Winter is coming! It is the season of sleeping in late, staying cosy under layers of blankets and sipping hot cocoa in bed. We all look forward to this time of the year. However, this season might not be your skin’s best friend. Cold weather and low level of humidity take away moisture from your skin. Indoor heat, prolonged hot showers and harsh cleansers do not do your skin any favours either.  Get the better of this and keep your skin smooth and healthy this season with these simple tips. 

Dry Skin 

Dry skin is one of the most common skin woes we all face during winters. The lack of humidity robs the skin of its natural oils leaving it to look dull and lifeless. To restore the skin’s plumpness, apply a good moisturiser every morning and night.   With Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72 Hour Hydrator, say goodbye to lacklustre skin. Its super hydrating power locks in all the moisture and retains the dewy, healthy-looking glow of your face.   Winters are also a time for end-of-the-year parties and celebrations where you want to be at your glowing best. Don’t let the dry weather and dullness play spoilsport. Try a hydrating sheet mask like The Face Shop’s Real Nature Olive Face Mask. The natural olive extract provides intense hydration and instantly lifts your face, making it perfect for the times you have to get ready in a jiffy.  

Chapped Lips 

Chapped lips are almost a telltale sign that winter season has arrived as it is the first part of our body to bear the brunt of the harsh, cold winds. It is the most common problem during winters that most of us face. And as tempting and satisfying it may seem to peel off the dry layer of skin, please refrain from doing so! It can worsen the condition and lead to bleeding.   Often, people lick their lips, almost as a reflex in a bid to get rid of the dryness, but doing so is, in fact, counterproductive as it will only make them drier. Instead, gently exfoliate by massaging them with a lip scrub. Next, apply a hydrating lip balm like Maybelline Baby Lips Cherry Kiss. The vitamin E-containing lip balm protects your lips from the harmful effects of winter and lends a glossy sheen while moisturising them. Apply it as many times as you want for soft, supple lips.  

Dry Hands

The skin on your hands is especially delicate and the harsh winter wreaks further havoc by making it dry and flaky. And if you’re someone who compulsively washes your hands several times a day, you need to give them extra TLC.   Firstly, restrict washing your hands with harsh soaps to lock in the moisture. To combat that stretchy, uncomfortably feeling of dry hands, use a hand cream like Faces Canada’s Tender Surrender Hand Cream. Its carefully crafted formula of goji berry extracts and coconut oil is easily absorbed, leaving your hands nourished and hydrated. Slather a generous amount on your hands after every wash and especially before bed for super soft hands.  

Rough Elbows And Knees 

Certain areas of our body like elbows and knees demand special attention in winters as they have thinner and naturally drier skin. They also tend to lose moisture faster, which gives them a scaly appearance and turns the skin darker than other areas of the body.   To prevent scaly-looking, unsightly elbows and knees, you need a heavy-duty moisturiser. Replenish your body’s natural moisture level by applying a thick layer of Kama Ayurveda’s Shea Lotus Body Butter twice a day. This deep moisturising cream is enriched with antioxidant-rich oils that provides an intense moisture boost to the stubbornly dry and rough parts like elbows and knees. 

Cracked Heels 

Having dry skin is bad enough, but having to walk around with painful cracked heels is one of the worst nightmares for women. They can be super embarrassing, especially when you need to take off your shoes. The skin on the feet is drier than most other parts of the body as there are no oil glands present on our feet causing the skin around the heels to crack.   As a quick remedy, make a homemade scrub with oatmeal, sea salt, almond oil and rice flour. Soak your feet in lukewarm water and gently massage this scrub on the heels with a Pumice Stone for 5-10 minutes to remove the callous, dry skin. Follow it up with L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream. The ultra moisturising properties of shea butter penetrates deep within the layers and restores cracked skin. To further seal in the moisture, cover your feet by wearing a pair of socks. Do this every night for smooth, happy feet even in winters. 

DIY Masks 

In addition to creams, you can use natural moisturising ingredients from your kitchen to make homemade masks. Make a paste of honey, curd and almond oil and leave it on your skin for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with water for lasting hydration.  

Hydrate From Within  

It is just as important to hydrate the body from inside. After all, it reflects on your skin too. Include seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, strawberries, grapes, carrots, spinach, etc. in your diet. They are rich in collagen-boosting antioxidants like vitamin C that protect your skin and also have high water content, keeping your body hydrated. Eat healthy fats like nuts and consider omega-3 supplements to give your skin the building blocks to appear smooth and supple.  As yummy as hot chocolates and coffee are in winters, have them in moderation as they have a dehydrating effect. Instead, warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time. 

Cut Down On Hot Showers 

Hot showers feel so relaxing and comforting in the winter but make sure you choose lukewarm water, particularly to wash your face and hands so you avoid taking away the skin’s natural moisture. Also, remember to moisturise immediately after.   These easy to follow tips will ensure your skin remains healthy and soft all season. Shop for all the products you will need at Shoppers Stop online or in-store.  You can now shop from our store anytime and from anywhere, just download our mobile app and get started – Android Users Download App HERE iOS Users Download App HERE

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