While the snow and Christmas decorations and hot chocolate make winter a beautiful time, it is the dry skin that is the bane of our existence. Isn’t it? The dull and pale complexion, flaky texture, stretchy feeling and sometimes painful redness. If you are one of those, who suffer very dry skin in this season then here are some simple and effective remedies for winter-dry skin. Take note and follow diligently for the best results.

1. Showering Tricks

Hot showers are heavenly in winter. They feel like a magical cloak on your cold skin. You may look forward to your daily hot showers or even very hot baths but beware. The hot water may strip your skin of moisture and oils, especially if you are exposed to it for a long duration. This may worsen your dry skin symptoms later. Here are a few tricks to follow while showering in winter:

• Ditch hot water for warm or lukewarm water.
• Close your shower stall to trap all steam.
• Keep your shower time short (10 minutes max).
• Wash your face with a mild, hydrating cleanser instead of a face wash.
• Try not to make a thick lather on your skin.
• Don’t rub your skin dry, instead blot it with a soft towel.
• Apply a dollop of moisturiser right after showering. 

2. Moisturising Routine

Almost all blogs on winter skin out there will tell you to apply your moisturizer every night in this season. But few will tell you this:

• Apply your moisturiser every time you wash your face (with water or cleanser).
• If your skin is the dry type, then re-apply your moisturise every few hours or as and when you feel it dry. 
• Rub a hydrating lotion into your hands, knees, elbows and any dry areas, especially after your shower. 
• Keep a hand lotion on your sink and apply it whenever you wash your hands. 
• If you want something better than a lotion then choose creams, ointments or oils. 
• Some great moisturising products are — coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, glycerin, and petroleum jelly.
• Hunt for a face moisturiser with intensely hydrating ingredients like seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid, glycerin etc. 

3. Keep Your Lips Hydrated

By hydrated we don’t mean keep them wet. Hydration on your lips is supplied by a good lip balm. Not those colorful varieties that are more gloss and less moisturiser. A thick balm or chapstick works wonders to keep your lips smooth, soft, and moist. Dry lips are the first to crack, flake and even bleed. It is mighty painful during this cold season. So make sure to address this remedy for winter-dry lips. You can wear your lipstick over your lip balm, just let the balm settle in for a few minutes before applying anything else. 

4. Keep Your Winter Wear

Many people forego gloves and mufflers in the cold outside. You may not feel too cold by nature, but if there is snow, hail or even cold winds picking up outside then for the love of your skin — keep your winter wear. The more your cover, the more your skin will remain safe. It is hence best to keep your hands wrapped in gloves, your lower face hidden behind a high muffler and your forehead covered by a beanie or winter hat. You will notice your skin doesn’t dry as much and the redness doesn’t plague you when you get home.

5. Choose Fragrance-Free Products

Skincare products come in all forms, and most of us enjoy a good fragrance when we uncap the bottle. But for winter, go for those bland ones that smell like nothing, or even like the ingredients inside. Because artificial fragrances are chemicals that may irritate and dry your skin even more.

6. Use Humidifiers & Stay Away from Bonfires

Equip your home with a humidifier in winter. It will treat the air with some much-needed humidity, that will keep your skin from drying. Also, sitting directly in front of a heating source like an open fire may dry your skin. That is why it is best to put on central heating, which will be relatively neutral.

7. Keep Getting Hydrating Facials Monthly

To keep your face from suffering symptoms of winter dryness, keep going back to your esthetician every month for a facial. The thing is, prolonged dry skin without effective remedies can speed up skin aging. You may start seeing the stretchy, leathery texture with fine lines and wrinkles sooner than you are meant to. Dry skin also causes your face to look dull and pale, a nightmare during the holiday months especially. 

So book your standing monthly facial appointment at Savarnas Beauty Spa this winter, and throw caution to the winds. Literally. If you take care of these few remedies and listen to what your skin is telling you, then this season will be good to your skin too!