Skin is the exposed part of the body and it is very sensitive also. Winter season is tough for the skin. The cold temperatures, snow and dry wind make the skin dry. The skin becomes rough, cracked and irritated. This can lead to conditions like eczema. Therefore extra skin care is needed in winter.
There are several skin care steps which should be followed in winter. Clothing in winter is also important for skin care. Warm, layered and long sleeved cloths are helpful in caring for skin in winter. Gloves can be worn to protect hands from cold and dry weather. The material of the gloves should not be irritating to the skin. To keep the hands warm and dry woolen gloves can be worn on cotton gloves. Wet cloths and shoes should be removed immediately.
Bath or shower should not be frequent or for longer period of time. It does not moisturize the skin but makes it dry. A mild cleanser can be used instead of soap. Oils can be added to bath. A massage with baby oil before bath is also good to prevent drying of skin. Oils can penetrate the skin and nourish it. Cleanser can be chosen containing moisturizer or ingredients like Aloe Vera. Exfoliation of the skin daily helps in stimulating it. Skin can be exfoliated using washcloth or scrub brush. Lips can be rubbed with woven mesh after application of jojoba oil on it.
Moisturizers should be applied immediately after bath and frequently throughout the day. The moisturizers should be applied on feet, knees, elbows, hands and all over the body. The moisturizers to be used in winter should be oil based. Moisturizers in ointment form are better than creams and lotions as they contain 80%oil and 20% water and they form a protective layer on the skin and lock the moisture inside the skin. Along with moisturizer sunscreen also should be applied. Sometimes moisturizers contain sunscreens also. Sunscreen should contain SPF of 30 or higher. Toner if used should be alcohol free.
The dry atmosphere in winter makes the skin, throat and the entire body dry. Heaters inside the rooms make the atmosphere all the more dry. Therefore, humidifiers can be used to humidify the rooms.
Drinking plenty of water is also important to maintain the moisture in the body. Intake of warm food and warm tea is good. Regular physical exercise is also important to improve blood circulation. In case of extreme dry skin a dermatologist’s advice is better.
