Hair and skin care for the winter

One should begin with identifying one’s skin type and then treat it accordingly specially in the winter months. Stress and season change alter ones skin type thus one needs to look into this before planning a skin routine during these months of the year.

A few pointers that one should follow are…

1. Always moisturize your skin. The best way to do that is apply moisturizer just after your bath when your skin is damp. This acts like a toner and helps the moisturizer seep into the skin.
2. Use a good facial scrub once a week at least if not twice, it helps in getting rid of dry skin.
3. If you’re stepping out or at home wear a sunscreen daily, especially in these months as it will help from tanning and keep your skin moist.
4. Avoid washing your face with warm or hot water/ dry soap or a soap you have not used before.
5. Avoid excessive makeup in these months as they dry the skin further.
6. Another vital tip in winter months is with skin eruptions or acne or sensitive skin should avoid products that have the ingredient sodium lauryl suplhate as it can clog pores and irritate acne.
7. The basic to good skin is eat healthy, drink loads of water, exercise regularly and sleep sufficient if you manage this half your battle is won.
8. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine in all forms as much as possible.
9. For good skin consider a series of facials to unclog those pores, reduce fine lines, treat acne, even out the skin and tone it.

Given below are a few home made face packs for different type of skins;

Normal skin

A cleansing herbal mask can be used only once a week. To make the pack, mix one tablespoon multani mitti with dahi. Add one tablespoon of pulp of either avocado or grape and two drops of rose oil. Mix well, apply on face, keep for 15 minutes and wash.

Dry and sensitive skin

This pack can be used once a week. Mix one tablespoon of milk powder, half a banana, half a teaspoon of honey and dahi to make a paste. Add one drop of sandalwood oil to this and apply on face keep for 10- 25 minutes and wash.

Oily Skin

Mix one teaspoon of multani mitti and dahi to make a paste. Add a tablespoon of cucumber and two drops lemon juice. This pack should be used twice a week and applied for 10- 15 minutes before washing.

Body Basics in Winter

Fully body skin

For your body care one should daily exfoliate and moisturize. Mix ¼ cup oats, milk powder and thick starch. Make a paste, apply all over body leave for 20 minutes till it dries and then wash with warm water.

Eye Care

Take special care of your eyes; sleep well and also apply an under eye cream to prevent dark circles and eye bags.

Lip Care

Avoid your lips from getting dry. Apply Vaseline or moisturizing balm with hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

Nail Care

Always wear a base coat on your nails it will keep them from chipping, strong and also from absorbing water. Regular manicures and pedicures are necessary. In case of an excessive cuticle problem which increases in the winter months, it is advised to take treatment.

Hair Care

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your hair during the winter months…

1. First and foremost keep your hair and scalp clean and moisturized by using a shampoo and a conditioner for your hair type.
2. A hair mask prepared with henna and methi powder is essential for the hair. It must be applied once a week to keep the hair protected from sunlight, pollution, heat gadgets and air conditioners.
3. Stop using hair dryers and heat gadgets to maintain natural shine and health of the hair during the winter.
4. A cleansing shampoo like Tricleanz or a cleansing lotion like endruff lotion should be used once a week.
5. 2 if not 3 sittings of deep conditioning treatment with vitamin E oil should be done in these 4 months.
6. Coloring ones hair is great option at this time. It will change as well and enhance your look for these months.

Besides that different kinds of hair need different conditioning treatments. Given below are some home-made conditioners…

Normal Hair

Mix one cup of henna powder with one egg and four teaspoon of curd and make a paste. Apply on hair, leave for 15 minutes and rinse. Shampoo the next day.

Hair with split ends

Use bonacure or any hydrating conditioner in the market after every wash. Rinse with plain water and apply leave- in conditioner always.

Dry hair

Take half a tablespoon of olive oil and mix with one egg. Add half table spoon each of glycerine and vinegar to form a paste. Apply, rinse and shampoo next day.

Oily Hair

Mix one cup lemon juice to a cup of henna and make a paste with lukewarm water. Apply, rinse off and shampoo.