Tips and home remedy ideas provided by Geisinger Health System:
- As is always the case, you have to pay attention to what your skin is telling you, no matter what time of year it is. If going from summer to fall and then winter changes your skin, then you do need to tweak your skin-care routine; if it doesn't change your skin, then there is absolutely no reason to do anything different.
- Ultimately, you should always protect your skin and supply it with beneficial ingredients to keep it healthy year-round. However, it's also imperative to assess your skin on a regular basis to determine what effect (if any) the change of weather brings, and then adapt your skin-care routine as needed.
- If your skin starts feeling drier, flaky, or itchy during the cold months, or if you find yourself in an arid environment, such as traveling from Seattle to Phoenix (which can definitely be climate change for your skin), the dry air, both inside and out, are probably to blame. Here's what you can do to make your skin feel smooth and comfortable again:
- Depending on how dry your skin becomes, you may need a more emollient moisturizer. Any moisturizer should be loaded with ingredients that help keep moisture in your skin:
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
- fatty acids
- hyaluronic acid
- Your moisturizer also should contain:
- anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce irritation
- cell-communicating ingredients to help skin produce normal skin cells
- and antioxidants to fight off free-radical damage.
- Flaky, chapped lips are more common at this time of year and may require some extra TLC. Remove dry, dead skin cells with a gentle lip exfoliant and follow up with a rich, emollient lip balm for super smooth lips.
- Don't forget sunscreen! Even if you don't see much sun where you live, and even when the hours of daylight are reduced, sun protection is essential—year-round! Your skin can withstand any climate change better when it isn't being damaged day in and day out by the sun.
- Stay active -- it benefits your mind, body and Hit the gym, work out at home, or bundle up and go for a long walk outside. When the weather turns cold, it may be tempting to just curl up with a good book, but maintaining an active lifestyle will keep you healthy from the inside out.
- When going outside, protect your skin from the elements by wearing a hat, scarf, earmuffs and gloves. The cold, dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin, but proper attire is an easy way to prevent exposure.
- Introduce more nourishing daily skin care products for the face and body.
- To start the fall/winter season with refreshed skin, slough off the summer residue to start with refreshed skin that may be dry from too much summer fun in the sun. This is good practice for any seasonal change. Do a gentle exfoliation on a weekly basis.
- In addition to changing your daily skin care, try a weekly hydration treatment to keep your skin dewy and glowing. Apply a generous layer to clean skin before bed. Allow to absorb while you get your beauty rest and awake to glowing, radiant skin.
- Hydrotherapy is great for any season, but especially for the fall and winter when cold temperatures and wind tend to leave skin dry. Soak in a tub of warm water and skin-nourishing bath crystals. Such a simple, relaxing treatment that yields remarkable long-lasting results.
- As the cool weather rolls in, so does the excitement of the approaching holidays. It's easy to forget the importance of the most basic skin care step: cleansing. Use a pH-balanced gentle cleanser that maintains the skin's delicate protective barrier.
- In addition to modifying your skin care rituals, it is crucial to take care of yourself from within. Always drink plenty of water and eat a wholesome balanced diet. In the fall and winter, the air can suck moisture right from the skin; staying hydrated will help keep skin beautiful. Also, enjoy foods rich in healthy unsaturated fats, such as wild-caught salmon and olive oil. In moderation, these foods help keep the skin looking its best.
Natural Home remedies:
Exfoliate your skin with honey and sugar scrub:
- Honey is a key ingredient used for restoring the skin’s moisture and leaving the skin with a healthy glow. Honey and sugar work well to exfoliate the skin naturally with its properties and are not too harsh on the skin either. Blend some honey and brown sugar into a paste to use as a scrub. It exfoliates and moisturizes the skin well.
Moisturize with yogurt, honey facial mask:
- Yogurt is a key, natural ingredient to help provide a refreshed looking skin. Yogurt is often used for skin brightening as it can restore the lost glow from a dull-looking skin. It hydrates the skin and relieves it from the dead skin cells. Additionally, honey acts as a skin protector against harmful UV rays and keeps skin aging at bay. It is packed with natural antioxidants and keeps a control on the moisture absorption and works on retaining it well enough for the skin. Hence, yoghurt and honey face pack could be your ‘go-to solution’ for skin moisturizing.
- Steps: Put in 1/4 cup of yoghurt with 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon of milk powder along with 2 yeast tablets in powdered form and mix well. Leave this mixture on for 10 minutes and wash well with cold water. Apply this face pack at least once a week to see the difference.
Cleanse with lemon or tamarind:
- Tamarind juice contains vitamin B, C, fibre, enzymes and alpha hydroxyl all of these reduce acne and its scars and ensure glowing skin. The nutrients present relieve the skin of dead skin cells. Lemon is also commonly used for its skincare benefits. It is a natural astringent and antiseptic solution for skin breakouts and acne as it eliminates the excess oil from the skin. A few drops of lemon can lighten acne scars and pimple marks.
- Steps: Apply some lemon juice and keep it on for five minutes before washing off. When using tamarind, rub its pulp for a couple of minutes on your face and the dead cells will easily clear off. Leave a gap of at least half an hour before you decide to step out in the cold.
Some of the popular cost-effective home care methods for a dry face are as follows:
- Banana/Papaya/Avocado Paste: Dry skin can be treated by applying thick paste of one ripe banana, half a papaya, and one avocado. Apply this paste on the face, neck and other dry areas and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. This is an effective home remedy for dry skin as it not only nourishes the skin but also lightens scars.
- Honey: One of the most effective home remedies for dry skin in winter is honey. It has soothing and moisturizing properties, and it can be used with various other ingredients to tone and hydrate the skin. Mix one tsp of honey with two tsps of milk powder and one tsp egg yolk. A honey and rose water mixture makes for an effective moisturizer.
- Almond oil: Almond oil is a natural home remedy that keeps the skin smooth and moisturized. Massage almond oil over the dry area.
- Lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C. Applying a lemon and avocado mixture on dry skin not only reduces dryness but also cleanses the skin, giving it a natural glow.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera provides all the essential nutrients to the skin and makes it smooth and glowing.
- Homemade Mask: Mix two tsp of gram flour, two tsp of milk, and a pinch of turmeric, and apply all over the face and neck. Wash it off when it dries.
Winter Skin Care Diet
Apart from taking adequate care of your skin during winter using home remedies, it is also necessary to focus on what you eat. Here are some helpful tips:
- Keep the body well hydrated and drink plenty water and liquids
- Make sure to include milk, ghee, honey, and cane juice in the diet
- Keep away from junk foods
- Cold foods such as ice creams and milkshakes should be avoided during winter months
- Sweet, salty and citrus fruits can strengthen the body and keep the skin healthy
Winter Tips
- In order to avoid the flaky skin during winter, wear warm clothes made of silk, wool, etc.
- Keep baths short and avoid very hot showers.
- Use an indoor humidifier to get moisture in the air.
- Use less soap and do not rub your skin.
- Do not wash your face frequently.
- Perform 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise thrice a week.
For more tips for healthy winter skincare from Geisinger Health Systems, click here.
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