White stretches of snow over surfaces. The warm inviting glow of fires in homes. Piping hot cups of soup or cocoa. Kids out skating, cheering one another and laughing happily. These are some of the typical scenes of winter landscape that we have known and seen since childhood. But fact remains that this season is also one of the harshest, demanding we step up our self-care regimen.

It is a challenge to keep our skin (and hair) glowing and nourished during the cold winter months as the moisture content in air is very low and the dry air tends to soak up moisture from everywhere – including skin.

Ruby Walia (Founder of Phool Patti) believes that irrespective of our age and lifestyle there are some vital points that we should remember and follow to keep ourselves looking beautiful, no matter how tough the climatic conditions may be. What’s more, she is firmly of the opinion that each one of us should commence on a daily regimen of caring for our skin and hair from our 20s onwards so that they remain their best lifelong.

Says Ruby,” I have seen women lamenting about loss of their good skin without bothering to put in the effort of caring for it. How can you blame anyone else if you have not looked after it yourself?” Point.

You must put in your bit consistently if you wish to keep your skin and hair in top condition in winter. So, here’s a quick round-up of the basics.

Caring for your Skin

As mentioned, during the severe winter months we tend to experience a natural loss of glow in our skin as precious moisture is lost. This loss results in skin that is dull, dehydrated, rough and often irritated and angry, with cracks and red blotches. Cold and dry air and central heating tend to suck natural oils and water leading to this phenomenon. Other factors as lifestyle and medical conditions may aggravate this further.

Curated skin and hair- care regimens, preferably customized by a specialist, are recommended from one’s late- 20s onwards for long-term benefit.

Face care

Face Wash: The first step involves cleansing and this should be done using a mild face wash. Remember to use only lukewarm water. For oily skin, a salicylic acid based face wash is recommended while for dry skin, you may use hyaluronic or glycerin-based face wash.

Alternatively, you may opt for Ayurvedic homemade cleansers for oily skin like Gram Flour and Turmeric, Honey and Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar or Cucumber and Tomato.

If you have dry skin, you may use fresh, un-boiled Milk as it has Lactic Acid that unclogs pores and removes dead cells. A mixture of plain oats with honey may also be applied as a scrub-cum-cleanser for dry skin. There are other time-tested options as Yogurt- Honey, Gram Flour- Milk and Honey- Egg Yolk -Almond Oil that have worked as natural cleansers for ages. Potato – Rice Flour- Water has been effective in lightening dark spots and smoothening uneven skin tone.

Serum: After your facial skin has been thoroughly cleansed, the next step would be to use an appropriate serum while skin is still hydrated and supple. There are quite a few varieties of serums, so it makes sense to seek the advice of a specialist. Vitamin C serum works to ensure glowing skin. For dullness, a glycolic acid-based serum is recommended. Niacinamide face serum contains antioxidant Vitamin B3 and boosts dermal immunity and works well for sensitive skin. Retinol-based serums are seen to work well for rapid anti-aging while salicylic acid-based serums are suited for acne-prone skin. Since it may be confusing to pick the right one suited to your skin type, it is best to consult your beauty therapist or dermatologist.

Moisturizer: Moisturizing is an extremely vital step in any skin-care routine that should not be skipped by anyone, whether you have dry, normal, oily or combination skin. For those with dry skin, paraffin or glycerin-based moisturizers, with argan oil or shea butter as well as the range of cold-pressed natural oils are recommended. The ones with normal skin may use ceramide-based moisturizers. If you have oily skin, gel-based oil-free moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are recommended.

Sunscreen: During winter months, although the intensity of the sun’s rays is less, UVA rays remain constant and may damage your skin just as they do in summer. Your first line of defense, of course, is your clothing, so take care to cover up your face with UV protected sunglasses and caps and berets when stepping out. Use a scarf or muffler for the area of neck that may be exposed. You should not skip using a sunscreen. There are many varieties available, so it is wise to seek the help of a specialist here who will take into consideration factors like your skin type, age, and lifestyle before recommending.

Makeup: Other than when you are attending an event or a party, it is recommended that makeup should be minimalistic during winter months, as the skin already takes a beating from the natural elements. It is important to double cleanse using micellar water or a cold-pressed natural oil to take off all the makeup and dirt, then use face wash and serum according to your skin type and moisturize while the pores are still open.

Lip balms should be used to keep lips moist and soft, and to prevent dryness, since lips are very sensitive and cracked lips look very unsightly. At Phool Patti, Ruby advises on simple, natural lip balms that are full of goodness and a delight to use.

Body Care
Ruby always advises that you bathe in lukewarm water, even water tending towards cold if you have robust immunity, using mild soaps and body wash. Use a clean towel with deep pile to dry yourself but avoid vigorous scrubbing as your pores are open and skin is moist and tender. For this reason, she stresses on a clean and damp-free towel be used after each bath. Moisturize the skin after your bath while the skin is still hydrated and supple. It works to lock in moisture into the skin.

Remember to look after your hands as they are one of the most hardworking parts of your body. Hand care involves liberal application of paraffin, shea butter, argan or coconut-oil based moisturizers at least 5 times a day.

For foot care, use a foot cream every night and pull on a pair of clean socks to lock the hydration in.

Hair care
During winters, it is equally important to take care of your hair just like your skin, if not more. The dry weather is responsible for several hair issues like dandruff, hair fall, split ends, and dry and frizzy hair and therefore, it becomes essential to pay adequate attention to your mane.
1.Use lukewarm water to wash hair with a mild shampoo that is free of phthalates, sulphates, and parabens. Do not use harsh shampoos.
2. You may shampoo twice a week to keep oil or sebum under control and to clean off dirt. Shampooing on a daily basis leads to frizzy and dry hair.
3.Remember to use a conditioner after every wash to keep your hair hydrated and prevent tangles from forming.
4.Avoid use of heat as far as possible to blow dry or style your hair. Dry your hair at room temperature. Allow your hair to dry properly before you tie or cover it up.
5.Use of hair masks, oiling, or spa treatments once every month will go a long way to retain the moisture in your hair and ensure it shines with good health.
6. Use natural hair color with no harmful chemicals to retain a natural shine and provide nourishment even during dry, winter months.

Remember - Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health of your skin and hair. As Ruby loves to remind herself and her clients – It is what is inside of you that will show outside. No matter how rare or expensive a product you use, it will work on a superficial level. Only you can ensure its total efficacy by maintaining a clean and healthy mind and body. Include fruits and green leafy vegetables generously in your diet, not forgetting local seasonal produce. Drink sufficient water. It will keep you hydrated and ensure your metabolism is working well through the intense chill. A balanced diet consists of all essential food groups. Take care to include them all in your daily diet. On the holistic and spiritual side, mind you spend more time with Energy Givers than Energy Takers. Remember to be Kind. As Khalil Gibran says, “Kindness is like Snow. It beautifies everything it covers.”
May the new year be full of wonderful things for you and your loved ones.