Winter Body Skin Care Tips

The skin is our body’s first line of defence against the elements and environment. Hence it’s important to find the perfect winter Body Care Routine to suit our skin needs. Check these tips for a healthy winter body skin.

1 . AVOID HOT BATHS
Taking a hot bath after being out in the cold, is not the best idea as the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Instead, use warm water and stay in the water a shorter amount of time.

2 . Wear SOFT clothing.
Avoid putting on harsh or irritating fabrics like wool or polyester. Instead choose soft fabrics, such as cotton, especially if they are in direct contact with your skin.

3. DRESS ACCORDINGLY
This might sound like common sense, but the best way to protect your skin during the winter months is to dress accordingly. As the temperature drops, your layers should increase.

4 . PROTECT HANDS
Our hands are the first to indicate dry skin. When out, wear gloves to prevent cracked skin and brittle nails due to cold weather. While doing chores wear rubber gloves to protect your skin by not allowing it to be exposed to chemicals and water temperatures that can irritate and dry out your hands.

5 . Set and maintain the right room temperature
What is the room temperature in your house? Turning up the heat indoors seems like a natural response to chilly winter weather, but raising the thermostat indoors dries the air, and skin out even more. The result is dry, flaky skin that is itchy and uncomfortable. A research done by ECI Oxford shows that an average of 18-21ºC is the ideal comfortable living room temperature. This study also discovered that temperatures higher (21-24ºC) and lower (16-18ºC) could cause some discomfort.

6 . Invest in a HUMIDIFIER
Using a humidifier in your home will add moisture to dry winter air and help keep your skin hydrated. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in to maximize the body moisture.

7 . Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers
The wrong soap can worsen itchy, dry skin. For instance, regular bar soaps may contain irritating ingredients and fragrances. Instead, wash with a fragrance-free, moisturizing cleanser or gel.

8 . MOISTURIZE
Maintain healthy skin by moisturizing after each bath or shower. It's best to use a cream or ointment in the winter. Lotions are better in warmer, humid climates.

9 . STAY HYDRATED
When it’s cold outside we often forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but this is just when low humidity is most likely to strip our poor skin of its moisture.

10 . SPF, SPF, SPF!
Apply Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed areas of your body. Even on Gray Winter Days. On bright winter days, snow reflects the sun’s rays — up to 80 percent, increasing your risk of exposure. That means whether you’re out for a walk, playing in the snow, or running, it’s just as important to be applying sunscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer. The sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage.