Essential tips for healthy skin this winter

Winter is the time when your skin needs extra attention to avoid a pesky dry look. There are plenty of things you can do to ward off flaking skin this winter



For many people, the cold days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the face, hands and feet. The problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling for others. They get skin so dry it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema. Here are some comforting skin care tips to apply through the winter season.Hot waterWith the weather so cold outside, a long and hot bath may call you. However, 15 minutes later, the hot water temperature starts seizing the lipid layer of your skin (the complex of fatty acid where moisture is captured). This leads to the removal of natural fats in your skin. You should either lessen the water temperature or cut shorter the duration of your bath. Make sure your skin is well-dried off after a bath as wet skin may also cause dryness. If the duration of your bath is 5-to-10 minutes, skin moisture will increase, however, longer bath times lead to the decrease in the water rate in skin cells and cause dry skin. A warm bath is strongly suggested for optimum results.Dry skinAs soon as winter starts, you should quit using corrosive cleaning products and start using more sensitive cleaning product and a thicker moisturizer. During this period, products including lactic acid can be a good choice since they decontaminate the surface without irritating the skin. In order to moisturize the skin intensely, using products that are rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and glycerol will help in achieving soft skin.Use of moisturizerApplying moisturizer after taking a bath multiplies the cream's effect. Applying proper moisturizer within the first three minutes after washing and drying hands or feet, also increases the cream's effect. Moisturizers with ureal or lactic acid will be much more effective on excessively dry skin. The only drawback is that moisturizers sometimes may corrode the skin if the person has dermatitis. It is suggested to consult a dermatologist if the skin is still dry although you use moisturizer.Please keep in mind that it is better to use shower cream or oil instead of shower gel, because moisturizers and oils lead to less loss of moisture and soften your skin. It also lowers exfoliation.PeelingSummer may not be the perfect time for peeling due to the increasing effect of the sun. However, the fall and winter months are suitable for skin peeling using products containing glycolic acids for acne scars and tiny wrinkles. If you have dry skin, you should not use tonics containing alcohol. You can start applying dermo cosmetic products like special serum ampules to the eye contour starting in your 20s. You should apply peeling once or twice a week at most, otherwise you can weaken the skin's self-protection mechanism. This is crucial especially for dry skin.HairYou may require suitable care for your hair in the winter months as the effects of the summer sun may have caused damage to your hair. Using shampoo with moisturizer and hair care creams are suggested. During the winter months, it is ideal to wash hair two or three times a week and the time you spend in the bath should not exceed 15 minutes. You should avoid having a bath with excessively hot water. It may be beneficial to prefer shampoos containing zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. Applying hair care oils containing vitamin E, olive oil or argan oil and waiting for the skin to absorb it for 1-2one-to-two hours will helpful achieve soft and shiny hair.Antioxidant CuresIt is recommended to use products such as a cream or other products that are taken orally containing zinc and Vitamin A, E, C as well as other that have antioxidant effect in terms of hair and nail care in order to prevent skin aging. You should consult your physician before using them.Perfume useSome dermatologists recommend to avoid using perfume in winter to avoid dry skin because of the alcohol content in perfumes. However, you can prevent dry skin with a very simple formula: Apply perfume only on your clothes.NutritionVitamin C contributes to skin rejuvenation and moisturizes the skin by fighting free radicals. It also increases collagen synthesis. Hence, in addition to kiwi, you can consume ailments such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, broccoli, parsley and rosehip.Salmon contains astaxanthin, which is a type of carotenoid that has the ability to increase skin elasticity. This helps prevent deep wrinkles from forming on the face. Eating grilled salmon twice a week is great for the skin.For BabiesSince baby skin is much more sensitive, it is much more important for them to protect them from the cold and use moisturizers on them during winter. Soft and non-allergic products suitable for their skin type should be preferred.