Cold Comfort

The cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin as tight pores, chapped lips, and dry hair become only some of the issues you face. But did you know that skincare becomes more important in winter than in summer?

Dr Vijayalakshmi Goodapati, founder of Mirrors Salons & Academy in Hyderabad, believes wearing sunglasses and sunscreen and drinking more water becomes imperative. This is because even though we cannot feel the Sun’s harsh rays, the star is actually the closest to the Earth in winter, which makes the rays sharper.

In addition, since we tend to drink less water (as we sweat less), water actually evaporates faster and easier off the surface of our bodies in the colder months.  This makes staying hydrated more crucial.

Dehydrate and exfoliate

Besides drinking less water, people tend to urinate more in winter, which dehydrates the skin even more. “The pores remain closed and do not release toxins, which usually come out when we sweat in summer. Therefore, drinking more water and exfoliation become necessary to prevent skin from feeling tight and dry,” Dr Goodapati explained.

For exfoliation, using a scrub is your best bet. You can opt for a salt scrub, which tends to be slightly abrasive, to smoothen rough and dry areas of your body such as the elbows and feet. Most coarse salt scrubs tend to be therapeutic as they use sea salts, which are natural purifiers and help removes toxins that block the pores of the skin. They help skin breathe easier while promoting better blood circulation and skin texture.

Sugar scrubs, on the other hand, are usually gentler and are great for the face and body. They suit all skin types — dry, oily or combination. But both kinds of scrubs, though great, are abrasive and they are not meant for daily use. Also, it is a must to moisturise well right after their use to replenish the skin’s moisture.

Tip: Exfoliate once a month if you have an active lifestyle and every 15 days if you have a sedentary life.

Face and lips

Oils and butters are great for winter and to help delay the ageing process and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While almond, avocado, and coconut oil are very nourishing for the hair and face, cocoa and shea butter are great for the body.

“The oils and butters have very good antioxidant properties and are especially suited for dry skin, which tends to get wrinkles and fine lines more easily. Oily skin generally doesn’t need too much moisturising but a gentle one may be used in winter if needed.

“But the most important thing for the face is cleansing and moisturising, especially before going to bed. Even if you have to do it at 2am, you must do it,” added Dr Goodapati.

In terms of lips, surprisingly, lipsticks can work as a better moisturiser than lip balms. “Lipsticks have better protective properties and a thick layer of lipstick can protect lips brilliantly against chapping during winter. Even more than a lip balm,” she explained.

Also, don’t forget the sunscreen, advised Dr Goodapati, “indoors or outdoors”.

Yes, you read it right. Slapping on sun protection even while you are indoors is also important, as the lights inside your house or office can emit UV rays, causing ageing of the skin.

“It’s best to remove and reapply on the skin every four hours,” she added.

Tip: Use water-based moisturisers for oily skin and oil-based moisturiser for dry skin for the face. If your skin still feels dry, then you can look for nourishing butters, which you can lather on generously without the fear of clogged pores.

Hands, feet and eyes

The limbs are most exposed to the cold  and tend to become dry, develop cuticles and brittle nails. Every night, apply a full-body lotion and a separate hands and feet cream.

Wear shades to protect your eyes from UV rays. “It is more important than in summer to avoid fine lines and dark circles,” said Dr Goodapati .

Tip: “Avoid cuticles and nail breakage by applying nail polish. It protects nails beautifully in winter,” she added.

Haircare

There is no natural oil secretion on our scalps in winter as the pores shrink and tighten. Thus, it is important to moisturise our roots with warm oil in gentle clockwise and anticlockwise movements.

Oils may have great antioxidant properties but since they tend to absorb environmental pollutants, it is best not to step out after a relaxing head massage. You should leave the oil overnight, before stepping out with your shampooed and nourished tresses the next day.

Tip: Avoid washing hair every day in winter as it saps the scalp of natural moisture. Use a mild shampoo two or three times a week to purify the scalp and a hydrating conditioner to keep hair protected from pollutants. To protect hair from extreme weather, wear a cotton scarf.

Truth about organic

In recent times, one buzzword that has stood out among beauty products, is ‘clean’. Of late, skincare and haircare brands have flooded the market with products that are ‘paraben-free’, ‘sulphate-free’, ‘organic’ and ‘vegan’.

According to Dr Goodapati, they may be more about hype than substance. “Just as natural foods do not last beyond a few days, the products would perish without preservatives. Therefore, despite tall claims, no product can be 100 per cent organic,” she said.

She concluded, “No product is pure, there will be preservatives, but something is better than nothing. And because it is confusing to tell which product is genuine, always trust well-established brands.”