Skincare Prep for the Winters

Nothing beats the comfort of slipping under a warm blanket, with a cup of coffee in one hand, and a book in the other. Like most people, I love the winters too. And while I await them for all the pampering that they allow for, the season has its downsides.

It comes with a whole lot of skin care concerns, of which dry skin is the most common. Since the air is dry, it easily strips your skin of its moisture. Thankfully, there are a good variety of products that can be combined with your daily essentials to keep a healthy skincare regimen going.

Here are a few products you should definitely stock up in this season.

 

• Face Oils

This is a must-have for any skin type. Facial oils effectively hydrate and nourish your skin in winters without making it greasy or oily.

I use Zahara Skin Care’s cherry oil with a mix of turmeric and saffron oil. I have been using this blend for a long time. On weekends, (can be applied everyday too), I apply it on my entire face including the under eye area – at night, and I wake up to a clearer, brighter, supple skin. The oil is seasonal though, and they make limited amounts every year.

• Retinol Products

This Vitamin A source fights age spots, fine lines and uneven skin tone. During winters, one needs to be slightly cautious of the dryness Retinol may induce. Make sure you apply a good moisturizer (with SPF 30 to 50) along with it.

I recently tried the Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, and I must say, the serum/oil is gentle, yet effective. My skin definitely feels softer, smoother and brighter.

• Scrub

Use a gentle scrub to slough off all the dead skin cells atleast once a week. This helps easily absorb all the wonderful oils and treatments that you apply on your skin and thus, gives quicker results. Try out the Tata harper Regenerating Cleanser. It is so gentle that it can be used daily.

• Sunblock

Use it everyday – in all seasons – in all types of weather. It is a myth that one should use them only during summers or when at the beach. I prefer my non-oily matte sunblock in winters too. You can switch to creamy ones if you prefer those.

 

• Lip Balm

I use Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment throughout the season. It has quite a few variants that you can choose from – all are nourishing and hydrating.

• Moisturiser

Go for a rich moisturiser during winters – one that can be applied both in the day and the night. The Ureadin Fusion Melting Cream is absolutely divine, and is now finally available in India. I bought mine from Vandana Pharmacy in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. It literally melts on your skin and provides 24-hour intense hydration. Definitely worth a try!