PREP UP FOR WINTERS

Winter is here, whipping winds, dry air, and chilly temperatures can really affect your soft skin. Here are a few tips to protect your body through the chill.

Dry skin is a common condition for many people, and often gets worse during the winter, when environmental humidity is low. Dry skin cells clog pores which lead to breakout of acne.

Throughout the winter, excessive hand washing to prevent the spread of germs can leave skin extremely dry and itchy. Drinking coffee and alcoholic beverages can also lead to dehydration and dry skin.

How can you prevent dry skin from happening in the first place?

Everyone needs to protect their skin from drying out in the winter. There are several easy and efficient ways, which can keep you safe from the dry skin problem that bothers almost everyone during winters.

• Sunscreens: Yes, sunscreen is important in winters too. Why? Here we listen it from expert herself , there are 2 kinds of ultraviolet rays; UVA & UVB. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn and their intensity varies in every season. However, UVA rays have the same intensity during summer or winter. So you need to apply sunscreen in every 4-5 hours even during winters.

• Moisturisers: Always make yourself massage your body after bath with rich body moisturising cream or oil, it will not only secure but will also make a seal to avoid dryness. Pre-bedtime ritual can also be helpful for you to get good sleep.

• Home remedies: There are simple and easier options for those who get confused by variety of brands available in market.

• You can always opt for jojoba oil & alovera gel, which is readily available in market.
• Keep yourself hydrated and drink adequate amount of water at regular intervals.
• Exercise regularly. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps in nourishing skin cells, and that helps in keeping your skin vibrant.
• Use of carrot, spinach, avocados, orange and other green veggies are best to have during winters, to make your skin more radiant and flawless.

Dryness during winter not only affects your skin but also affects your lips, hair, nails & feet. So here are some tips to fight the dryness this winter.

• Chapped Lips: Use gentle scrub even in winters once a week, and always keep your lips covered with lip balm.
• Hair: Do not use excessive hair styling tools, regular oiling is important, and avoid hot water bath. Never go outside with wet hair, freezing hair can lead to breakage.
• Nails: Keep rich hand cream whole day with you and use it in every 2-3 hours. Massage the cream into the cuticles to make them stronger & healthier.
• Feet: Before going to bed wash gently and apply thick coat of rich cream and pull your socks.

But if you have a skin condition, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling that results in flaking and cracking. You should step up your routine to stay supple, and if necessary seek a specialist.

 By Dr Meghna Gupta, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Director at Delhi Skin Centre.