Winter Care Creams

Shahnaz Husain
Seasonal changes influence the skin. Winter is the dry season and the skin loses moisture to the atmosphere. Habitual lack of moisture can lead to excessive dryness, flaking, rough and red skin, skin sensitivity, etc. Therefore, as seasonal changes take place, it is necessary to adjust the daily skin-care routine, using creams that help to prevent moisture loss and also replenish moisture. Moisture is most important to the skin. It helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and supple. The main requirement of the outer layer of the skin is moisture.
If the skin is a normal to dry type, it should be cleansed twice a day, with cleansing cream or gel. A rehydrant cleanser containing aloe vera and lemon would be good, as it helps the skin retain moisture and also moisturizes the skin. Apply the cleanser and wipe it off with moist cotton wool.  At night, cleansing is even more important, in order to remove make-up and other pollutants, which also dry out the skin.
Normal to oily and combination skins may also feel dry during winter, due to dryness of the outermost layer of the skin. Use cleansing milk or face wash containing ingredients like sandalwood, neem and tulsi. Apply it on the face and wipe off with moist cotton wool, or wash off the face wash. Apply a light liquid moisturizer. Or, use a non-oily matte moisturizer.
Dry skins need moisturizing, either with moisturizing milk or a rich moisturizing cream. Moisturizers are available in cream and liquid form. For extreme dryness, it is better to use a cream. Whenever the skin feels dry, apply a liquid moisturizer. If the skin is very dry and dehydrated, a richer cream should be used. A day cream is a protective cream. It is to be kept on during the day. It should also prevent loss of moisture. I recommend a sandalwood protective cream mixed with a moisturizer (according to skin type) and applied for the daytime. It forms an invisible barrier between the skin and the harmful effects of the environment and sun.
We have formulated Platinum Jasmine Moisture Mist, an ideal moisturizing spray, which is designed to recharge, revitalize and refresh the skin. It also replenishes the desired moisture level in the skin. The fine misty spray is instantly absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, leaving the skin satin soft and smooth, with a youthful radiance. It also seals and sets make-up, helping it last longer and providing a smooth finish.
A sunscreen should also be applied 20 minutes before sun-exposure. If you happen to be in the sun for more than an hour, you should re-apply the sunscreen. A sunscreen with SPF 15 to 20 is adequate for most skins, but if the skin is more sensitive, and tends to burn easily, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF of 30 or 40.
A very common question is whether a “night cream” should be applied.
A night cream is basically a nourishing cream and is helpful for normal to dry skins. People who are prone to pimples or have oily skin, should not use night creams. Night nourishing is important to delay the aging process, as people with dry skin are prone to early aging signs. First cleanse the skin. Then apply the night cream on the face and massage with a few drops of water, using circular motions, with slightly upward strokes. Massage for 3 to 4 minutes and then remove all cream with moist cotton wool. Apply outer-eye cream around the eyes and remove with moist cotton wool after 10 minutes. Apply the night cream on the neck too and massage with strokes starting from the chin and going downwards. Use both hands to massage the neck, one hand following the other. Apply a cream containing almond on the lips and leave it on all night. This would help to soften the skin. In fact, lip balms are also very helpful in healing the skin on the lips, preventing chapped lips and keeping them soft and smooth. As a home remedy, one can apply almond oil. Daily care is very important.

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