From the beginning of winter, you may notice itching on your cheeks and forehead. Don’t panic at this sudden change. Dead skin buildup is a widespread winter problem, but following a few habits can easily keep it under control.
Let’s look at some simple and effective ways to protect your skin from this issue. You just need to give it a little time and care; otherwise, the skin may crack.
- Use lukewarm water every day. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Excess heat strips the skin’s natural oils, increasing dryness and dead skin cells, which can worsen the problem rather than improve it.
- Try using a mild cleanser. Avoid strongly fragranced soaps or alcohol-based face washes. Start with a gentle scrub and then use your cleanser.
- Apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Using a cream within 2–3 minutes after bathing or washing your face helps lock in moisture for a longer time.
- Aloe vera, honey, or oatmeal masks keep the skin calm and soft.
There are many moisturisers available in the market. Creams or lotions containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, or shea butter work very well during winter.
Remember, skincare isn’t just about applying products on the surface. Internal care matters too. Drink enough water and eat foods rich in omega-3 (fish, flaxseed), vitamin E, and vitamin C. Also, avoid over-scrubbing, long hot showers, and heavy alcohol-based or heavily fragranced cosmetics. Don’t run indoor heaters at very high temperatures, as this dries out the air.
Why Do Lips Get Chapped?
According to dermatologists, cold air, low humidity, inadequate water intake, frequent lip licking, unnecessary cosmetics, and vitamin B-complex deficiency cause lips to dry rapidly. During winter, the body’s ability to retain moisture drops, causing the skin to lose its natural hydration is the main reason lips crack.
- Use Lip Balm
Lip balm becomes essential during winter. Choose one made with natural ingredients. It creates a protective barrier and provides deep hydration. Don’t forget to apply lip balm regularlyespecially before going outside protect your lips from cold wind.
- Drink Water Frequently
Thirst decreases during this is a major cause of dry lips. Drinking 6–8 glasses of water daily helps maintain internal and lip hydration. Staying hydrated is crucial. Using a humidifier at home can also help by balancing the dry indoor air caused by heating systems.
- Avoid Biting Or Licking Your Lips.
Many people lick their lips when they feel dry, but this causes moisture to evaporate faster, making dryness worse.
- Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Dry and cracked lips collect dead skin cells, making them look dull and rough. A gentle lip scrub once or twice a week removes dead cells and leaves the lips soft and smooth. You can even make your own using simple ingredients like sugar, honey, and coconut oil.
- Lip Massage
Gently massage your lips using your favourite lip balm. This increases blood circulation, making lips soft and healthy. This soothing technique improves lip flexibility and helps keep them nourished.
- Remove Makeup
Always remove lipstick or any lip makeup before sleeping. This allows the lips to breathe, prevents dryness and irritation, and speeds up natural healing ensuring you wake up with soft, revitalised lips.
Throughout busy days and winter’s dry air, our hands and feet become rough. Indoor heating, cold winds, and frequent hand washing all contribute to lifeless skin.
That’s why nighttime is the best time for hand-and-foot recovery. Overnight care helps restore softness, smoothness, and moisture.
Why Is Overnight Care So Effective?
At night, the skin goes through its natural renewal process. Blood circulation increases while you sleep, and the skin absorbs nutrients faster. This makes nighttime skincare the most effective way to retain moisture in your hands and feet.
How To Start Overnight Care:
1.Clean With Lukewarm Water And a Gentle Soap:
Remove dust, soap residue, and dryness before bed. Clean skin absorbs moisturiser more effectively.
2.Use Body Butter Or Glycerin-Rich Cream:
Light lotion isn’t enough on winter nights. Thick creams with petroleum jelly, shea butter, or glycerin form a protective layer that locks in moisture for hours.
3.Wear Cotton Gloves And Socks in Harsh Winter:
After applying cream, wear cotton gloves and socks before sleeping. They help the moisturiser stay on longer, locking in hydration and making skin softer by morning.
4.Use a Mild Scrub Twice a Week:
If dead skin builds up, moisture cannot penetrate. Using a gentle scrub twice weekly helps restore smoothness. But don’t over-scrub, as it can make the skin even drier.
5.Use Hand Or Foot Oil For Very Dry Skin:
If your skin is extremely dry, massage a few drops of almond or olive oil before applying cream. This strengthens the skin barrier.
With the arrival of winter, the country’s weather has begun to dry out. Because of the cold wind and low humidity, the lips along with the skin are becoming the most affected. Hospitals and dermatology clinics are already seeing a rise in cases of cracked lips, bleeding, itching, burning, and darkening around the mouth. Experts warn that without proper care, winter dryness can quickly worsen.
