But the cold alone isn’t responsible for this. The drop in humidity in addition to the use of heaters indoors also results in drying out the skin.
1 Moisturize More:
You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in spring and summer. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine. Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion.
Moisturizing lotions based on glycerin and alpha-hydroxyl content can contribute to the smoothening feel of the skin.
2 Exfoliating :
Extra-dry skin like on dry upper arms can trigger a flare-up of keratosis pilaris, that annoying rough skin, says New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
"Try a lotion with salicylic acid to exfoliate dead cells around your hair follicles and reduce the appearance of bumps."
3 Use Sunscreen :
No, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with snow glare -- can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.
4 Handle with care :
To prevent chapping parched hands, embrace wipe-off, soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free hand sanitizers.
"They're less drying than washing repeatedly with soap and water," Dr. Rodan says. "It's the wet-dry, wet-dry that really sucks the moisture out of your skin."
- When you do wash, choose a moisturizing soap-free cleanser or a hydrating antibacterial gel, then slather on lotion right away.
- Instead of using soap high in their alkaline content, it is better to have your skin washed with paste of ground gram and yogurt.
- In case you prefer using soap, make sure to use one with adequate moisturizing content. Soaps based on natural oils and glycerin may turn out to be a healthy alternative.
5 Give Your Hands a Hand :
The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.
6 Use Oils :
- To do away with the conditions of hardness harnessed during winter, consumption of juicy fruits and vegetable with the particular inclusion of olive oil and primrose juice will prove to be a healthy alternative.
- In order to get rid of external dryness and chaps, application of coconut oil prior to bathing can be another helpful option.
- As far as application of oil is concerned, it is better to opt for ones which do not clog the dermal pores.
- Non clogging oils such as avocado oil, primrose oil and almond oil should be preferred over those causing to block skin pores.
7 Avoid Wet Gloves and Socks :
Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.
8 Use petroleum jelly :
Application of petroleum jelly on areas particularly affected with chaps and dryness happens to be one of the most effective options.
9 Just add honey :
To soften stubborn dry patches on rough elbows and knees, opt for a rich, hydrating scrub. "I use a simple mix of honey and sugar," says Ford makeup artist Lisa Trunda. Studies show that humectant honey reduces inflammation, and sugar (applied topically) increases circulation in skin, says Miami dermatologist Jeremy Green, MD.
"This can be especially helpful in winter when blood flow is typically diverted from the skin to keep your core warm."
10 Hydrate for Your Health, Not for Your Skin :
If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person's skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk," Kenneth Bielinski, MD, a dermatologist in Oak Lawn, Ill., tells WebMD "It's a very common misconception."
LaPlante agrees. "I see clients at the spa who drink their 10 to 12 glasses of water a day and still have superdry skin. It just doesn't do that much."
11 Skin toner :
- Skin toner containing essential oils or the rejuvenating elements of Vitamin E can prove to be similarly effective.
- However if the facial skin is naturally oily, avoid using the same on face.
12 Bathe with lukewarm water :
Winter is the time when your skin and hair need maximum attention. Though the idea of piping hot water is very tempting, stick to a lukewarm water bath every day. Make sure you use a mild non-drying soap or a moisturising soap to prevent your skin from getting dry and itchy.
13 Do not lick your lips:
Winter is the season of chapped lips and licking them will make them more chapped. Instead, use a good lip balm, preferably which contains tea tree oil as it helps heal painful cracks.
14 Pace the Peels :
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face. And use them a little less often.
