ESSENTIAL SKIN CARE TIPS FOR THE HARSH WINTER

Maintaining Great Skin This Winter:

The harsh winter has kicked in and everyone is feeling the chill, and as we all know, changing seasons always plays havoc with the skin. The cold winds, low humidity and the need to wear warm clothes often leave the skin feeling rough and dry. As the skin becomes sensitive, there is an increased risk of rashes and allergies this time of the year. Here are some easy tips to make your skin look vibrant and radiant this winter.

Cleanse your Skin:

It is imperative to cleanse the skin, but using the right cleanser is the most crucial decision to avoid causing excessive dryness. As the skin is naturally acidic with pH around 5.5, a pH neutral cleanser would be ideal for this time of the year. If you wish to use a non-medicated cleanser, then opting for a cleanser containing glycerin or mineral oils would be best.

Quick Tip: For those who prefer using natural cleansers, oatmeal, milk, gram flour mixed in yogurt or raw milk are your options as they work as a very good cleanser and have the added benefit of hydrating the skin. Oils like olive oil, almond oil may be used as make-up removers. Those who suffer from acne can use thermal spring water based make-up removers which are non-comedogenic i.e. a skin-care product or cosmetic that is specially formulated so as not to cause blocked pores.

Moisturize your Skin:

Moisturizing the skin is probably the most important part of skincare in winters. Those who have dry or extremely sensitive skin, using body butters or a moisturizer containing urea, lactic acid, 4-5 times a day would be ideal. People with normal skin may use moisturizers containing liquid paraffin, mineral oil or glycerin. Pure glycerin is also very good for the skin.

Quick Tip: During winters, lips, feet, elbows and knuckles need extra attention. While Petrolatum is very good for the lips, moisturizers containing glycolic acid can be used to gently take away the dead layer of skin cells around the heel and elbow.

Scrub off the Dead Skin:

Using a gentle exfoliating scrub will help you get rid of the dead layer of cells and enhance the benefits of the moisturizer. However, a scrub should be used only 2 times a week at best.

Quick Tip: Lightly powdered sugar in honey works as a good natural scrub, as the sugar exfoliates the skin and honey hydrates the skin.

Apply Sunscreen:

It’s a common myth that sunscreens can be avoided during winters as the visible light index is low and hence one does not need to use a sunscreen. Exposure to UV light can cause premature ageing and pigmentation of the skin, so it’s advisable to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

Quick Tip: Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out and repeat it after every 2 hours. Using a lotion or cream based sunscreen would be best as it will give you the benefits of UV protection and moisturizing the skin at the same time.

Revise you Skincare Routine:

Changing your regular skin care products is important during winters, especially for those who use anti-ageing creams, which contain glycolic acid or retinoids, as they make the skin dry. You may have to mix it with a good moisturizer or the quantity applied may need to be reduced to give best results.

Quick Tip: It is advisable to see your dermatologist for a daytime and night time routine suitable for this season.

Face Packs:

To keep dryness at bay, using a face pack is essential. A pack made of honey, fullers earth and rose water can provide you with deep cleansing and hydrating potential. The pack may be used 2 times a week.

Quick Tip: Lemon, vinegar and yoghurt can be used as fruit peels as they contain natural fruit acids. You can even add a bit of lemon juice to your regular face pack to peel away the dead layer of cells and also lay down collagen in the skin.

Replenish your Anti-oxidants:

The general body processes and exposure to UV light and environmental toxins produces free radicals in the body, which cause damage to cells and destroy them. Anti-oxidants are nutrients which quench these free radicals and thus prevent damage to the cells. Plant sources like fruits and vegetables are the best sources of anti-oxidants. The brighter the fruits and vegetables, the higher is the amount of anti-oxidants in them.

Quick Tip: Include tomatoes with lettuce, blueberries and yellow pepper in your diet, along with plenty of salads and vegetable juices. You can blend beetroot, carrot, leek, cucumber and aloe vera.

The Author of the Article

Muhammad Tayyab

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7 SURPRISING WAYS SALT CAN RESTORE YOUR SKIN AND BODY

Salt is loaded with minerals, including iodine and sodium, all of which play a key role in our skin’s health, function, and cellular communication. When the skin’s mineral balance is not nomral, symptoms such as dryness, dullness, irritation, and blotchiness ensue, especially as the colder, dryer weather in Pakistan sets in. Bringing salt from the kitchen into your beauty routine can help balance and improve hydration, strengthen the protective barrier of our skin, reduce bloating and kick-start the cell-to-cell communication signals that slow down with age. 

Balancing Mask

Both salt and honey have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts and irritation. They also help to balance oil production and retain hydration in the layers of skin where it’s needed most.

Try it: Mix two teaspoons of salt (preferably iodised) with four teaspoons raw honey to create a spreadable paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin, avoiding eye area. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Before rinsing, soak a washcloth in very warm water, and gently wring out. Lay the warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Use your fingers to gently exfoliate in a circular motion while rinsing your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with your usual skin-care routine.

Softening Body Scrub

Salt is a gentle natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin cells. It also has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration and moisture.

Try it: Mix a quarter-cup of salt and a half-cup of olive oil into a thick paste. If desired, add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Apply in the shower with a washcloth, loofah, or the palms of your hands, gently scrubbing your skin in a circular motion. Your skin will instantly feel baby soft and smooth.

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment

Salt helps loosen and remove existing flakes while stimulating blood circulation for a healthy scalp. The ingredient also absorbs excess oil or sebum and moisture to prevent fungal growth and inhibit the root of dandruff.

Try it: Part your hair a few times, and sprinkle one to two teaspoons of salt on your scalp. Using wet fingers, massage your scalp gently and thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and condition your hair with your regular products. The results will be immediate and very satisfying.

Teeth Whitener

Salt and baking soda are both gentle abrasives that will help remove hard stains and brighten teeth almost instantly. Salt also contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth and gums.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking powder. Dip a damp toothbrush in the mixture, and brush teeth normally. If the taste is too intense for you, try putting a dab of toothpaste on the brush before dipping it in the mixture.

Natural Mouth Wash

Salt acts as a natural disinfectant to kill the bacteria and plaque that builds up between teeth and also is the main cause of bad breath and gingivitis.

Try it: Mix together a half-teaspoon of salt, a half-teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter-cup warm water until the salt dissolves in it completely. Swish the solution around in your mouth for two minutes and between teeth. Spit, then rinse.

Nail brightening treatment

Salt softens cuticles and skin plus strengthens nails. Baking soda and lemon work to reduce yellowing and stains for brighter, healthier-looking nails.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and a half-cup warm water in a small bowl. Soak nails in the solution for 10 minutes, and then scrub with an unused soft tooth brush. Rinse hands, and moisturize.

Relaxing bath

Salt absorbs dirt, grime, and toxins and cleanses your skin’s pores deeply. Salt’s mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in skin and helps it hold hydration. You may notice that your skin won’t wrinkle or prune after a good, long soak in salted water, which is evidence that a salt bath helps the skin retain its moisture. The naturally occurring minerals in salt may also help reduce water retention or bloating in the body.

Try it: Add one-third cup of salt to a tub filled with warm water, and make sure to dissolve the salt. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes.