Shawdesh Desk: Winters do wreck your skin and every second person tends to battle these skincare issues during the season.

It is believed that when the air around is cooler, the body holds heat by narrowing blood vessels, reports The Indian Express.

As a result, leading the skin to become dull, flaky and even cracked, explains dermatologist Nivedita Dadu, founder and chairman, Dr Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic, New Delhi.

So here are a few tips that will keep your skip healthy and glowing in the winter season:

Moisturise well

The first and foremost tip is to moisturise your skin well. If your skin is oily, it is advised to use a gel-based moisturiser. Vitamin C-based moisturiser or antioxidant serums support building blocks of your skin, which reduces dullness and also brightens up the skin.

Cleanse but not dry out your skin
Always use essential oil and moisturiser-based face wash. Do not use hard soaps or scrubbers they can strip off the essential oils produced by the skin. Glycerine-based body washes are ideal for your skin in winter.

SPF is a must

Sunscreen is a must, and it is a misconception that it is not required in winter. Though UVB decreases around winter season, UVA levels are still significant, which is responsible for ageing effects on the skin.

Keep yourself hydrated internally too

The skin has the tendency to dry out in winter. So keep yourself hydrated internally as well. Drinking a lot of water is always advisable. Further swapping your tea and coffee with green tea is recommended, as it has amazing antioxidant effects.

Protect your lips

To prevent dry and cracked lips, always use a hydrating lip balm. Lip balms containing coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter are highly recommended. You can avoid long-lasting matt lipstick. Lips balms with correct SPF should always be used.

Do not avoid your palms and soles

Parching and cracking of heels are common in winters. To prevent it, you can dip your feet in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes and then apply paraffin and urea-based thick moisturiser on hands and feet.

Oatmeal bath

Oatmeal bath removes dirt but also locks moisture and hydrates the skin. The best natural moisturiser is honey which is full of anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Last but not least, an evergreen solution to dryness is coconut oil.

Consult your dermatologist

In spite of all these precautions, if you still have itchy, dry and flaky skin, one should always consult a dermatologist before it worsens due to eczema or dermatitis.