Winter skin beauty

Seasonal changes influence the skin since it is an external organ. Lack of humidity during winter also affects the skin and it loses moisture to the atmosphere. This moisture must be replenished. Habitual lack of moisture can lead to excessive dryness, flaking, rough and red skin. As seasonal changes take place, it becomes necessary to adjust the daily skin-care routine.

If the skin is a normal to dry type, it should be cleansed twice a day, with a cleansing cream or gel. A cleanser containing aloe vera would be good, as it helps the skin retain moisture and also moisturises the skin. Apply the cleanser and wipe it off with moist cotton wool.  At night, cleansing is even more important, in order to remove make-up and other pollutants. Make-up cosmetics also cause dryness. Massage the cleanser lightly into the skin and remove it with moist cotton wool. Using moist cotton wool helps to prevent further dryness, as it does not absorb any more moisture from the skin. After cleansing in the morning, tone the skin, using a rose-based skin tonic or even rose water. Using cotton wool, wipe the skin with rose water and then pat it briskly. Toning removes the last stages of the cleanser and also stimulates circulation.

During the day, use a sunscreen, before going out in the sun. Sun exposure can also cause loss of moisture. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturisers. Moisturisers are available in cream and liquid form. For extreme dryness, it is better to use a cream. A liquid moisturiser should be used under make-up. Apply it before using foundation. Whenever the skin feels dry, apply a liquid moisturiser.

Dry skin should also be nourished with a good night cream. Nourishing helps to lubricate the skin and keep it soft. It also helps the skin to hold moisture better. After cleansing, apply the nourishing cream and massage it on the skin, with upward and outward movements, for three-four minutes. Then wipe off all cream with moist cotton wool. Apply an outer-eye cream around the eyes and wipe it off after 10 minutes, with moist cotton wool. Do not massage the skin around the eyes, as the skin can get pulled or stretched. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and should be treated very gently.

Oily skin face the problem of superficial dryness. The skin feels dry after washing, but becomes oily, or gets eruptions, if creams and moisturisers are applied. Use a cleansing lotion. Apply it on the face and wipe it off with moist cotton wool. A light moisturising lotion can be used if there is dryness. Add a drop or two of water before application, to give a lighter coverage. Or, use an oil-free day cream. Honey applied on the face daily for 10 minutes and then washed off with water, would help to relieve superficial dryness.

The skin on the lips is also very thin and lacks sebaceous (oil producing) glands. That is why it can become dry and chapped easily. The skin may also start peeling. It is extremely important to remove lipstick from the lips every night, using a cleansing gel. Some lipsticks actually have a drying effect on the skin. After cleansing, apply a cream containing almond on the lips and leave it on all night. This would help to soften the skin. In fact, lip balms are also very helpful in healing the skin on the lips, preventing chapped lips and keeping them soft and smooth. As a home remedy, one can apply almond oil, or cream of milk. Daily care is very important.