How to prepare your skin for winter

Ever wondered why your skin looks dry and flaky while stars like Deepika Padukone have flawless skin even while shooting in cold climes? There is something to be said for prepping your skin to take on seasonal changes and we tell you how:

Why dry skin: “When the air outside is cold and dry, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly; this makes your skin dry, tight and flaky,” explains Dr Reema Arora, Medical Head Facial Aesthetic, Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation, New Delhi. Our skin loses more than 25 percent of its ability to hold moisture in the winter. So start your winter skin care regimen early to insulate yourself from the winter skin woes.

Warm water bath: Never have bath with very hot water during winter, however tempted you may be as this further dries the skin; use lukewarm water instead, along with a mild soap or a PH balanced body wash and cleanser, says Dr Indu Ballani of Ballani Skin and Hair Aesthetics, New Delhi. Start early so that your body gets accustomed to it before winter begins.

Dietary demands: Dr. Chytra V Anand, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist at Kosmoderma Clinics advises a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and nuts and oils that are rich in Vitamin E. This provides nourishment from inside and fortifies your skin to take on the winter. Include some cashewnuts and almonds to your snacks, and ensure your food has some amount of butter,ghee or oil.

Drink water: “When the loss of the moisture in the skin is more than the replenishment, skin gets dry,” says Dr. Chytra V Anand, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist at Kosmoderma Clinics. It is also important to stay hydrated, so up your water intake and stay hydrated, well in advance of winter.

Moisturise: “Use a body oil like almond or olive oil after bath,” advises Dr. Anand. “Apply oil on the skin after bath and then pat dry. If your skin is very dry use a moisturiser that contains humectants like urea and lactic acid on top at least twice a day. Exfoliate the skin once a week with an enzyme scrub made of papaya and pineapple, but ensure you avoid beaded scrubs as they further damage skin.”

Face care: It is important to cleanse your face with a mild face wash or a moisturising cleaner. According to Dr. Ballani, those with naturally oily skin type can use rose water as a toner and then moisturise according to the skin type. It is also imperative to use a sunscreen throughout the day. Avoid alcohol-based cosmetics and frequent use of wet-wipes on the face. “Use coconut oil as it moisturises and soothes the skin,” she says. “Honey, milk cream and yogurt are also good moisturisers.”

 

 

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