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.

7 Basic Face Care Tips You Need to Follow In Winter

Any extreme weather condition–be it hot or cold can damage your skin. However, winter is particularly hard as the dry wind, and chilly weather can make your skin dry up leading to flakes. And a regular skincare regimen would hardly help in such times. Your skin needs more than just pampering to keep it healthy and glowing.
And to help you achieve that, here are a few simple winter care tips for your face that you can follow to avoid excessive dryness and dead looking skin.

Face Care in Winter–7 Basic Tips

 1. Cleansing, The First Step To Healthy Skin

No matter which product you use, cleansing is a must-follow first step in skincare. This has to be followed through the year irrespective of the season. In winters, you can limit the number of times you wash your face from 3 times to 2 times and alternatively cleanse your face with cold milk and cotton ball to prevent excessive dryness.

2. Scrub, Exfoliation Is The Key

Exfoliating your skin with a scrub is a given in any season. But you may want to minimize the number of times you scrub your face in winters as daily scrubbing might cause abrasion and turn your skin drier. It helps to use a mild exfoliating scrub and make it a weekly affair.
You can enhance your scrubbing experience by making your own scrub using natural ingredients available at your home. Here’s a sample fruit scrub for you.

• 2 tbsp. mashed ripe banana
• 2 tbsp. of a mashed apple
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 2 dollops of your Mild scrub.

Mix all the ingredients and gently scrub your face for 2 minutes in circular motions. Washing it off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

3. Toning To Tighten The Skin

First things first, always use a mild toner that suits your skin rather than one loaded with chemicals. A harsh toner could disturb your skin’s PH levels. Toning will remove the post-cleansing residual dirt from your face. Toning not only tightens your skin but also prepares it for the moisturizer, night serum you are about to apply to the face.

4. Moisturizing For Soothing

Moisturising is not just essential for very dry and flaky skin, but regular skin type must indulge in this routine too. If you are not for chemical-laden products, then you could go for any of the natural moisturizers— almond oil or extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, you can mix the oil with your normal cold cream or lotion too. Gently massage this into your skin till it absorbs and leave it on.

5. Essential Face Packs For Winter

There are hundreds of ingredients in your kitchen which can help keep your facial skin soft and supple in the harsh cold season. Here are a few face packs that you can make use of.

• Avocado Face Pack

Avocado has extreme moisturizing properties, it’s good for hair as well as your face. Use mashed ripe avocado on the face for about 10-15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Apply a light moisturizer instead of a toner.

• Banana Face Mask

Mashed ripe banana is a great moisturizing agent. Take 4 to 5 tablespoons of mashed ripe banana and massage it on the face. Wash off after 10 minutes and give your face some massage with honey, go in circular motions for that extra moisturizing feel. Do so for at least 10 minutes and finish off with a toner.

• Buttermilk Pack

Use malai or fresh buttermilk with a pinch of turmeric, let it stay on the face for about 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

• Aloe Vera

Known for its incredibly moisturizing properties,  aloe vera can be used on the face as a moisturizer; It is an ideal way to relieve your face from dryness and enhance its texture.

6. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drink plenty of water since it’s essential to keep your body and skin hydrated in the dry weather. This will also ensure your skin remains glowing.

7. Shield Your Skin From The Sun

The sun may be hiding in winters, but it still manages to peep through the clouds allowing the UVA and UVB rays to harm your skin. Thus, never give sunscreen a miss.