Winter is here, bringing with it dry, flaky skin and a never ending desire to hibernate under a warm blanket. But fear not! Your skin doesn’t have to suffer through the colder months. With a little bit of extra care and attention, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long. So, put on your warmest socks, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and let’s get started on how to take care of your skin in winters. 

Follow these 10 skincare tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long.

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! 

Winter is the time of year when the air is crisp and cold, and your skin starts to feel drier than the desert. This is because the dry air around tries to compensate for its loss of moisture with your skin and steals away its hydration, leaving you (high and) dry. So, before you crawl back into bed and hide under the covers until spring, remember to moisturise! Look for a moisturizer that is oil-based, as it will help to seal in moisture better than a water-based one.

2. Use a humidifier. 

The dry air inside your home can be just as damaging to your skin as the cold winter air outside. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated. But the benefits don’t stop just there. A humidifier can also help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, reduce static electricity (remember your hair being pulled towards your sweater with an invisible energy, leaving it frizzy and difficult to style?), and make the air in your home feel warmer. So, go ahead and give your skin and hair some much needed TLC this winter by investing in a humidifier. 

3. Take shorter showers. 

While it may be tempting to take long, hot showers to warm up during the winter, they can actually cause your skin to dry up very quickly, leaving you feeling tight and uncomfortable. Try to limit your showers to 10-15 minutes, and use lukewarm water instead of hot water. This will preserve your skin’s natural oils and keep it hydrated. Not to mention, shorter showers are better for the environment and can even save you money on your water bills. 

4. Don't forget to exfoliate.  

Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin during the winter, leading to a dull, lifeless complexion. Regular exfoliation will help to remove these dead skin cells, revealing the healthy, glowing skin underneath. But that’s not all. This can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone, and it can help your skin products to work more effectively. 

Use a scrub that features natural ingredients, like Charcoal, Coffee and other superfoods that nourish the skin along with the process of exfoliation.

5. Protect your skin from the elements. 

Winters are the best time to bask in the sun and soak in the elusive Vitamin D. In many Indian cultures it is customary to spend a lot of time in the sun in winters as this is the only season that is gentle enough to expose yourself to the otherwise harsh rays. But just a few minutes in the sun can tan your skin and with each passing minute after that its harmful ultraviolet spectrum can have more negative reactions. 

Here are some tips to protect your skin from the sun in winter:

• Use Sunscreen with high SPF (SPF30 and above) and make sure to apply it to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.

• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck from the sun.

• Seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest, which is typically between 10 AM and 4 PM.

• Avoid being outside for extended periods of time, especially at high altitudes when the sun’s rays are more intense.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from harmful UV rays. 

6. Stay Hydrated.

Our consumption of water goes for a toss as soon as the temperatures fall. You may blame it on not feeling thirsty enough, but despite not sweating profusely you’re still losing enough moisture through other means. Make a habit of drinking at least 2 litres of water daily. Trust us, this is the bare minimum you could do to keep your skin hydrated. 

7. Use a face mask. 

A face mask can help to add hydration and seal in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth, especially in the colder months when moisture loss is inevitable. Besides the obvious, a face mask can also help with the following during winters:

• To soothe, dry & chapped skin. If your skin is feeling dry and chapped due to the cold weather, a face mask can help soothe and calm the irritation. Look for masks that contain ingredients like aloe vera, honey or shea butter, which are known for their hydrating properties.

• To help with skin conditions. Some people may have skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis that flare up in the winters due to the dry air. A face mask can alleviate symptoms by providing additional hydration and nourishment to the skin.

Look for one that is formulated for your skin type, and use it once or twice a week for best results. Charcoal Sheet Mask from Bombay Shaving Company has a three-way approach towards your skin. It detoxes your skin, restores it and ultimately rejuvenates, with the help of additional ingredients besides activated charcoal (detoxes), like coffee extracts (reduces acne and breakouts) and Korean Ginseng extracts (brings new life to your skin with its anti-ageing properties).

8. Don't forget your lips. 

The skin on your lips is thin and sensitive, making it prone to drying out during winters. Use a lip balm or chapstick that contains sunscreen to keep your lips hydrated and protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, avoid licking your lips, as saliva can further dry out your lips and make them more prone to cracking. Gentle exfoliation with a light lip scrub or toothpaste can help you remove dead skin cells from your lips, but make sure you don’t hurt your skin and always follow this with a good lip balm. 

9. Pay attention to your diet. 

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can have a big impact on the health and appearance of your skin. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fatty acids in your diet to nourish your skin from the inside out. Take a print out of the following list and put it up on your refrigerator for daily reference and course correction:

☐ Drink plenty of water. At least 8 glasses every day.

☐ East plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals

☐ Get enough protein with sources like lean meat, beans and nuts 

☐ Limit the intake of sugar and fatty foods that can acne and skin inflammation

☐ Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like flaxseeds & walnuts 

☐ Consider taking Vitamin E and Zinc supplements after a discussion with your general physician

10. Get Enough Sleep.

Proper sleep is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. It helps repair and regenerate skin cells, reduces stress and inflammation, and helps improve blood circulation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to give your skin the rest it needs.

IN SHORT...

By following these skincare tips, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long. Don't let the cold weather get you down – take care of your skin and it will take care of you!