Just because hot and sweaty summers are behind us doesn’t mean skincare should take a back seat.
Shilpa Shah shares easy-breezy tips for healthy and glowing skin through the harsh winter months.
Magical winters may be the perfect time for dream vacations. However, the same cannot be said for your skin. With the drop in mercury, your skin loses moisture and becomes dry, flaky and itchy. The good news is, there are ways to deal with these skin winter woes. So fight back to enjoy winter to the fullest.
Drink and Be Merry
Water is the magical drink that can keep your skin happy. Staying hydrated is important, even while travelling. So carry a flask of water and keep drinking plenty, to flush out harmful toxins. The habit will gradually add a natural glow to your skin. What’s more, it is believed that drinking enough water through the day will even keep that pesky cough and cold at bay even through winters.
Secrets in roots
Ever wondered about the secret to the good health of the mountain people? One of them is our very own spicy, aromatic and knotty ginger. Apart from its culinary use, this spice has proven medicinal properties. High on anti-oxidants, ginger prevents skin-ageing and lends a youthful appearance to your skin. The heat in the spice can also keep you warm and quell headaches and nausea, which are common at high altitudes. So carry a little ginger with you wherever you go and simply nibble on it. However, those with sensitive stomachs should consume it in a diluted form, perhaps with water in herbal or normal tea.
Good Food, Forever
Eating the right foods will go a long way in keeping your skin young and healthy. Include fresh tomatoes, avocados and olives in your diet and watch your skin turn radiant. In fact, vitamin-packed fruits such as orange and Indian gooseberry (amla) help in increasing skin elasticity, making you look younger. Omega-3 enriched nuts such as almonds and walnuts are good for moisturising your skin. So keep munching!
Keeping Fit
Performing warm-up exercises and stretches will keep you warm, flexible and even help in flushing out toxins through sweat, making your skin look fresh and glowing. What’s more, exercises are the safest way to kick off the feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain, lowering your perception of pain and distress. Double up your winter fun by walking a few miles every day even during your travel.
Gentle Exfoliation
The reduction of moisture in the air during winter causes the skin to dry. Hence, it is imperative that you gently exfoliate your body with a mild scrub to get rid of the dead skin. Though there are many ready-made scrubs available in the market, you can even make your own using brown sugar or sea salt mixed in a little honey. Regular but gentle exfoliation will keep your skin free of blemishes and clean up clogged pores. However, never overdo the exfoliation because it may lead to further drying of your skin.
The Moisturise-and-Massage Magic
For soft and supple skin, apply a moisturiser generously, which is specially formulated for winter. Use a moisturiser with a skin-friendly aloe vera lotion or jojoba oil to get delicate facial skin. A fruity lip balm can work wonders to protect your luscious lips from chapping. You may also get oil massages for your body, which apart from improving blood circulation, can relieve you of your aches and pains.
Sunscreen Protection
Yes, you must use a sunscreen even during winters. Exposure to harmful UV radiations increases approximately 4–10 per cent every 1,000 feet above sea level, so there is an increased risk of sun-induced skin damage at higher altitudes.
To protect your delicate skin, liberally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
