With the temperatures plummeting in the country recently, you may be facing problem with your skin and it is bearing the brunt of it. Skin becomes dry during the cold season and you need a special guide to protect it. The following guideline will help protect your skin.

Moisturize regularly

Throughout the winter months, to help retain the skin’s moisture, it is important to avoid irritants such as soap, wipes and fragrances. Anti-bacterial hand wash can be especially harsh for sensitive skin. Keep your skin regularly topped-up with a rich moisturizer.

Get plenty of sleep

Our immune system is under a lot of pressure, fighting off more winter bugs during the cold season. It is always recommend to make an extra effort to get plenty of sleep and have time to de-stress in order to keep your skin in tip top condition. It is a known fact that stress and exhaustion lower the immune system, resulting in skin breakouts.

Take care of your hands

As the skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body, and has fewer oil glands, it is harder for them to retain moisture. This can lead to itchiness and cracking, so protect them with a moisturizer and wear gloves when you go outside.

Avoid wet gloves and socks

If you have been out in the rain or snow, make sure you remove your wet socks and gloves as soon as possible. The excess moisture can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

Don’t take very hot baths

While soaking in a hot bath seems like a great idea after being out in the cold, 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.

Use honey

To soften dry patches on rough elbows and knees, try a rich, hydrating scrub. Studies have shown that honey reduces inflammation, and sugar increases circulation. This is especially helpful in winter when blood flow is typically diverted from the skin and sent to the core of the body to keep it warm.

Choose the right sleepwear

The softer your sheets and sleepwear, the better off your skin will feel. Natural fabrics like cotton or cotton flannel with a high thread count are best for those with sensitive skin or eczema. Take care to avoid blends of cotton and synthetics, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. 7 ways to take care of your skin in cold weather.

(With inputs from Agencies)