Winter Is Here: How To Take Care Of Dry Feet, Chapped Lips & Itchy Hands

The chilly winter winds can be detrimental for the skin, and the dry surroundings often remove the natural moisture. Conditions like eczema also often become severe during the dry patch.Ritu Khanna, the founder of Perenne Cosmetics, says that it is important to use gentle cleansers without sulphates which strip the skin off natural oils, especially during the cold season. A cleanser that gets rid of dead skin cells and impurities without disturbing the natural oil balance is what she recommends. Hot water is a strict no - remember to wash your face using cold or lukewarm water. Khanna also says that one should opt for heavy creams, dry oils, and hydrating serums as moisturisers that not only lock in the moisture but also replenish the natural oils lost. Heavier hydrating products have more binding elements and are better suited for the winter regime, she adds.

Having spent most of 2020 at home, we are yearning to get a dose of the winter sun, whenever available.But, watch out! Khanna says that most people err in winter by skipping the sunblock. The sun’s warm rays may give some solace but they can still cause damage with sunburn and flaky skin. This is why it is important to use SPF regularly to prevent any damage. And while at home, don’t forget to stay masked, albeit the one that can be applied and washed. Being exposed to cold and dry winds can make the skin look dull and take away its elasticity, and also lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Khanna recommends overnight bi-weekly masks, thicker in formula and work all night to provide the hydration and moisturisation that the skin needs in winter.

The skin on our hands is thinner than the skin on our face, and they are known to show the first signs of ageing. Chilly winds can cause them to look withered and dry, and speed up the ageing process. They can also cause flaking and redness, which can be uncomfortable. And while the feet may not face as much exposure as the hands, they are susceptible to cracked heels, which look unattractive and unpleasant. The shepreneur recommends a generous dose of hand and foot creams in the daily skincare routine, which will help keep the skin on your hands and feet feeling soft and hydrated and prevent flaking.

Isha Bindra of Kiehl’s India says that it’s time to make way for a winter serum to boost immunity and strengthen the skin. A good serum also neutralises the effects of external skin-aging stressors for youthful, radiant skin. She says that pre-serum also makes the skin resilient against the internal stressors too, which, in turn, results in youthful texture and defies the ageing process.

Bindra also recommends the use of alcohol-free skincare products which dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness and dullness. To tide over chapped and lifeless skin bright about by the cold spell, she says that one should opt for ingredients like Calendula petals and micronised flowers which soothe the skin and helps the moisturiser seep in well.

It’s a fact that water intake is considerably reduced in the winter months. And yet, that is the key to bright and luminous skin. Inner hydration not only keeps the skin from parching but also makes sure it’s ready to take in as much as goodness from the products applied externally, says Bindra.And no skipping the M-routine: Moisturisers are great against the dehydrating effects of winter and one should keep moisturizing at regular intervals. For those with dry skin it’s important to use a cream-based moisturiser, and folks with oily skin can use a gel-based moisturizer. She also adds that one should look for ingredients like squalane and olives as they have nature driven oils that keep the skin hydrated in extreme temperatures as well.

Chapped lips is a common sight in winter, across the world. Bindra recommends lip balms and lip oils sourced from ingredients like mango, coconut butter and kokum butter. She says that these natural sources of essential oils are infused well and make the lips look plump and healthy.

Pooja Malhotra of Kiko Milano says that it is important to put the body and skin through a dose of detox before the New Year festivities kick in. Go easy on the make-up, and also junk sweets and oily food to get the healthy party glow back.Exfoliate the skin once or twice a week to remove the dead and flaky skin cells with homemade scrubs sourced from kitchen ingredients. For quick facials, she recommends clay and sheet masks.