|
|
|
Here comes the winter...
With the beginning of winter, the demands of our body change. We need to take special care whether it is our hands, lips, hair, eyes or our feet. It is not that the technique of body care in winter is different than that of summer, it is just that our body requires some extra special care during the cold weather. Let’s read on to find out how can we look unaffected from the ravages of the season.
For dry wintry lips
Lips tend to dry out the fastest at this time of the year. Be sure to keep them covered with a good lip balm applied several times during the day. Warm sesame oil will also soothe your lips. Avoid licking your lips and don't bite the skin on the surface of your lips. The skin will never have a chance to heal if you chew on it. This is a hard habit to break but well worth the effort.
Lip balms are now commonly available with an SPF factor as well to protect them from the harmful sun rays. You can also get rid of those dry patches by rubbing the lips with an anti-wrinkle cream. If you are in a habit of licking your lips, this will break the habit as the cream won't taste like a flavoured lip balm.
For a smooth skin
If you are hoping to keep your skin satiny smooth this winter, here is a recipe that should help. All it involves is mixing equal parts of olive oil, mustard oil and sesame oil and then massage it all over the body. Take an hour or so for yourself. This oil is very good for the skin and leaves it smooth and free from blemishes.
Eye care
Use a good day and night eye cream to protect the delicate eye area especially during the winter months. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy to protect the eyes from wind and glare from the sun which will quickly contribute to tiny wrinkles.
Hair washing
Do not shampoo your hair too often: One of the most common mistakes people make is shampooing their hair too often. In cold weather, both the hair and scalp dry out more easily. Try not to shampoo your hair more than once a day. If need be, use a dry shampoo to give you hair a break. Deep condition your hair once a week during winter. For oily hair and scalp, deep condition the ends only. Winter can also dry out your scalp, which can cause hair to break. A scalp treatment once a week or bi-weekly for oilier hair using one teaspoon of warm Jojoba oil may bring some relief.
Dealing with static: An easy way to combat static is to spray a small amount of hair spray on your hairbrush when you are done styling and brush it through from top to bottom.
Do not overuse your hairdryer: Overusing your hairdryer will contribute to dry damaged hair. Try to blow dry your hair as little as possible. Drying your hair with cool air may take a little longer but it will do less damage to your hair.
Treating dry and brittle hair: A leave-on conditioner will work wonders for dry and brittle hair.
Chapped hands
One of the most obvious reasons for chapped hands is over exposure to cold weather. Get yourself a few pairs of gloves and stick them in every winter jacket that you own. The next step is to apply moisturiser and lots of it to those reddened hands. A point to be noted is that it is not a good idea to go outside during the winter with damp hands. Be sure to dry them thoroughly even before putting on gloves.
Foot care
The colder months also leave people more vulnerable to dry and even cracking feet. The lack of moisture in the air can dry out the feet, and heavy socks and shoes may prohibit dead skin from shedding, leading to flaky feet.
To keep your feet from drying out, podiatrists advise moisturising the feet once or twice a day, especially around the heels and sides of the foot. Bathe or shower in warm water, then pat your feet dry and apply moisturiser. Don't moisturise the nails or the area between the toes too heavily, as that may create an inviting environment for fungus.
To make sure that dead skin is removed from the foot, you may also want to pumice your feet weekly. A good way to do this is to add some baby oil or moisturising lotion to warm water, and soaking the feet in it. After patting the feet dry, pumice gently and then moisturise afterwards.
This routine may be particularly helpful for people who develop cracks, or fissures in their heels, which is a part of the foot that takes a lot of stress during walking. If the foot does start to crack, apply a heavy lotion such as Vaseline or cocoa butter.
Follow these important tips to prevent winter fungal infections
Wear cotton socks
Change socks daily
Keep feet clean and dry
Use foot powder in socks and shoes
Caring for feet exposed to cold
Soak feet in tepid, not hot, water.
Do not warm feet near a heat source such as an open flame or use a heating pad.
And now exclusively for our female YW readers
Make-up may also need a change during this time. Choose make-up bases that are irritant-free, fragrance-free, and that are not greasy. Look for foundations which are hydrating and that have more of an emollient consistency — not a greasy formulation, just one that feels creamier. These can also be found in the oil-free variety. If using a water-based moisturiser, opt for a moisturising foundation and just set it with a light dusting of loose powder.
Keep eyelashes protected by using clear gel based mascara. Opt for lipsticks that have a creamy formulation. Matte lipsticks can be most drying and cause lips to get more chapped during this time of the year. If you absolutely love the look of matte lipsticks, consider applying a lip balm underneath one. Your matte lipstick may not last as long with balm, however your lips will thank you for it in the long run.
I hope that the above winter-care tips will help your body fight through the season, unharmed and unaffected and give a new fresh and healthier look to it.
|
|
|
|
