Winter Care

Dixya Poudel

The world is in the midst of winter season in the Northern hemisphere. Everyone seems to be aggrieved by the cold. Even with the warmest of clothes, it is still cold. And the coldness in the air seems to sting every time one is outdoors. On better days, the sun shines and for a minute it feels warm and pleasant, only for the chill to return during the evenings and early in the mornings. One can’t regulate the whim of the cold which the nature decrees, but there are measures that one can observe in order to overcome winter grievances. 

One has to be especially particular about skin and hair care during the winter. Skin tends to be dry and flaky in winter while hair seems to be dull and brittle. This is because in winter, the air is drier, colder and lacks moisture. This decreases the skin’s natural moisture in its lipid barriers which is a protective layer of skin. Skin thus tends to be flaky, scaly and raw with cracks, redness, itchiness and a rough texture. As such, the water content of the epidermis on skin tends to reflect the humidity level in the environment. Similarly, the dry and cold air happens to strip the moisture away from the strands and pores of hair which is why it is rough, brittle and dry in the colder season. 

To fight the pesky dryness on skin, make sure to moisturise your face and body generously. It is even better to switch to a cream-based moisturiser in case you have an extra dry skin. Likewise, cleanse your face with a mild face-wash and don’t forget to apply sunscreen, even if you are staying indoors. It is recommended to use sunscreen daily and apply the right kind of sunscreen that suits your skin type. Especially, lips tend to get chapped in winter which is why you should invest in a moisturising lip balm or chapstick, preferably with an SPF of at least 15. Further, keep your makeup to a minimum and use hydrating cosmetics. 

When it comes to hair, limit your shampoo use and don’t forget to condition your hair, especially at the ends. Hair masks are also recommended during winter. Anti-frizz serums too help manage dry and damaged hair. If possible cover your hair with a scarf whenever you head outdoors. Likewise, limit the use of heat appliances such as dryers, curlers and straighteners.

Further, make sure you moisturise your hands often, each time you wash them or when you have done the dishes (hands tend to get drier since they are exposed to the air often). As such, care for your nails as well which can be brittle in the cold.  

These are some advices to care for your skin and hair. But don’t overlook the importance of diet, nutrition and exercise during winter. Take healthy amounts of foods such as anti-oxidant rich superfoods like beetroots, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, etc. Exercise too is crucial to balance the metabolism of the body. Movement and stretching can help to keep warm with a boost in blood circulation. 

Deep in the winter, the cold might be quite a grievance but it can be manageable with these suggestions which might even make winter adaptable and agreeable.