How Seasonal & Weather Changes Affect your Skin

Everything from cooler, less humid weather and overly hot baths to hanging out too long in dry, stuffy indoor environments can deprive your complexion of moisture and wreak havoc on your skin.

Cooler low-humidity weather

Humidity levels tend to drop off in the autumn and winter months. The drier the air, the more moisture it sucks from your skin, so you're more likely to experience dryness and flakiness during the colder months of the year, especially if you're prone to eczema or other dry skin conditions.
Ideally, you want to amp up your skincare routine as the season changes and swap your summer products for richer, more nourishing autumn/winter alternatives. Just as you change your clothes with changing temperatures you should do the same with your skincare. You need to switch up your lightweight summer moisturiser to a more heavy duty face cream.

Harsh central heating

You'll no doubt be switching on your radiators sometime, which unfortunately will not do your skin any favours. Heated air inside causes low humidity, which leads to water evaporating from our skin. This can cause cracking, flaking and irritation and leave skin with a lacklustre, parched appearance.
You can mitigate the drying effects by investing in a humidifier to keep the air moist in your home or a portable device that you can also bring to work and pop near your desk. If you can't stretch to a pricey humidifier, placing a few bowls of water near your radiators should do the trick, too. And don't forget to drink lots of water and slap on your rich moisturiser as often as necessary, along with replenishing lip balm and extra-thick hand cream.

Sudden temperature changes

Going from the cold outdoors into balmy centrally-heated buildings and vice-versa can take its toll on your complexion. Unfortunately, this process causes the capillaries in the face to contract and expand rapidly leading to broken veins and skin redness.
Keep the risk of spider veins and inflammation to a minimum by wrapping up warm in the cold and not overdoing it on the central heating to reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outside. A light layer of barrier cream will help protect the skin, and products with anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant ingredients such as chamomile and green tea should help control any redness.

Hot baths and showers

When temperatures plummet, a hot bath or shower is super-enticing, especially if you've spent the day outdoors in the freezing cold, after all, there's nothing more relaxing than a long soak in the bubbles or a nice soothing shower.
Sorry to rain on your parade but try to resist the temptation for the sake of your complexion if you can. "Hot baths and showers can dissolve the protective barrier in the skin which will eventually lead to dryness. Have warm baths and showers to reduce this damage."

Cold weather comfort eating

For many people with oily, acne-prone skin, the drier weather can actually help with breakouts and reduce flare-ups. But autumn/winter comfort eating might have the opposite effect. Studies suggest that diets high in refined carbs may trigger or exacerbate acne. Foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) spike sugar which is thought to increase the levels of hormones in the body that are responsible for oil production.
If you want to avoid diet-related breakouts this autumn/winter, try not to go overboard on the carby comfort foods. That means going easy on the sugary treats, white bread, pasta, crisps and potatoes, whilst upping your intake of slow release carbs like oatmeal and brown rice.

 

11 Dos and Don’ts of Fall and Winter Makeup

It's not just your fall and winter wardrobe that needs to transition for the colder weather; your makeup and skincare routine needs a refresher, too. Here are all the swaps you need to make to look beautiful all winter long.

 

Do: Wear maroon and burgundy lipstick

One of the best ways to get a standout autumn look is to play up your lip color. During fall, turn to plum or burgundy shades of lipsticks, glosses, and stains. The look is somewhat vampy, but absolutely stunning on pale skin. Makeup artist and beauty consultant Tom Pecheux describes it as "sophisticated in a twisted kind of way," thanks to its darker elements. With such a bold lip, there's no need to also make a statement with your eyes, as you don't want to overpower the look. Keep your eye shadow minimal, but feel free to use simple black mascara and eyeliner.

Don't: Wear coral or pink lipstick

We all love wearing red lipstick as winter makeup, not only because it's festive, but also because red perfectly matches your black, gray, and browns of your darker winter wardrobe. However, it's important you stick to classic or dark reds without any coral or pink undertones. These colors signal warmer weather and will clash with your dark, winter outfits.

