Simple and Effective Tips to Keep Your Skin Soft and Hydrated This Winter

Winter season has its own charm. But, it is no fun for your skin. Cold air, low humidity level, indoor heating, hot showers and excessive coffee can be highly damaging for your skin. The harsh weather rips off the natural oil from your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and itchy. Extreme dryness can also trigger certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, making winters unbearable for the patients. And let’s not forget the countless problems people with sensitive and acne prone skin face.
While everyone knows the importance of moisturizing skin, it’s not enough to counter the damage and to regain your soft, smooth and hydrated skin. 
While there are many winter skincare regimens available, they are very time consuming and hence, less likely to be followed for a long time, especially by people who are busy or just lazy.
Don’t worry if you also struggle to maintain healthy skin during winters. Here are some simple yet highly effective tips to keep your skin hydrated and beautiful this winter season:

• Choose Your Moisturizer Carefully

Just because a big brand is making it, doesn’t mean a moisturizer is great for your skin. Unfortunately, most of the commercial moisturizers are packed with harsh chemicals that do more harm to your skin than good. 
To keep your skin moisturized and healthy, choose products that are made of natural ingredients known for their hydrating and soothing properties.
Alternatively, you can use natural ingredients to moisturize your skin.
Since natural ingredients are free of chemicals, they are gentle on your skin and are inexpensive as well.
Some natural moisturizers that are great for keeping your skin hydrated, glowing, and healthy are:

• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Aloe Vera gel
• Avocado Oil

• Exfoliate 

There is a widespread misconception that you shouldn’t exfoliate in the winter as it will make your skin even drier.  A lot of people think that winter is all about moisturizing and hydrating your skin, but that’s not true!
Removing dead skin cells through exfoliation is as important in winters as it is in other seasons. The only thing that should change is the type of exfoliant you use. Stay away from harsh, chemical based exfoliators as they can damage the protective barrier of your skin and make it more vulnerable.
Also, a lot of people end up damaging their skin by scrubbing too hard or too much.
Pro Tip    
Get it done by a professional aesthetician, like the ones available at SB Health and Beauty Spa. Experienced and trained aestheticians not only know the type of exfoliants that should be used, but they also know the right exfoliating techniques. Furthermore, they can provide treatments to soothe and heal the irritated skin.

• Use a Humidifier

Indoor heating systems dry out the air, which then removes the skin’s natural moisture. To prevent the negative effects of heating systems, always use a humidifier in your home. 

• Use Essential Oils in Shower

To prevent hot water from drying out your skin, add a few drops of essential oils. Some of the oils you can use are lavender, cedarwood, and jojoba.
Happy winters!