Skin care in Winter

Winter is just not about warm clothes or fireside reading. It is time to battle the cold winds that hampers your body. A little care will keep the wintry troubles at bay.

Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments, but also on the intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Fruits and vegetables in your daily diet release a lot of water to your system. Primrose syrup and olive oil in your diet also aids in softening your skin.

v  Moisturize More: Moisturizers and cold creams are a must in the winters. 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. Apply some good cold cream on your face before going to bed. Moisten your skin with a good moisturizer or a creamy hand and body lotion.

v  Slather on the Sunscreen: 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. Even if you're not hitting the slopes, you still need the protection of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. 

v  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.

v  Hydrate for Your Health: Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking. In fact, it's a myth. Water plays an important role in keeping your skin alive. A good amount of water helps in retaining the moisture of your skin as well keeping skin disorders at bay.

v  Grease Up Your Feet: Painful, cracked heels are a common skin condition, especially in winter. They are often caused by dry skin. Some minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

v  Use Super-Fatted Soap: 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. Clearing away dead skin cells lets a moisturizer better penetrate dry skin. The same products that keep your face looking fresh in the spring and summer may cause skin problems during winter. Choose a gentle, super-fatted, fragrance-free soap bar or liquid for cleansing. Super-fatted means the soap is loaded with oils.

v  Ban Superhot Baths: Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. A shower can add water to your skin -- as long as you keep it short and sweet. Long, hot showers can actually draw water from your skin