Tips to keep skin healthy in winter

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Tips to keep skin healthy in winter In the UAE, winter means light sweaters and hitting the outdoors again. But with it comes dry, flaky skin and chapped lips. Dr Olfa Fahem, skin beauty advisor at Kaya Skin Clinic, has some tips to keep the skin healthy and hydrated this season. Moisturise more An oil-based moisturiser is preferred, rather than water-based. The oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Lotions containing humectants are advisable because they include glycerine and hydroxyl acids, which attract moisture to the skin. Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck, about 20-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you’re out for a long time. Drop the harsh products If the facial skin is even mildly dry, avoid of harsh scrubs and alcohol-based toners, these will remove vital oils from the skin. Use cleansing milk or mild foaming cleansers. Masks that are deeply hydrating, rather than clay-based, are also helpful. For super-soft hands The skin on our hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. Keep your hands warm at all times to avoid excessive dryness, and keep a hand moisturiser in your bag. Happy feet Foot lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine would be more effective. Use exfoliants (physical ones like coarse loofahs and pumice stone) to get the dead skin off periodically; this will help moisturisers to sink in faster and deeper. Warm it up Lukewarm water is always better than hot or cold. Using a mild bath product or one that is pH balanced helps to maintain skin’s oil balance. Professional care If the dryness or itchiness persists in spite of regular emollient application, visit a professional dermatologist. Hydrate Don’t forget that water is good for our overall health and severely dehydrated skin will definitely benefit from fluids. Citrus fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables are good sources of nutrients. Read the original story at: Tips to keep skin healthy in winter