This dry chilly weather is not fun for skin. The dry air steals moisture away from every surface in no time including the skin. When the wind blows, it’s dry and harsh, indoor heat also rubs the air of moisture, seemingly making staying hydrated an herculean task. Dry skin apart from not being a good sight to behold causes itches, an awfully dry skin could crack and sometimes bleed.
One has to do more to keep skin moisturized, fresh and smooth. To reduce chapping, redness, itching, and keep skin more healthy and comfortable this season, try these tips.
Wash in Lukewarm Water
Hot showers and baths feel like the best option for this chilly season but they aren’t. Once you step out from the bath. the chilly wind would hit you right back and make you shiver. Aside that, hot water would strip your skin of oil and you’ll step out of that shower with a dryer and oil-stripped skin. Take a lukewarm water bath instead.
Wash with a mild soap.
The skin is overly sensitive this period, so wash with soaps that read ‘for sensitive skin’, You might also look for words like ‘natural soap’, ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘moisturizing’, ‘soothing’…If a bar soap leaves you with a drying effect before now, it’s not suitable for this period. Liquid body wash is better for sensitive and dry skin but moisturizing soaps too would do no harm.
Dump Harsh Facial-Cleansers.
A facial cleanser keeps the skin clean by removing dirt, sweat, excess oils, dead skin cells and other pollutants. The bad side is, it can also remove too much oil from your skin. Use a mild cleanser or a solvent based cleanser. Your best alternative is homemade hydrating masks. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix what you like together to create a paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration. the dead cells, dirt and excessive oil would be gone and your skin still hydrated.
Moisturize Skin while damp
Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisturizers to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep your jar of moisturizer near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you also wash your hands.
I have found that oil-based moisturizers help retain skin moisture in this weather. Choose formula with natural nourishing ingredients. You can base your skin with a good body oil like bio-oil, chamomile oil, jojoba and more while skin is damp before applying your formula of choice.
Protect your skin
Wear scarves and pashmina to protect skin from cold winds and the blazing sun. Cover up your skin properly too. Wait for a better season to show off your hot legs. Your skin will thank you for it.
Hydrate from Inside out.
Don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time. It’s not enough to settle for a steaming cup of tea in the morning or a chilled bottle of soda when the sun is at its best; nothing hydrates like water. Water based fruits and vegetables should be your delight this season.