Skin is a vital part of the human body, not only for just looking pretty but there are some specific bodily functions too that it performs. Skin isn’t only the barrier between the environment and our insides—it’s a living organ that’s responsible for keeping the body cool, protecting it against germs and “invaders,” and many other metabolic processes.
It’s important to keep the skin in good and working well condition all year long so they can do their jobs and keep us healthy and safe. Cracked, flaky, irritated, or inflamed skin is normal during winter, though it’s not exactly fun. Here, just in time: strategies to make sure your most moisture-starved parts stay soft and smooth all season long:
1. Avoid Hot Bath
Avoid bathing with hot steamy water, although this may seem a good idea when the temperatures are low, but exposure to hot water for long periods of time can zap all the moisture from your skin. Also make sure you choose Showers Over Baths as a long, steamy soak in the tub will parch your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. Stick to warm or Luke warm water and avoid bathing for longer durations.
2. Wear Hat When Go Out
When heading outdoors, make sure to wear hat, scarf and gloves to protect the skin from cold temperatures and to avoid wind burns.
3. Go For Healthy Diet
Make sure to have foods in your diet rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3- fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and olive oil. Also taking fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits and dark leafy vegetables can prove out to be very beneficial for the skin as Vitamin C is essential for the production of Collagen, a body protein which is an essential component of our skin and connective tissues underneath. Also it is very important to keep yourself hydrated at all times, although this may be difficult in winters when you don’t normally feel thirsty a lot, but water is essential to rehydrate the scaly skin.
4. Use Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soaps can be really harsh on your skin, especially in winters; shifting to milder glycerin can be very helpful. To prevent chapping parched hands, embrace wipe-off, soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free hand sanitizers. When you do wash, choose a moisturizing soap-free cleanser or a hydrating antibacterial gel, then slather on lotion right away.
5. Lit Up Heater at Slow Flame
Jacking the heat using heaters may help feel warm and cozy but at the same time dry hot air leads to loss of moisture from skin and would lead dehydration of skin. Keep the thermostat low if you are using heaters or dressing up warm can be very beneficial as not only it will keep you warm but would also reduce the running cost of heaters.
6. Woolen Clothes
Winter season is all about wearing woolen clothes but at the same time wool makes your skin itchy. Avoid direct contact of wool with your skin by wearing cotton clothes underneath the woolen clothes.
7. Avoid Rolling Tongue on Lips
Do not lick your lips; winter is the season of chapped lips and licking them will make them more chapped. Instead, use a good lip balm, preferably which contains tea tree oil as it helps heal painful cracks.
8. Moisturize Your Skin
Keep your skin moisturized choose a good, oil-based moisturizer to keep the skin care tips. 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.
9. Go for Plenty of Layers
If fingers and toes are still cold despite wooly socks and gloves, it’s time for a different strategy. To encourage blood flow all the way to the hands and feet, keep the core toasty warm with plenty of layers. Avoid tight garments or jewelry at joints (hands, ankles, and wrists) that could constrict blood flow.