Winter skin care

Winter months are hard for the skin. Temperature will not be the same outside and inside and the continual running of household heaters act as drying agents for the skin. To counter act the drying effect by heating place a bowl of water next to the radiator. You can even have indoor house plants to add humidity to the atmosphere. This will enhance the circulation of moist heat, which is more comfortable for your skin, than dry heat.

If you have oily skin, you should avoid harsh astringents and hot water, which may stimulate the sebaceous glands. Water based moisturisers should be applied only when needed.

Dry skin on the other hand, needs constant moisturising especially in cold weather.

As a general rule, the drier the atmosphere, the greasier the moisturiser should be.

Ordinary soap may further dry and irritate your skin in winter therefore, use a soap free washing cream or gel instead.

To prevent flakiness, use a soap free cleanser. For those with sensitive skin, it is better to use fewer products.

Be careful in choosing cosmetics for your make-up in winter. Use a skin freshener rather than an astringent, which can dry your skin.

Lips are adversely affected in the winter, lips chapping can be prevented by using a lip balm that contains white petroleum jelly, the petroleum jelly form a layer on the lips that prevent your lips from getting dry.

Use a hand cream to protect your hands from chapping.

Don't pay attention only to those parts of our body that are exposed, never do this mistake again, you must concentrate on protecting your entire body whether exposed or covered. Body skin become dry too, so use bath oil. While in bath smooth skin with a body scrub gently, paying special attention to the knees and elbows. After bathing or showering, moisturise skin with a rich body lotion.