Top 5 Home Remedies for Skin Care during Cold Months
Everybody loves the end-of-year festive season, except when it gets cold and raw out. The lack of humidity and exposure to indoor heaters often makes our skin taut, itchy and flaky. While there are countless winter care products in the market, this is the also the best time of the year to break out a few home care remedies.
- Use Face Cleansers that Suit Your Skin Type
Limit the number of times you wash your face. For very dry skin, avoid soaps and instead, use natural cleansers like aloevera and lemon. Aloe is known for its moisturising properties and helps soften the skin, removes dead cells, and accelerates cell rejuvenation. The antibacterial properties in lemon cleanse and brighten your skin through repeated use.
For oily skin, use light moisturising lotions to keep the skin hydrated and soft.
- Heal the Heels
Cracked heels can be particularly painful during winter. Soak your heels in warm water at night and scrub away the dead cells with a pumice stone. Coat both feet in any vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to restore moisture to the feet. Wear socks to bed so that it soaks in fully. Avoid soaps until your feet are healed. Avoid wearing open-backed footwear or shoes with thin soles.
- Avoid Allergens and Irritants
Allergens may aggravate existing conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. As the skin becomes more sensitive in winter, avoid irritating fabrics like wool and chemical-laden detergents. Use warm rather than hot water for cleansing and use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and oil-based moisturizers. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week.
- Stay Hydrated
Your intake of water may reduce during winter due to drop in temperature, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated all through the season. Add more soups and broths to your diet to ensure your body receives the hydration it requires. Limit your intake of soda, caffeine and alcoholic beverages as these have a dehydrating effect on your body. Add more vegetables and fruits with high water content to your daily diet. Strawberry, cucumbers and celery are great sources of water in foods.
- Do Not Forget Your Sunscreen
Even though the winter sun is comparatively mellow, do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. The harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause severe damage to your skin and reapply it if you are out for more than 30 minutes in the sun.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it to all areas of the skin exposed to the sun, including your lips. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially on sunny days or when swimming. Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