Do: Paint your nails gray or nude

Nail polish is much more than just makeup; it's also a great accessory. It serves to compliment your jewelry, long-sleeved blouses, and coats, so make sure your nail polish is always an appropriate color. Bust out the grays, nudes, blacks, cherry reds, Merlot, and even sparkly golds and silvers.

Don't: Paint your nails neon

As pretty as fluorescent pink looks on your fingers and toes, bright and colorful varnishes are a serious winter makeup faux pas. If your favorite color is turquoise blue, turn to navy instead. As fun as rainbow polish colors are, save them for your next beach vacation.

Do: Apply rosy, pink blush

One benefit of braving the cold in winter is returning home with flushed, rosy cheeks. You can recreate this flattering look by generously swirling on pink blush. This can add rosiness to medium skin tones, which can go a touch sallow when pale. It adds that warmth and punch to the skin that we miss when it's cold out.

Don't: Continue wearing bronzer

As your tan fades with the passing of summer, it's best to embrace paler skin and find ways to complement it, rather than try to paint on a fake, summer glow. Ditch your bronzer this fall and winter, and instead stick to pink blush. A brown contour won't match the rest of your body, and rosy cheeks look far more endearing.

Do: Always apply kohl eyeliner

For fall and winter makeup: it's all about the kohl eyeliner. Whether you opt for a sharp cat-eye or smudgy, morning-after look, black liner is a winter staple. It looks stunningly dramatic on pale skin and pairs well with a dark, winter wardrobe. You really can't go wrong.

Don't: Line your eyes in purple or blue

Purple and blue liners are daring and often considered high-fashion, but they're sadly out of place during fall and winter. If you need a colorful alternative, you can certainly play with gold liner. Otherwise, it's best to stick to charcoal black.

Do: Wear copper and bronze eye shadow

Gold and copper eye shadows are the way to go this fall and winter. These colors easily go from day to night, add a smoldering shimmer, and are conveniently festive. If you don't feel brave enough to apply these metallic shades, deep purple, taupe, and gray are beautiful alternatives.

Do: Focus on moisturizing makeup

As the weather gets harsher, your number-one concern should be keeping your skin hydrated. Instead of your usual foundation, it's best to apply especially moisturizing primers, BB creams, and sunscreen (yep, you still need SPF in winter) at the start of your beauty routine. The last thing you want is to let your face dry out, which will result in cracking and flaking makeup.

Don't: Hold onto the same foundation

It's a common mistake to hold onto our favorite liquid foundation during the changing seasons, but as your skin gets a few shades lighter, do not continue applying makeup that's too dark for you. Instead, find a matching powder or foundation, or ditch that coverage altogether. As your skin battles the elements, it's better to focus on hydrating skincare than faking a tan.

Stop Winter from Destroying Your Nails in 5 Easy Steps

Winter can be hard on a lot of things. Our budgets, what with all the holiday shopping. And our diets, thanks to all those delicious seasonal treats. But winter’s biggest victims might just be our poor parched skin and nails. As the weather heads toward freezing, the air outside tends to get drier—and we turn up the thermostat inside to compensate. Moving between these two temperature extremes dries out our skin and nails, which can lead to brittleness and breakage.

Thankfully, there are a few simple ways to fight winter dryness and damage. The hardest part is just remembering to do these things regularly… but trust us, your nails will thank you!

