Nine beauty essentials you absolutely require this winter

Winter is known as the holiday season worldwide and particularly in Pakistan, it is hailed as the exuberant wedding season. It is that time of the year when you predominantly want to look glamorous but are busy worrying about a flaky scalp, red knuckles, cracked heels and dry skin. Here are some beauty tips that can help you focus on more important things rather than dryness this winter.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

You need protection from the sun’s harmful UVA rays even during winters because no matter how thick the cloud cover is, 80% of these rays still manage to reach us. A sunscreen can revert the toll exacted by winter in the form of wrinkles and dullness by adding elasticity to your skin. Make sure you slather SPF on exposed areas 30 minutes prior to stepping outdoors and coat your skin frequently with it, when staying out for a long time.

2. Do not skip exfoliation

Layers of lotion will not soften your skin if you do not first remove the dead skin blocking its absorption. If you skip exfoliation, then a moisturiser will merely accumulate on top of your skin, never seeping into the inner layers where it is most needed. However, instead of exposing your over sensitive winter skin to chemical infused scrubs, make natural scrubs at home using baking soda, honey, milk and sugar.



3. Add charcoal to your beauty regime

In winters, your skin is more prone to skin ailments due to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and pollution. This can be easily fixed by washing your face thrice a day with charcoal soap. It digs into the pores to draw out oil and dirt from deep within. Most dermatologists recommend you to scrub only once a weak otherwise your skin will start creasing. This restriction does not apply to a charcoal soap because its mildly gritty texture removes toxins from your skin without breaking it. Furthermore, charcoal also gives your face a glow since it removes upper layer of dead skin. The deep cleansing act of charcoal soap leads to a rejuvenated skin without disturbing pH levels.



4. Moisturise immediately after shower

Limit the time you spend in a hot shower and switch to lukewarm water instead because the hotter the water, the dryer your skin will be after a shower. Pat your skin dry after the shower rather than rubbing it and afterwards immediately apply a moisturiser all over your body, when your skin is still slightly damp. This, in great deal helps your skin lock in some moisture.



5. Avoid tightening masks


If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels and masks (particularly charcoal and clay) that can damage it. Instead, switch to natural hydrating ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil and bananas for lasting hydration.



6. Find time for overnight treatments

Certain body parts including hands, feet, elbows and knees are more susceptible to dryness than other areas because they have a thinner skin. Coat them with glycerine infused creams overnight and then cover them, to seal the moisture until morning. A gentle face massage with lukewarm olive oil prior to bedtime can do wonders, as it is an excellent natural remedy to cure the dry skin

Lowered water intake and cold winds can result in a dry and flaky scalp. The best way to evade this mess is to deep conditioning your hair with warm coconut oil once a week and then leaving it overnight to combat dandruff.



7. Limit hair dryer and shampoo usage

It is advisable to air dry your hair in this season rather than blow-drying it. However, do not rub them in order to speed up the drying process because this lifts the cuticles, which augments moisture loss. Additionally, avoid excess shampooing and completely dry your hair before stepping outdoors into the harsh cold because your wet hair shaft can expose you greatly at the risk of hair breakage.



8. Go light on the makeup

Always set the face with a facial spray or moisturise it with a cream before applying a foundation in order to avoid flaking. Secondly, discard heavy foundations and powders temporarily as they will only emphasise the creases and acne on your face. In fact, it is best if you cut down on all product use. Opt for light coverage foundations and cream blushes instead.



9. Heal from the inside

The most common cause of dryness is dehydration and limited intake of essential fatty acids. Supplement your diet with fresh salmon, mackerel, olive oil, avocados, eggs and dark leafy greens like spinach. Secondly, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Lastly, limit your caffeine intake and switch to herbal tea instead.