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Doctor, my skin is so-o-o dry, I feel
like a snake that is moulting all the
time!' This is a common complaint in
winter, when even oily skin can feel dry.
In winter, not only is the air cool but it
is considerably drier. Besides, dust and
pollution and the intensity of the UV
rays are also higher than usual. Hence,
the skin tends to get drier in winter.
There are many people who have had
dry skin since childhood. This always
gets aggravated in winter and they are
also more prone to allergies because of
the dryness.
The most important part of your skin care routine in winter
should be the use of an effective sunscreen lotion. Remember
to use a sunscreen every single day. You might need to repeat
the application around mid-day or before you go outdoors.
There is a wide range of sunscreens available to suit each and
every skin type, including oil-free gels.
For your face, use facewashes meant for dry skins. Byand large
it is better to avoid the foaming washes and use the gels or the
water-soluble ones.
When you find your skin beginning to dry, the first thing to do
is to change the soap-preferably to a glycerine soap or, even
better, a superfatted and moisturizing soap which is a neutral
cleansing bar. If the dryness does not get better in about eight
or ten days, then change your moisturizer.
For the body, use moisturizing soaps or,better still, body washes.
Avoid scrubbing and loofahs. If you have a sedentary lifestyle
and are in an air-conditioned environment most of the time,
you might need to use the soap only for your folds and private
parts.
At night use a cold cream or moisturizer meant for dry skin on
your face. If you have oily skin, then use an oil-free moisturizer.
Even if you do have oily skin, it is
only your face and, perhaps, your
scalp that is likely to remain oily
in winter. Your body skin is not
likely to be as oily. Hence, in
winter you would need to use a
moisturizer or cream for your
body to protect against dry skin.
Remember, the effect of any
moisturizer or cold cream is double when used immediately
after a hot water bath.
If it is possible, take oil massages once or twice a week an hour
or two before your bath. You can use olive oil or sunflower oil
(yes, the edible variety).
Your hair will also tend to dry a lot. Use shampoos meant for
dry hair. Try to minimize shampooing to twice a week.
Usea conditioner each and everytime you shampoo. You might
need to switch to a conditioner meant for dry hair.
If your scalp is dry, you might begin to get flaking and dandruff.
In that case, you will need to use oil for your scalp/hair at least
once a week. You can use the same oils as for your body, i.e.,
olive or sunflower.
If you have an oily scalp, do remember to use a conditioner
although you may not need oil.
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