I just met a lady who gave us great information on skin care during winter months.

I follow some basics winter skincare tips which I would like to share:

1.      Add nuts and seeds to your diet

Walnuts and almonds provide nourishment to your skin. They could rather be termed as ‘skin foods’. They come loaded with anti-oxidants and natural vitamins and minerals for your skin. Thus they protect your skin from pollution, dust or harmful rays, while maintaining a healthy glow. Apart from these, sunflower seeds too are your skin’s best friend. These seeds are a source of copper, manganese, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, folate while also possessing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help prevent skin damage, shield from environmental damages while also preventing wrinkle formation.

My tip: Top up your winter skin regimen with two tablets of fish oil everyday.

2.      Avoid using hot water for bath

While hot water showers are a great mechanism to relax in winters, my advice to you is – avoid them. Hot water baths may lead to an itchy, red skin. Also it creates an imbalance in the natural moistures of your skin, stripping it off oils that keep skin healthy. The water temperature for your showers should be such that the skin is able to comfortably bear the heat. Also, try to wash your hair and face with cold water only.

3.      Oiling is good for skin

Sesame oil or til oil, as it is commonly known, in its cold pressed form contains high proportions of fatty acids, vitamin E, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, iron etc. for your skin. Applied in winters, its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties protect and nourish damaged skin, while also acting as a skin rejuvenator. Mustard oil too is great for your skin. Massaging mustard oil on skin or face can help reduce tan and dark spots while also preventing skin pigmentation.

My tip: Opt for cold pressed sesame oil or mustard oil during winters. Coconut oil is best used in summers.

4.      Eat and apply Ghee

Ghee, the much dreaded term of your health routine, is actually a must for both your skin and body. Ghee can be used to treat both dull and dry skin. Apply small amounts of ghee to your body before bath for soft and supple skin. Dull skin can be revitalized by adding some ghee to your face pack. Focus on procuring good quality ghee. I prefer the Bansigir Gaushala in Ahmedabad for my Ghee supply. The purity and potency of all the products made from Cow milk and urine is fantastic (please do visit if you get a chance!).

5.      Drink plenty of water

Water is not essentially your first choice during winters. You would rather opt for tea or coffee to fight those winter blues. However, water is much required for our body in winters as much as it is during summers. The presence of heaters, central heating systems leads to dehydration. And thus it is important that you keep yourself well hydrated. Also a dehydrated skin may lead to break outs, and thus drinking enough water will ensure that your skin stays clear and healthy in winters. Lukewarm water should be your go to routine for the winter season.

6.      Eat seasonal foods

While winters may make your skin dry and dull, opt for seasonal foods that nourish your skin maintaining all that glow. Carrots come loaded with vitamin C which helps maintain skin elasticity, and are also high in vitamin A. Broccoli is a carrier of vitamin C, acting as an anti-wrinkle agent and preventing ageing. Carotenoids present in spinach protect skin from UV damage. You must thus stock on these and other seasonal food items to maintain healthy skin.

7.      Invest in a lip and hand care as well

Invest in a good lip balm to avoid chapping of lips. Avoid using lip balms that contain alcohol or retinol as one of its ingredients. Also do opt for a good hand-cream and foot-cream. Apply them before you go to bed, and these will help keep your hands and feet well moisturized.

Happy winters!!!