1. Become best friends with cuticle oil.

The main ingredient in Cuticle Oil is jojoba oil, which is a gosh-darn godsend when it comes to keeping nails happy. This is because jojoba molecules are small enough to penetrate your skin and nails, treating and conditioning them similar to your body’s own natural moisturizers. Cuticle oil doesn’t just prevent dry skin and hang nails—though it does that, too. It also lubricates your nails, protecting them from excess water (which can cause nails to expand and warp) and preventing brittleness. It also has Vitamin E to help strengthen your nails.
With all these benefits, cuticle oil clearly WANTS to be your best friend, so let it. I recommend keeping a little roller ball buddy in your bag, at your desk, and in your bathroom, so you can apply it throughout the day (it’s a wonderfully soothing activity when you’re bored and/or commuting). Roll the applicator over each nail bed and gently massage it into your nails and the surrounding skin, allowing it to soak in and do its thing. Even when you’re wearing polish, this will moisturize the area and promote healthy nail growth—while also making your manicure look like new.
If you’ve passed the dryness stage and are dealing with full-blown cuticle damage, don’t dismay. Just combine your cuticle oil routine with two daily applications of Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum. It’s a game-changer.

2. Bust out the heavy hand crème.

If you ask me, Hand Crème is a year-round staple. I would buy it by the vat if I could. But especially in winter, this intensive moisturizer is my #1 must. I’ve tried lots of different hand crèmes, but none can hold a candle to Luxe Care when it comes to long-term moisture, the silky, non-greasy feel, or the heavenly (but subtle) scent—and, bonus! The jar is sleek and compact enough to stash in your purse or backpack for on-the-go applications. Give dryness a one-two punch by applying hand crème in conjunction with your cuticle oil after you wash your hands or shower, before bed, and before and/or after going out in the cold.

3. Wear gloves.

I admit, this is the item on the list that I have the toughest time putting into practice. Gloves are easy to forget when it’s not super-duper freezing outside, or when you’re only popping out for a minute. They can be a bother when you need to fish through your purse, open a door, or grip a handrail. And don’t get me started on texting. But, especially when the weather dips near freezing, gloves are the best way to protect your hands and nails from the elements. You protect the rest of yourself with a coat, scarf, hat, and boots—so shouldn’t your hands get the same respect? Invest in a sturdy, warm, not-too-tight pair of gloves that you will actually wear, and then actually wear them. Especially if you’ll be outside for an extended period of time, or plan on doing any work with your hands. For added moisture, apply hand crème before putting on your gloves.

4. Avoid your (nails’) enemies.

They say to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer… but this rule does NOT apply to your nails’ enemies. Try your best to stay away from harsh chemicals (like cleaning supplies), hot water, and pure acetone. Prolonged water exposure, especially to super-hot water, can oversaturate, warp, and weaken your nails. So by all means, indulge in that steamy winter bath sesh, but leave your hands out of it! (All the better for gripping your glass of wine.)
Unfortunately, sometimes our nails’ biggest enemy is actually… us. So please, for the love of your cuticles, don’t pick at them, over-cut them, or pull/bite on any hangnails. You’ll just make things worse. Wear your fancy new gloves indoors if you can’t help yourself!

5. Be diligent.

Chances are, if you’re here, you probably already have a nail care routine that’s working for you. Keep doing what you’re doing! Just do it more often in the winter. Instead of only putting on hand crème before bed, moisturize at night and in the morning. If you’ve been applying cuticle oil a couple of times a day, try to up your numbers to 4 or 5 times a day. Think of it as a nice treat for yourself—a little slice of luxury you can indulge in whenever you want—so it’s something you look forward to, not a chore.

16 Tips to Take Care of Your Dry Lips in Winter

Who don’t feel dry lips in winter? Probably all.

The lip skin is very thin, more sensitive, has no oil/sweating glands and no hairy coverage that can protect the lips from the cruel weather.
So, the lips get harmed with a slightly harsh touch. And winter is the biggest worse condition to meet up the lips with dry, chapped, flaky, cracked, painful, itchy or sore state. Of course, there are other reasons to cause dry lips, including dehydration, licking lips, excessive use of chemical products, etc.
Therefore, it is a dream of everyone belonging to smooth, soft and moisturized lips in cold days of winter. Your expectation will be true if you become careful of your lips before starting winter.
For getting baby soft lips, you need to take preventive measures first. Prevention is better than treating dry lips.
If you don’t take care of your lips in time, more serious conditions may be fallen into your lips, like bleeding.
Lips not only symbolize your beauty but also it talks about your healthy appearance. The nice looking lips boost up your confidence, while the dry, cracked lips lose your attractiveness and self dignity.

