Do you have sensitive skin?
I do! The low humidity levels and the cold weather creates very dry air, this strips moisture from your skin.
However, this can be controlled and dealt with if addressed promptly and w/ the proper care. Sometimes, the skin can become so dry that it starts to crack and bleed, the same way lips and feet bleed during winters (ouch!). Winter winds come to make it worse, wind-burn! Hence, taking care of your sensitive skin the right way and at the right time is highly important.
Below are some easy and effective tips that will help you beat dryness and skin damage this winter!
1. Lukewarm Water Instead of Hot Showers
During winters, hot showers and baths are heavenly. However, the after effects can be really bad for your skin. So, while washing your face and hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid losing natural oils from the skin.
2. Moisturizing Is the Key
Make the most of your moisturizers during winters, as they can be your salvation. Your skin needs moisture right after you wash it. Applying moisturizer on damp skin helps in sealing the dampness into the skin. Opt for an oil-based moisturizer instead of a water-based one, as it will help in retaining the moisture of your skin. Make sure you apply an emollient-rich moisturizer which is specially designed for people with sensitive skin. I use Cetaphil!
3. Say No to Cleansers With Salicylic Acid
If you have an acne-prone, sensitive skin, using cleansers and creams containing salicylic acid make the problem even worse. They will aggravate dryness and in turn lead to inflammation. It is safer to stick to milder cleansers in order to keep your pores clean and your skin healthy over the winter.
4. Stay Hydrated
What you eat and drink will show off on the outside, and skin plays a great role in this. Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, be it summers or winters. Drinking adequate water during winters will keep your skin moisturized and in turn will give you a healthier appearance. Water water water!
Water helps in flushing out toxins from the body— while keeping it healthy from inside and glowing from the outside. Hence, carrying a water bottle anywhere you go during the winters is highly recommended.
5. Wear Sunscreen (even in your foundation)
Even though it is cloudy outside, the UV rays present in the atmosphere can cause pigmentation and damage your skin. In this case, a good sunscreen with SPF content of 15 and above comes to the rescue. Wear it at least 30 minutes before stepping out of the house. The sunscreen will not only provide protection against the harmful UV rays, but will also keep your skin moisturized.
6. Avoid Too Much Exfoliation
During winters, exfoliation can be bad for your sensitive skin. Be it in the form of a scrub or a mask, exfoliation can make you skin lose its natural protective barrier. Instead, use a mild scrub specifically formulated for sensitive skin, if at all you need to exfoliate. You can also opt for homemade exfoliation masks made from natural ingredients.
7. Use Hydrating Masks
Hydrating masks are a go-to option during winters. Your sensitive skin will start to get dry and cause discomfort, in such cases opt for a hydration mask. It will gently rehydrate and nourish your skin, thus giving it a healthy glow and reducing the risk of inflammation. You can even make your own hydration mask using ingredients from your kitchen.
Go ahead and start using these tips in your daily skin care routine, because winter is coming!— (any GOT fans out there?)