The harsh weather and dry air draws out the precious moisture away from your skin. And if it’s not treated immediately, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding, and the cold winds only make the matters worse. And the hair, it gets dry and static, leaving you looking totally unprepared for that important board meeting. Don’t worry, the problems might seem endless, but the solutions are simple. Dermatologist Dr Jalpa, of Kaya Skin Clinic, gives us some handy tips to avoid skin and hair problems this season.
Hydrate
Drinking enough water is the best way to keep yourself and your skin hydrated in this dry weather. As we tend to pick up hot drinks like cocoa, tea or coffee, our attention to the cool and refreshing water is lowered during winters. Don’t let that happen, instead of going for a second cup of morning joe, why not pick up a glass of warm water with a dash of lemon. It’ll hydrate you and help you stay away from dehydrating drinks.
Shampoo-Conditioner-Serum
Incorporate a hair care routine with the right shampoo-conditioner-serum combo for your hair type. If you hair tends to dry out due to the weather, do not wash your hair often. When washing your hair use luke warm water for washing your hair.
Go soap-free
SLS and SLES in foaming face washes leave your skin feeling rough and dry. When washing your face, opt for a soap-free mild face wash, or a medicated one to keep your skin from drying out. When washing your hair, use a mild shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo in case you have a hair concern, and use a conditioner twice/thrice a week, to avoid drying out your hair and scalp.
Moisturise
It’s important to moisturise your skin – face as well as your body, during winter. The cold wind dries out your skin often, so moisturise as soon as you have stepped out of your bath and towel dried your skin. For those who have oily skin or combination skin, use an oil-free moisturiser for a less dewy look.
Protect
Remember we live in a tropical country and therefore, we are still exposed to harmful UV rays during winter too. Do not forget to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you step out. Use a sunscreen along with your moisturiser. If you are going to be in office all day, a sunscreen with SPF 15 is enough, if you are going to be stepping out, use a sunscreen of higher SPF value.
Air dry your hair
Do not use hair driers and straightening or curling irons on your hair, immediately after washing it. Let your hair air dry until they are 60-70 per cent dry, then use a heat-protecting serum before use your drier or iron. Also, remember not to brush your hair once you wash it as that is when your hair is most vulnerable, a wide toothed comb works best on wet hair.
Watch for breakouts
If your skin tends to breakout easily, especially because you have oily skin, get it treated with medications and use a medicated face wash prescribed by your dermatologist. Do not poke your skin as it will lead to more acne.
No stress
Eat good, healthy home-made food and enjoy the company of your family and friends. Keep stress at bay because that tends to add to those fine lines and make you look older. Start using a good anti-ageing serum or cream recommended by your dermatologist, once you hit your 30s. A good healthy skin needs a lot of effort on your part.
Deep conditioning
Deep condition your hair weekly to make your hair soft and healthy. It will also make them manageable without the added static or frizz. Use a good deep-conditioning hair mask and relax. It will do its work.