That’s why; to take care of your dry lips in winter is an urgent routine.
Now let’s see.

Some Simple Tips to Take Care of Your Dry Lips in Winter

The key factors of treating chapping lips are covering the entire body with a warm dress, manage your surrounding environments (both outside and inside) and using preventive lip moisturizers. Then, you can blow your nourishing smile throughout the winter.

Okay, now let me tell the tips to take care of your dry lips in winter.

1. Go Outside Less

If not more urgent, stay at home. It prevents the exposure to the dry air and bitterly cold wind. Take exercise while staying inside. Don’t forget to use a natural lip balm always. Switch on the humidifier. It will keep the indoor air moist.

2. Scrub Your Lips Once a Week

Exfoliating is a good idea to remove the dry, dead or chapped skin cells. After exfoliating, the lips look fresher and evener. You must moisturize your lips after scrubbing. Use the mixer of honey and brown sugar as a natural exfoliator. You can also use any good readymade scrub, toothbrush or washcloth to exfoliate the lips. And don’t scrub more than twice a week.
“Don’t exfoliate. It can cause further damage to chapped lips. Instead, apply plenty of balm or ointment and turn on the humidifier.”

3. Use Moisturizing Lipstick for Dry Lips

Use moisturizing lip balm containing immobile colorful tint. If you cannot walk without lipstick, apply the moisturizing based lip color. Or moisturize your lips first with an ointment, then wear your favorite lipstick. At anyhow, you cannot sleep with lipstick. After removing the lip makeup, use a moisturizer to soften the lips through the night. Use makeup remover rich in natural moisturizer to get rid of your lipstick.
 

4. Take Right Diet and Sufficient Water

Dehydration is a common reason to dry out the skin, whether it is winter or summer. Take lots of water daily (at least 8 glasses) and fluid rich diets to hydrate and protect the skin from inside.
Take some vitamins. Skim milk, Swiss cheese, red meat, silken tofu, fortified cereals, eggs, etc. contain vitamin B. It helps to retain the moisturizer to the skin. Vitamin A helps to maintain and repair the skin tissue. Take milk products, apricots, carrots, etc. rich in Vitamin A. Aging also causes dry lips. Vitamin A helps a lot to repair dry lips of aging people. Take the diets having vitamin C. It increases the collagen production to make the lips suppler and fuller. Vitamin C also repairs the tissue by protecting the skin from the sunburn.  Eat various vegetables and citrus fruits rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E evens out the aging signs, like fine lines or wrinkles. Nuts, eggs, leafy vegetables, etc. have Vitamin E.
Avoid some foods, like spicy, hot or salty items. Because these foods compel the tongue frequently to touch the lips that are very harmful to dry out and irritate the lips.

5. Smoking Causes Dry Lips Also

Smoking is not only dangerous for health but also harmful to lip and mouth skin. It attaches a black stain on the lips and also teeth. So, the lips look dark or black. If you are a chain smoker, it might cause dark/black spots on your lips that look really unimpressive. The prolonged smoking may lead your lip skin to cancer though it is a rare case.
In winter, you should keep stayed away from smoking. It will be wiser if you quit smoking forever. Then, you will get back your natural lips. Or use a lip balm every time after smoking. And rub a slice of lemon over your lips. It removes the dark cigarette hue instantly.

6. Control Your Room Temperature

While you are protecting your lips from the outdoor dry air or elements, be careful about your indoor air situation. The heating system of room at winter makes the air drier that the indoor. That’s why; the room temperature is more harmful to the lip skin. Keep a humidifier temperature 30-40%. It keeps the inside air ideally moist. Don’t use the humidifier more that 50% because excessive humidity can cause bacteria and other microorganisms. You should also use a humidifier at your office.  Then you can be protected both at home and office.

