Winter is quietly creeping in and with the pleasantries it will also give us some skin problems. People who have dry skin experience irritation, hardness and roughness of skin. Incidence of itchy skin due to dryness and contact allergies due to detergents and chemicals also increase in this season.

Cold temperatures result in poor circulation and widened capillaries and as a result the skin suffers. While the cold alone isn’t enough to signal a four-star beauty alarm, the drop in humidity compounded with around-the-clock heating are solid clues that it’s time to step up your Skin Care Regime.

Here are some skin care tips that will help you deal with the winter woes:
Drink a lot of water: Hydrate your skin from within. Carry a bottle of water with you whenever outside the home. Herbal tea is also a great remedy to moisturize your skin from within, preferably cold. Don’t leave your skin thirsty. Drink more water and help your skin retain its shine.

Bathe with lukewarm water: Winter is the time when your skin and hair need maximum attention. Though the idea of piping hot water is very tempting, stick to a lukewarm water bath every day. Make sure to use a mild non-drying soap or a moisturizing soap.

Keep your skin moisturized: Choose a good oil-based moisturizer to keep the skin moisturized and soft. Pay special attention to the exposed parts (and the most affected areas) like your hands, nails, feet and lips. Keep them well moisturized at all times. Use a lip balm to keep your lips soft and supple. Lip balm should have sunscreens for better results. Even those who have oily skin must use light moisturizing lotions after cleansing to keep the skin soft.

Use a good sunscreen: People like to enjoy the sun during winter but little do they know that exposure to the sun can harm their skin in winter too. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more, when you step out in the open. In fact, it should be a part of your daily routine throughout the year. Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over.

Do not lick your lips: this is the season of chapped lips, do not lick your lips as that will only make it more chapped. Instead use a good lip balm, preferably which contains tea tree oil which helps heal painful cracks.

Internal wellness: This continues to be a requirement all through the year as a healthy skin is a reflection of good inner health. One should continue to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.

BDST: 1559 HRS, JAN-02, 2014
Edited by: Sharmina islam, Lifestyle Editor