We’ve heard the warning before: “Winter is coming.” Have you ever wondered why do we specially need to be prepared for winters?

It’s time to face the facts: Winter weather is not fun for skin. As temperatures fall and the air gets drier, your skin pays the price. Cold weather steals moisture away from the skin and makes it dry. Without immediate care, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding, and harsh winter wind makes the problem worse.

The skin as a protective barrier

We, as Indians, are very proud of our Jawans who protect our borders from foreign enemies. All the nations have armies protecting their borders to maintain their sovereignty. Just like our country has soldiers, our body also has a great guardian, an indefatigable soldier protecting it from the onslaught of nature’s forces. This soldier also protects us from other contaminants such as dust and various pollutants. Have you guessed yet who that soldier is? That soldier is our skin! Our skin is constantly on the job, day in, day out! Our skin protects us when we sleep, when we eat, when we hit the gym, when we are at the movies, basically every minute of every day!

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of our body? It keeps us from the harshness of the environment and is responsible for our ‘being’. However, sometimes, we forget to provide this brave warrior with the necessary tools to do its job properly. Our skin constantly loses water from its surface. This water loss is regulated by our skin’s natural oils which form a barrier all over our skin. Especially in the winter, when the chill in the air nips at our nose and finger tips, our skin is at its most vulnerable.

Introduction to skin in winter

In the winter, the drop in temperature causes the moisture in the air to decrease. This means that our skin loses more of its inherent moisture. This makes our skin feel taught, rough and scratchy. Our skin’s natural oils are no longer ‘good enough’ to keep our skin soft and supple. Not only does moisture deprived skin look rough and dull, losing moisture can cause cracks in the skin. This means that the borders protecting our body are vulnerable, through which dirt and pathogens can enter, causing infections.

So what can you do to keep your skin happy and supple? The answer is simple: moisturize it.

Choose Moisturizer Carefully

A good, heavy duty moisturizer can be a godsend and can provide almost instantaneous relief from itchy, scratchy, stretched feeling skin.However, do we think about the extra moisture our skin needs during the harsh winter months? The skin needs a good moisturizer that will create a barrier and prevent the skin’s moisture from being pulled out by the cool temperature. A good, deep, moisturizing cream acts as an emollient which keeps the skin healthy.The word ‘emollient’ comes from the Latin word ‘mollire’ which means ‘to soften’. So, a moisturizer which keeps skin smooth and soft, also helps the skin maintain a tight barrier. This helps the skin keep pollutants, dirt and even microorganisms at bay, thus preventing infections. Be sure to choose a smart formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Go for an oil-based rather than a water-based solution, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture in the winter.

Winter Care Essentials

You might not need much moisturizer during summer but, if you really wish to stay beautiful and healthy during winter, moisturizers and creams would be essential. Below are the products that are essential to support that soldier (you skin) protecting your body.

• Calamine Lotion – Calamine Lotion is not only good for dry skin but also is a quick remedy if you have oily skin. So, this winter go for Calamine Lotion without any second thoughts.
• Body Lotion – It is nourishing bit more than usual! Choose a non-sticky body lotion which you can apply on a daily basis. Apart from providing nutrients to your skin, it will leave your skin smooth and radiant.
• Moisturizing Cream – The moisturizing cream is ideal for hydrating dry skin during winter and can be a good option to maintain soft and beautiful skin even during the harsh winter months.
• Cold Cream – The winter defence cream is a must to ensure maximum nourishment of the skin.
• Lip Balm – Chapped lips are a fact of life during winter, but by regularly applying a hydrating balm, one can stay ahead of the dryness.

So remember folks, this holiday season, that soldier is under your command and the beauty is within you. Just give it a boost! Major winter is marching towards us! Call on the troops and moisturize!