7. Protect Your Lips during Sleeping

The night-time is the best duration to let your lips stayed moisturizing all day long in cold months. Apply a lip balm thickly on your lips. The lips suck the balm throughout the night that basically keeps alive the pout for hours at daytime. Or you can leave some pure honey on the lips. Honey is a natural humectant and antioxidant to moisturize, protect and make the lips healthy.

8. Don’t Lick/Peel/Bite the Lips

It is not only your bad habit, I think everybody lick or bite their dry lips. Biting or peeling the skin makes the lips nastier. Even, the lips get bleeding for biting or peeling. So, never do it. Licking also dries out the lips more. The saliva of the tongue takes out the moisturizer from the lips. That’s why; lips go behind chapped fast. Keep a pocket lip balm always with you. Whenever you feel a little dryness, just apply it.
Don’t breathe from your mouth. It creates an airflow around your lips and mouth that makes your lips more cracking. Try to breathe through your nose. Or taking the breath from your mouth is a problem or disease, talk to your doctor. Or apply a 100% natural moisturizer on the lips during the night.

9. Lip Balm, Best Cure for Dry Lips in Winter

In buying a lip balm, you should consider the long lasting effect, extra moisturizing power, natural ingredients, and SPF sunblock. Otherwise, don’t buy it. The following natural ingredients are mostly considerable:

• Jojoba Oil
• Vitamin E
• Glycerin
• Vitamin A and D
• Coconut oil
• Beeswax
• Shea Butter
• Almond Oil
• Aloe Vera

Make a natural lip balm your best friend in dry air. Coat your lips with the balm always. After getting up and washing your face at morning, apply your favorite lip balm. After every eating or drinking, use that. Keep a balm in your purse, on your reading or computer table, so that whenever your lips have a slight tightness, you can find your balm easily.

10. Cover Your Lips from the Elements

When you are going outside, cover your lips with a scarf or a ski mask so that the harsh air might not reach your mouth or lips. Also, bring an SPF-rich lip balm with you.  Some winter coat hoods have Velcro or button snaps that secure the bottom lines of your face. Wearing this coat, ensure the warmer of your face, protect the face and lips from the harsh wind and hold moisturizer inside.

11. Treat Dry Lips Naturally in Winter

To have sweet-smiling, luscious-looking, self-esteem, soft and smooth lips; the golden secret is to use home remedies. Natural ingredients not only make the lips soft but also they protect and repair the lips from inside. Besides, home remedies are less costly and available in your kitchen. You can use the below home remedies to get dry-free lips throughout the bitter season.

• Lemon Juice
• Honey
• Green Tea Bags
• Sugar Scrub
• Rose Water and Glycerin
• Jojoba Oil
• Ghee
• Cucumber
• Rose Water and Honey
• Glycerin and Honey

12. Check out Allergens to Your Lips

Check out the products whether they create allergic reactions to your lips. Lipstick having propyl gallate or phenyl salicylate (salol) develops allergens. The toothpaste containing guaiazulene may cause allergy. Some foods, such as- figs or food dyes can contain allergens. The intake of excessive of vitamin B12 also dries out the lips when you come to the touch of cobalt. Or any kind of products, cosmetics, lipsticks or foods; if create an allergic reaction to your lips, you should switch them.

13. Petroleum Jelly

If your lips are more chapped and couldn’t be solved the painful state, you should use Pure Petroleum Jelly. It heals the lips fast and protects also.

14. Control Your Caffeine Intake

Winter is a nice time to drink a few cups of extra coffee or your favorite hot tea or other hot beverages. These hot items may soothe you from the coldness for a while, but it finally dehydrates your lip skin. Instead of taking hot caffeine, drink an herbal tea or a decaf version. It is helpful for health and also hydrates the skin.

