Keeping your skin soft and smooth during winter is a difficult task .However, if we follow certain things then problems can be eliminated. Low humidity inside and outdoors causes dry, itchy and flaky skin. Dry skin particularly affects face, hands and feet.

• According to University of Lowa, avoid taking a daily hot shower as it removes skin’s natural protective oils. Avoid antibacterial soaps and stick to rich cream based soap.

• Choose a good, rich moisturizer and apply it after shower. Select preparations which are creamier and water-in-oil emulsions.

• Lips become easily chapped during winter. Soften them and pamper them throughout the winter. Use lip balm to moisturize the lips. While selecting lip balm one should consider three major points- having good moisturizing properties, providing barrier and protecting lips against the foreign elements, containing vitamin E with olive oil and shea butter which provide good softness.

• One of the major concerns during winter is dry hands and cracked fingers. The dryness of the environment causes water to evaporate quickly, removing moistures from skin. Limit the usage of water during winter.

• Keep your nails moist and prevent them from turning brittle. While doing household chores use protective gloves. Minimize the exposure of the skin to water.

• Dryness on scalp and dandruff is commonly seen during winter. Use medicated shampoo to remove the dandruff.

• Exfoliate weekly to remove dead cells and allow the moisturizer to penetrate deeper into the skin. Avoid over-exfoliation as it causes skin dryness and irritation.

• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. It will also help to detoxify the entire body including liver and gallbladder.

• Have a sound sleep. If you won’t have sufficient sleep your body cells will not have the chance to get renewed as quickly. Degenerative skin aging takes place.

• Don’t forget to use the sunscreen lotion. Ultra violet rays causes dryness during winter season as well as summer season.

• Wet clothing can cause skin irritation , worsen skin dryness and itichiness.If you are wearing in layer remove the outer layer which has become overheated or wet from rain or snow.

• Type of diet intake reflects on your skin and body. It is crucial to incorporate healthy diet during winter. Have a sufficient intake of fresh fruits and green vegetables in the diet. Taking a healthy diet will not only provide you healthy skin but will also keep illness away. Consume flax seed oil or cod liver oil moisturize the skin inside.