the
top layer, which is make up of dead skin cells, to flake.
The sensation of the flakes lifting away from the body
and small splits or fissures in the epidermis are what
cause the itching associated with dry skin |
| When you bathe, use a good moisturizing
soap. They can help reduce the dryness of your body. After
your bath, use a good body oil, specially if you reside
in India. These oils will rejuvenate your lost oils and
keep the skin soft and supple. These oils lock the moisture
into the skin. |
| The hands are especially vulnerable due
to the fact that they're constantly in use, picking up
different materials and handling items that sap the moisture
out of the skin. They are also exposed to tremendously
more water than other body. Make sure you moisturize the
cuticle and nails, too. Then gently blot hands dry - don't
rub - with a towel. |
| You can't overdo moisturizing your hands
during cold weather. One of the best treatments for dry
hands is to apply moisturizer at bedtime. That's the time
when you get the most good out of a moisturizer. |
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