15. Avoid Some Ingredients

If your lips are dry, you should avoid the products containing the following ingredients:

• Camphor
• Flavoring Agent
• Dyes
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamate
• Menthol
• Oxybenzone

The above substances might have your lip balm, toothpaste, lipstick, mouthwash or other products. To be sure, just get a stop of using them for two weeks, if you feel better lips; then stop using them in winter or switch to another new product.

16. Emergent Tips for Severe Painful Chapped lips

Severe cracking and bleeding are not uncommon to the lips in winter. It is also very painful to smile or talk and looks very nasty. To heal the cracked lips fast, rub your lips with a warm rag several times a day. It cleanses the spots. Then hold a cold compress on your lips to stop bleeding. Lastly, apply coconut oil. Repeat this treatment several times a day. It will heal your bleeding or cracked lips quickly. Don’t blot the bleeding lips, because it cannot heal them fast.

That’s all the tips to take care of your dry lips in winter. Follow these tips and your dry lips will be okay. If nothing can cure your lips, talk to your dermatologist in a short time, because untreated chapping lips may be threatened by a bigger skin problem.

DIY Masks

DIY masks- The most trending thing these days. Homemade masks, to get a supple and hydrating skin, should be a part of your daily skincare regime. It can  keep you away from the risk of having any side effects of the skin care products. So, head to your kitchen and pick any natural moisturizing agent depending on your skin type. Use DIY mask twice a week for effective results.

Dry and blistering skin is a common grievance in the winters. Although there are many creams and moisturizers on the market to fight against dry skin. You should go in for various natural home remedies that are not only economical but also quite effective in nourishing and hydrating dry skin and maintaining its suppleness.

Some of the natural and effective home remedies for combating dry winter skin are as follows:

1. Olive Oil







Olive oil comprises of numerous antioxidants and healthy fatty acids which are noble for the skin. It soothes and conditions dry skin all over the body.
Procedure: 
a) Apply a little amount of olive oil on your hands, legs and other areas with dry skin and massage lightly about an hour before taking a bath. Apply a light moisturizer after a shower to retain the moisture in the skin.

b) Exfoliate your skin naturally by mixing two tablespoons of olive oil, four tablespoons of brown sugar, and one tablespoon of honey. Polish this homemade scrub on your dry skin using circular motions for few minutes and apply a light moisturizer later after a shower.

2. Milk Cream


The most common and economical method of exfoliating dry skin. The gentle nature of milk cream also helps to preserve the skin’s mild pH levels. Milk cream acts as an excellent moisturizer.

Procedure:

a) Rub your hands and legs with the mixture of one teaspoon of milk, two teaspoons of milk cream and few drops of lemon juice, allow it to stay for a while and then take a shower. You may do it regularly instead of using soaps.

b)  Make a thick paste by adding adequate milk cream to three to four tablespoons of gram flour (besan) and apply the paste on face, hands, and legs. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. You may use this paste twice a week for a beautiful and glowing skin in winter.

3. Milk


Milk’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties significantly helps getting rid of dry and itchy skin. Additionally, the lactic acid present in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and increases the skin’s capability to retain moisture.

Procedure:

a) Soak a washcloth in cold milk and put the cloth on your dry skin for five to seven minutes. Gently wash off the milk with another cloth soaked in lukewarm water. This way this natural moisturizer will remain on your skin. You may practice this every day.

b) Add a few drops of rose water to four tablespoons of milk. Rub this solution all over your body. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash your body with cold water. It will leave your skin moisturized and fragrant.

4. Honey


Honey is ranked as one of the top natural moisturizers which is overloaded with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, and help retain moisture to make skin extra soft and smooth. Honey also has many vital vitamins and minerals that help improves skin health and quality.

