A guide to winter-proofing your skin

Every season comes with its own set of skincare dos and don’ts. Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you want to stay soft, supple, and glowing this winter. Keep some of your summer habits – To be more precise, don’t give up your habits like keeping hydrated and using sunscreen. You are most likely to feel less thirsty in winter, but that doesn’t mean you drop your water intake. Winter can really dry out your skin, and the best way to fight it is to keep yourself hydrated. Talking about sunscreen, remember that though the warmth of the winter sun feels perfect, the rays still have the same damaging effect as before. So don’t forget to apply your sunscreen; you still need it. Pre-shower scrubs – Before stepping into the shower, go for a quick scrub. But instead of using one of those granulated formulas, opt for a creamy scrub and use a soft-bristled brush to slough away dead skin cells. Capitalise on baths – There’s nothing like a hot water bath in winter, isn’t it? But we bet you already know that hot water can strip your hair and skin off essential oils. But it’s still so tempting, and we totally get it. The solution — bath oils. Add some generous drops of essential oil to your tub and enjoy a nice soak. Indulge in more foot spas – Don’t ignore your precious feet as they tend to get drier in winter. If you’re going in for a spa, give special attention to your feet in winters. Cracked heels, flaking feet, and dry soles are not a pretty sight, so ensure you’re moisturising them well. Slather on some cold cream or even petroleum jelly and start wearing socks to bed. It’ll keep you warm and work wonders on your feet. Don’t lick your lips – Because that would just aggravate the situation. Moistening your lips with your tongue every time it gets dry is the worst thing you can do to your lips. A hydrating lip balm that’s enriched with sunscreen will be your lip’s best friend this winter so make sure you’ve got one in your bag. Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.