There’s a nip in the air and winter clothes have started coming out of the closet. Mumbaikars are waiting with bated breath for a slight drop in temperature (we have winter too, you guys). And while you may want to stay cooped up in the warm indoors, there’s no denying that everybody loves the cool weather. However, that means dealing with chapped lips, static hair, and dry, itchy skin. Ugh! The answer, dear friends, is layering. From furry winter coats, cozy cardigans and trendy puffer jackets to moisturizers, oils and balms, layer right and you’ll be toasty and smooth-skinned all winter long.
But it’s so much colder up north, you say. It’s cool but still humid in Mumbai, you moan. How do we deal with skincare based on the kind of winter we have, you ask?
Fret not, we’ve got the perfect winter skincare routine from the mountainous iciness to those city-night chills.
- Shower (Gel) Power
- Exfoliation Nation
- Oil Do It
- Lotion Potion
- Hand To Toe
- Scream For Sunscreen
’Tis the season to go SLS and SLES-free. These chemicals in foaming gels and bodywashes leave your skin feeling dry and rough and nobody wants that. Instead, opt for mild, soap-free washes to nourish your skin. Inside tip: Keep your showers short and not too hot. Remember, the longer you’re in the shower and the hotter the water, the more you’ll lose your natural oils, making your skin even drier.
If you’re living in a city like Mumbai, we recommend Tjori Juicy Fruit Body Wash. While if you’re further up north where the temperature drops excessively, try using a shower gel infused with Aloe Vera like the Khadi Pure Herbal Aloevera Body Wash SLS-Paraben Free or Kama Ayurveda Ubtan Soap free Body Cleanser if you have very sensitive skin.
If your skin has become visibly dry and flaky, it’s a sign you need to slough of the old cells that are preventing moisture from reaching your skin. You can use a gentle loofah in the shower and exfoliate with a mild body scrub free from Salicylic and Glycolic Acid once or twice a week. P.S.: Don’t overdo it or you’ll be stripping off your skin barrier when you need it the most.
People living in humid areas like the coast of India may not experience flakiness like those in the colder regions of the interiors and the north. For the former, we recommend Fabindia Neem Tulsi Gel Scrub Body And Face while if you fall into the latter group, this APS Cosmetofood Arctic Berry & Strawberry Enzyme Dermo Exfoliant infused with enzymes is for you.
While face oils do not hydrate the skin (don’t believe everything the big brands claim), they do work well when you add a few drops to your moisturizer or your bath. Oils like Chamomile, Lavender, Jasmine, Lemon and Sandalwood are commonly used for dry skin. And they smell so great too!
We recommend adding a few drops of Nykaa Naturals Lemon Essential Oil and Nykaa Naturals Pure Cold Pressed Jojoba Carrier Oil to your bath water daily no matter where you stay in the country. Trust us, you’ll feel like you’re at a spa and be left with soft, moisturized skin. Besides, a little pampering never hurt anyone.
Your skin needs extra moisturizing immediately after your shower during the winter. As soon as you step out of the shower, slather on some lotion while your skin is still damp. But beware the creams and lotions with fragrances and preservatives because they can further dry your skin causing irritation.
For those of you who face extreme winters, products like MCaffeine Extreme Dry Skin Care Combo which are thicker in formulation and infused with active ingredients like Shea Butter are great. However, if you’re in a city set-up where the winter isn’t as harsh, opt for a lighter moisturizer like Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion which works wonders for the skin and isn’t sticky so the pollutants in the air won’t adhere to your skin. If your skin starts looking dull in winter, try Dove Glowing Ritual Body Lotion that adds a soft glow to dehydrated skin.
You take great pains to moisturize your face and your body but what about hardworking hands and feet? Use a good cream on your hands immediately after you shower and carry one in your bag, so you can moisturize whenever you need through the day. Cream your hands and feet before bed and for maximum suppleness, pull on a pair of socks.
No matter where you live, try the Nykaa Rose & White Musk Hand & Nail Creme and Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic. It’s softness, guaranteed. However, if you suffer from extremely cracked heels, try the Beauty Works Foot Scrub which will leave you with softer and exfoliated heels.
Okay, let’s get this straight. Just because it’s cold, does not mean you can skimp on the sunscreen. We live in a tropical country and are exposed to harmful UV rays even during the winter. Make sure you use SPF generously on your face and body at least 15 minutes before stepping out into the sun. If you’re going to be out all day, don’t forget to reapply every few hours.
Did you know sunlight can reflect off snow and water? So if you’re planning a ski trip or a holiday by the sea, do carry along sunscreen. Try Ponds Flawless Radiance Derma + Moisturizing Day Cream SPF 30 if you are heading to cooler climes, or the Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ if your skin is oily. For sensitive skin, we recommend Kaya Sun Defense Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin-Sun Care SPF15.
