Winter dos and don’ts for your skin

Winter can be harsh on your skin. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep your skin looking flawless.

By: Dr Jaishree Sharad | | Updated: September 25, 2014 2:05 pm

Caring for your skin in the chilly winter months means moisturising and keeping it well-hydrated. But, it also involves a few more steps to provide overall protection. Here are a few winter dos and don’ts by Dr Jaishree Sharad, one of India’s leading cosmetic dermatologists. Also Read - Winter baby names: Beautiful wintry baby names and their meanings

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Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun 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 for a long time.

Use a lip balm or even ghee for your lips. Avoid matte lipsticks, use a lip gloss instead. Before you go outside, apply some petroleum jelly to your lips as this creates a protective barrier between the cold air and your lips locking in moisture. (Read: How to exfoliate skin in the winter)

If you are developing cracks on the soles of your feet, you need to take care of your feet daily instead of going for pedicures once in a while. At bedtime, soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes. You may add a few drops of an oil-free cleansing lotion or even salt to the water. Scrub with a pumice stone. Apply a thick moisturising cream. If possible, wear cotton socks all the time. However, wet socks can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means, it’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. So, moisturising the hands is equally essential as the feet.

Drink enough water to keep yourself well-hydrated. Water is life; besides cleaning your system, it improves the moisture level on your skin keeping it supple and healthy. It is the most reliable treatment for dry skin. Drink up to 8 glasses of water daily to avoid dry skin. If you need a change from drinking water, you could try fresh fruit juices to make a delicious drink. (Read: Which of these 4 common mistakes is giving you dry skin?)

Lastly, sleep is good for you. Unfortunately, most people do not value their daily sleep routine. You need to rest for at least 7 hours everyday. This will create the right balance in your body ridding your system of toxins to give you healthy skin. While asleep, the body works by cleaning itself up to remove unwanted body waste.

Don’ts

Avoid toners and astringents in winter as they are alcohol-based and will further dry out your skin.

Avoid air conditioners as well as room heaters for long hours. These will make the skin drier by ripping the moisture away. Keep a bowl of water near the radiator to maintain moisture in the room. (Read: Home remedies for glowing skin you probably haven’t tried!)

Do not lick your lips as this will further dry them. Avoid scratching red or itchy skin around your lips and mouth as it worsens the inflammation and could lead to scarred skin. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the red, itchy skin condition is persistent. Your doctor will accurately diagnose the cause and recommend proper treatment.

Dr Jaishree Sharad is one of India’s leading cosmetic dermatologists. She is the VP of the Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India and CEO of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin & Laser Clinic, Mumbai. She is a certified trainer for Botox and fillers and pioneers in microneedling, radiofrequency skin tightening and Exilis body contouring in India. Dr Jaishree has conducted many training workshops on Botox, fillers, peels, dermaroller and dermatosurgery all over India and abroad for dermatologists , post graduate students and cosmetologists. She is a skin consultant to various Bollywood celebrities. Follow her on twitter @jaishreesharad.

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Published : January 13, 2014 4:06 pm | Updated:September 25, 2014 2:05 pm

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