Procedure:

a) To relish well-moisturized skin scrub honey all over body and allow it to stay for five to 10 minutes before taking a bath or shower. It helps in toning the skin.

5. Curd


Curd being an excellent skin-hydrating agent, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe dry and itchy skin. Plus, its lactic acid content helps get rid of germs or bacteria which causes dryness or itchiness.

Procedure:

a) Apply fresh curd on your hands, face, and legs by gently massaging it into your skin. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and then take a shower. The mild exfoliating act of curd will eradicate dry skin and leave skin refreshed and hydrated.

b) Make a mixture of half cup of curd with three tablespoons of mashed or blended papaya. Stir it in a blender with few drops each of honey and lemon juice. Smear it on the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then wash it off with cold water. It is advisable to do this method once a week.

6. Coconut Oil


Coconut oil is truly a good friend of skin. It treats dry skin as it has high amounts of fatty acids that make up for any loss of moisture incurred.

Procedure:

a) Profusely smear warm coconut oil all over the body before sleeping every night. Repeat this daily to mark skin soft and smooth.

b) Spread on a little coconut oil on dry skin after your bath daily. Coconut oil is more readily absorbed when the skin is warm and elastic after a shower. Repeat daily for smoother skin.

7. Oatmeal


Oatmeal is not only healthy to eat but is also healthy for your skin. The high protein content in oatmeal leaves a defensive barrier on the skin, which avoids water loss and helps maintain moisture. Adding on to it, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for the complete health of the skin.

Procedure:

a) Mix one cup of plain oatmeal into bathtub/bucket filled with warm water. Add a few drops of lavender oil or any essential body oil. Soak in the bath water for 15 to 30 minutes. Enjoy this soothing bath once a week.

b) Make a DIY face mask by mixing one mashed ripe banana with one cup of grounded oatmeal with a little bit of lukewarm milk. Smear this smooth mixture on dry skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

8. Almond Oil

Almond is in itself an excellent source of vitamin E and hence its oil is considered to be the best for soothing and lubricating the dry skin. Its antioxidant property is also beneficial for skin’s health. Being non-greasy in nature, it is easily immersed in the skin.

Procedure:

a) Massage your body gently with the warm almond oil half an hour before taking a shower. After shower apply some light moisturizer when skin is still wet.

b) To enjoy healthier skin with sound sleep it is advised to take a glass of warm milk mixed with one teaspoon of almond oil before going to bed.

Note: People allergic to almonds must not use the almond oil remedies.

9. Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera has gained the loudest applaud for being the best, cheapest and easiest way of dealing with skin problems. With its calming, antiseptic and antifungal properties, it helps combat dry, irritated skin and prevents peeling of skin.

Procedure: Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and remove the entire gel out of it. Apply the gel to the dry skin. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water. This simple mixture will moisturize your skin and form a defensive layer which will keep skin free from impurities.

Definitive Winter Skin Care Routine

Winter. The season when it’s really time to ring the changes as, thanks to cold temperatures, harsh winds and central heating, skin can be left feeling dehydrated and dull. So, just as you update your wardrobe at this time of year, it’s also important to adopt a winter skin care routine, to give it that little bit of extra love that it deserves.

Cleanse – and then cleanse again

Double cleansing comes into its own come winter. An initial first cleanse with a micellar water will prep, refresh and revive skin. But it’s the second, richer, deeper cleanse that really makes it count. Using a foam or gel for this step will nourish the complexion whilst making it feel really clean.  Splash your face with water (or use in the shower or bath if that’s your usual morning routine).

Water, Works

Water essences are your best friend when it comes to putting moisture and hydration straight back into the skin. Using it as the base for the rest of your regime, apply with fingers on to a clean complexion and watch your skin absorb it right away.

Ultimate Moisture

The last step in your winter regime is the most obvious… Moisturiser. At this time of year, though, look to something that is thicker in texture than what you would normally use so that it creates a protective barrier from the cold and locks in all that moisture you will already have applied.