Take care of your skin this (and every) winter
A time for snuggles and hot soup, winter is also a season and a time you must show your skin some exceptional TLC. Here are a few quick pointers to consider:
Layer up! Layering as a concept is great not just for clothing, but also skincare. You want the nutrients and moisture to reach all levels of your skin – that’s the secret to achieving a soft winter glow. You’re not just focused on the cover but also layers within. Which is why serums (especially those that are densely packed with actives/ nutrients & can penetrate deeper into the skin because they tend to have smaller molecules) become important – before you apply a nourishing moisturizer.
Whatever is hurt, must be healed – Wind-whipped skin, excessive exposure to indoor heating, cracked or chapped lips – these damages must be addressed. Look to strengthen and nourish the deeper tissue layers. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, copper peptides, squalene, ingredients rich in fatty acids – these can all play a role in strengthening and repairing skin.
Hydrate…richly – A light lotion after your shower or shave might prove to be inadequate against winter’s wrath and the season calls for “upping” your game on moisture. Consider richer, nutrient-dense creams instead - to help protect the skin’s barrier. And you might want to carry a travel size jar in your pocket so you can replenish / dab a bit as required so the overall impact is that cushion-y, supple look.
Make changes, but there’s no need for a complete re-do – While winter might require you to refine your regimen, it isn’t necessary that you change everything. “Listen” to what might be missing, and at the same time, pay particular heed to what the skin might be reacting to.
Be kind - Skin can be more sensitive than usual in the winter so be gentle. Avoid excessive exfoliation (and remember to replenish right after), always pat your face dry versus scrubbing vigorously, and get rid of anything that has artificial fragrances (a tip not just for the winter, but all year round!). Don’t forget to care for your lips (since the area around our lips is especially fragile and susceptible to lip-lines), neck, hands and feet – these areas need extra nourishment too.
There’s more to winter skincare than the products you slather on - Spend a few moments massaging the products into your skin and get the blood flowing. Always do this using soft, firm upward strokes of your palms, or else metal applicators can help enhance the absorption of the products. If you’ve got indoor heating on, use humidifiers to prevent excessive dryness. And while that glass of vino or scotch might be especially tempting to stay warm, do not dip your consumption of the humble yet mighty drink - H2O.
As seen in The Times Of India digital