In winter, low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer, which keeps the skin from drying out. The dry air from furnaces and other heating sources also suck the moisture out of skin. To keep skin soft and supple, your goal is not to add moisture to skin, but to keep moisture in. So here we are going to give you few tips.
- Increase your water level. Drink up and make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day to keep your skin and body properly hydrated. Drink more if you are super active.
- Add oil to your bath and add a tablespoon or so of almond, jojoba, olive or hazelnut oil to your bath water after you’ve soaked for about 5 minutes. By soaking first, your skin gets plumped up by the water, then by adding the oil, it will seal in the absorbed moisture.
- Protect your skin from the elements. Wind, sun, heat, cold and dry office and airplane air can quickly cause or exacerbate the condition of dry skin. Apply a moisturizer before exposing your skin to these moisture-sapping conditions. A lavender, rose or German chamomile aromatic hydrosol sprayed onto your face, neck, chest and hands helps to keep your skin wonderfully refreshed and hydrated.
- Limit hot water contact. Avoid long, hot showers and baths, especially during cold weather, as they dehydrate the skin. Warm showers and baths for a short duration, though are beneficial to dry skin. Also, limit bathing or washing you face to once a day, usually right before you retire. When you arise, apply a bit of herbal facial splash or toner or spritz your face and body, if it needs treatment as well with an aromatic hydrosol.
- Use only gentle cleansers. Avoid cleansers such as deodorant soaps and harsh abrasives. These can cause your skin to feel like a dried out Thanksgiving turkey. Use a moisturizing soap, soap-free product or a gentle, grain-based cleanser.
- Preventing further drying of skin as it does not contain much moisture. Avoid stale, over fried and dry food. Always consume fresh warm food with little fat like ghee or olive oil.
