For many, winter is synonymous with flaking skin, ashiness, tautness and dry skin. White lines that map your legs, peeling lips that render your lip balm useless, brittle hair and those ashy hands and feet are a common tale during this time of the year. These ‘conditions’ may have one too embarrassed to reveal any part of their body that is affectedÔÇömaking them uncomfortable. Neglecting your skin’s cry for moisture and proper care can cause it to crack (common to us as magotsane) and break, causing red patches and even wounds. Here are few things to try to help soothe your skin to alleviate it of winter’s harshness.
Moisturise: During winter, our skin is stripped off its natural moisture easily. According to natural news, finding an ointment that is oil-based, rather than water-based is the trick. The oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. When choosing a moisturiser, it is best to opt for natural organic skincare products or nourish skin with pure oils, such as almond, avocado, coconut or jojoba oil. You can also look for a class of substances that attract moisture to your skin, such as glycerine. Also, avoid harsh soaps.
Avoid superhot showers or baths: “Hot water removes the skin’s natural oils more quickly than warm or cold water. This is why showers should be limited to five minutes, using warm water rather than hot. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry that it has become itchy. After washing, moisturising the skin immediately with oil helps trap water in the skin,” said Dr Lopez on an Everyday Health article.
Apply thick ointment to lips: In an article by allure, locking in moisture frequently is a way that keeps your lips plump and free of cracks. The corners of the mouth crack when saliva gets trapped there and lips peel mostly due to the chilly winds. Natural oil based lip balms work better than any other in winter.
Hydration: Don’t wait for hot temperatures to tell you to drink water regularly. Keep the hydration consistent to avoid your skin drying up. Things that dehydrate easily such as alcohol and caffeine should be limited and soups and teas should be encouraged as they keep you both warm as well as hydrated.
Supplements: You can supplement your diet with food rich in omega-3s and vitamin D to help retain hydration in cells. Sometimes, dry skin is a symptom that one is lacking a certain vitamin or mineral. One study by the Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center found a link between low vitamin D levels and drier skin. Individuals with lower levels of vitamin D had lower average skin moisture.
With these in practice, your skin will not lose its summer glow and richness and dry pale skin will be a thing of the past. Keeping your skin healthy should be a daily ritual throughout the year.
