10 Best Winter Skincare Tips To Prevent Skin Dryness

With the excitement of enjoying bonfires, indoor heaters and long rides on harsh cold nights, the tension of skin getting dry comes along.

It's that time of the year when all the festivities and marriages are lined up and we forget to balance between doing make-up and following proper skincare routine.

In the colder months, our skin needs extra care to protect it from drying. Keeping the skin hydrated is very important to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance and reduce the risk of premature ageing and wrinkling.

The first step is to identify the skin type. Is it oily, combination or dry? Often, People with oily skin don't focus on hydration out of fear that it might clog their already oily skin. However, hydrating the skin is different from clogging the pores.

On the other hand, people with dry skin indulge in buying unnecessary products to solve the problem of flakiness. The use of extra products does more harm than good.

Understand the demands of your skin and act accordingly. Following are the 10 best tips for all skin types that one can involve in his/her schedule to enjoy glowing skin during winter.

1. In the colder months, the skin needs a gentle hydrating cleanser. Preferably one with a creamy texture that provides continuous hydration even post-wash. Check for Niacinamide (B3), Vitamin B5 and hydrating glycerin in the product before buying.

2. Apply a rich milky toner as it removes any residual impurities from the skin. Besides it strengthens the skin and adds that extra moisture that is needed during the winter season. Key ingredients are Aloe Vera, hyaluronic acid and blends of vitamins C and E.

3. Exfoliation is also crucial to remove dead skin cells and enhance the absorption of moisturizers; opt for a mild exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid, limiting use to 2-3 times a week.

4. Include hydrating cleanser and serums in skin-care kit. The cleanser will prevent the skin from getting dry and the serum will nourish the skin inside and out. Look for vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, vitamin E, and panthenol in the products.

5. It's best to use ceramide-based moisturizers to beat the winter blues. Ceramides are the building blocks of the skin, they not only help in locking in moisture but also strengthen the skin barrier. When choosing a moisturizer, make sure it also has sodium hyaluronate.

6. Cover the skin with hats, gloves, socks- anything that can trap the heat. This helps prevent sweat from evaporation. Apply thick and creamy moisturizer all over the body before wearing clothes.

7. Just because there is dull sun or no Sun at all doesn't mean sunscreen is not important to wear. Even in the winter, use sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater before stepping out.

8. Avoid lingering in hot showers as the steam coming out of it wash away natural oils and moisture. This results in cracks, red rashes and dryness on the face. Try to wrap up in 10 minutes maximum.

9. Restraint from sitting directly in front of indoor heaters and fireplaces. Spending time near heat sources like these can further dry out the skin.

10. Drink lots of water to keep the skin moist and opt for water-rich foods like celery, berries, oranges, apples, etc. They contain antioxidants that will help replenish vitamin C.

With the change in season, changes in our habits and skin-care routine have also become necessary to keep the skin plump and happy. Incorporate these steps into your daily routine and enjoy radiant skin.