December and January are generally the months when skincare has utmost importance.  Cold weather and snow can make your skin dry and dull. Winter brings dry skin that is not always shiny. Being the largest organ in the body, skin must be properly protected with the same importance as the other organs. Red spots and dry skin has to be cared for seriously. Itchy skin and itchy lips are common during these times.

Let's start with soaps. Most soaps are high in alkali. It is best not to use soaps that are high in alkali or acid. Softening soaps and bars containing moisturizers are available in medical stores. Properly applying a good oil bath helps in removing dead cells. Cracking of legs is another serious problem in winter. It is beneficial to soak the feet in warm salted water for 10-15 minutes before going to bed at night and applying creams containing mineral oil or moisturizer. Doing the same for the hands is beneficial. Applying moisturizer on the nails and rubbing will prevent the nails from cracking. The outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, is made up of dead cells; we can have healthy skin if we keep our skin dry and take good care of its hygiene.

Although winter in Kerala is not unbearably severe, climate change and fluctuations will invite diseases. Due to the festive season, irregular sleep can also affect the immune system. However, with the advent of colds, flu, and infections, it is time to move on. To get rid of winter skin diseases, including small amounts of oranges, strawberries, and mangoes in your diet. These are a storehouse of vitamin C. Yellow and orange fruits are also rich in Vitamin A and Carotene. These nutrients act as antioxidants, promoting cell health and preventing infections. It prevents cell damage and relieves the effects of aging. If these fruits  and vegetables  are included in the daily diet, the skin will glow and youth will remain the same. Winter is the time to switch to cream cleansers. Choose an oil-based foaming cleanser. Or instead, try cleansing the skin with clean oil. Scrubbing honey helps to cleanse the skin naturally. For this, grind some dried oats, mix it with milk and honey and this mixture can be used as a natural scrub. Use a good moisturizer immediately after a hot shower as the skin loses moisture very easily in winter. To get protection from dry skin, apply a hydrating mask once or twice a week to prevent moisture. Wear sunscreen every day. This is because sun exposure in winter is more harmful to the skin, which increases the pigmentation of the skin and causes the skin to look older. The night is the time when the skin repairs itself. Try to choose a night cream that reduces pigmentation or helps with anti-aging.

The next thing to say is about drinking water. Do not reduce the amount of water you drink as you do not sweat during the winter. It is mandatory to drink at least 8 glasses of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Lack of drinking water can be seen immediately on the skin. This will dull your skin. Winter is also a time we feel hunger the most. Eat dried fruits and nuts when you feel like eating a snack. In winter, do not forget to include green leafy vegetables, fruits, and millets that will keep your body warm and healthy. Exercise well as it is the key to glowing skin. Sweat removes toxins from your body. You can see that the more you work and sweat, the more your skin gets its natural glow. Sleeping well enhances beauty. This will reduce the appearance of dark circles, and blemishes on the skin. With proper skin care in winter, you can look younger and brighter with more radiance and reduced dryness.

The skin is also easily exposed to germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Eczema, scabies, psoriasis, fungal infections, and cracks between the toes are common in cold weather. Silver spots on the skin, cracks on the lips and ankles are common. This is due to the slowing down of the activity of the sebaceous glands which gives coolness and radiance to the body. Phospholipids can be lost for a variety of reasons. Dehydration of the skin is another cause. For dry skin, use petroleum jelly, coconut oil, olive oil or other essential oils to maintain oily skin.