Winter is on its way, and while we’re all looking forward to cosy sweaters, hot chocolate and bundling up, our skin may not be quite as enthusiastic. The cold weather, indoor heating, and dry air can leave skin feeling parched, itchy, and tight. It’s that time of year when even the oiliest skin can feel like it’s pleading for a little TLC. Here’s a guide to winter body care that’ll keep your skin smooth, soft, and hydrated all season long.
(Image source- Marsallime/Instagram)
1. Upgrade Your Shower Routine
A hot shower feels like pure bliss in the winter, but it can also be your skin’s worst enemy. The hotter the water, the more it strips the skin of natural oils that are already in short supply during winter. Try to keep your shower on the warm side - not scalding hot - and limit it to around 10 minutes. Using a moisturising body wash, preferably one with gentle, hydrating ingredients like oatmeal, glycerine, or shea butter, will leave your skin feeling clean but not stripped.
Look for whipped and mousy body washes like Marsallime’s Shower Pudding that cleanses and softens your skin, while leaving a subtle fragrant note behind.
(Image Source- Shankara/Instagram)
2. Choose A Heavier Moisturiser
Your go-to lightweight lotion might not cut it in winter. Instead, look for a richer cream or body butter packed with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides, and oils like jojoba or almond oil. Apply it right after you step out of the shower, while your skin is still a bit damp. This helps to lock in that extra moisture and gives your skin a nice, smooth finish.
The Saundarya Oil from Shankara is a rooted Indian formulation with organic ingredients like hemp seed oil, vitamin E, jasmine and ylang ylang that nourish and hydrate your skin while perfuming it.
(Image Source- Neude Skin / Instagram)
3. Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It
When skin gets dry, it can get flaky too. Exfoliating is a great way to remove those dead skin cells, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can make dry skin worse. Aim for a gentle scrub once a week, and use something with hydrating ingredients, like a sugar scrub with added oils. If you prefer chemical exfoliants, look for gentle ones with lactic acid, which is known for its hydrating properties along with exfoliation.
If you like the feeling of a scrub, Batti and co's Detan Brew, a cream-based body scrub that feels like a warm hug for your skin, packed into a jar. This non-foaming scrub is completely plantbased, featuring walnut shell, coffee, and chocolate.
Perfect for post-sun care (yes, winter sun can be harsh too!), this ultra-fine formulation is crafted to protect your skin from sun damage while addressing the effects of cold weather. It works wonders to improve blood flow, enhance skin density, and lock in hydration. Plus, it tackles winter dryness with luxurious care, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
4. Hydrate From The Inside
Our skin shows what’s going on inside, so winter body care isn’t just about what you’re putting on—it’s about what you’re putting inside too. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, and include hydrating foods like fruits and veggies in your diet. Herbal teas are also a great way to keep hydrated while staying warm.
(Image Source- Loccitane / Instagram)
5. Don't Forget Your Hands And Feet
Hands and feet are especially prone to dryness in winter because they’re often exposed to the elements or confined in shoes and gloves. Keep a hand cream in your bag and apply it after washing your hands to prevent them from getting cracked. For your feet, a thick, hydrating foot cream before bed can work wonders. If they’re feeling extra rough, put on a pair of socks after applying cream for deep, overnight hydration.
Your hands and feet often bear the bigger brunt of the dry weather and what better than a favourite - L’occitane’s hand cream with shea butter. The cream is an emollient, the right amount of thick and extremely hydrating. You can count on this hydrating hero for your hands and your feet and it does double duty efficiently.
6. Keep A Lip Balm Handy
Chapped lips are practically synonymous with winter, so a good lip balm is your best friend. Look for balms that contain ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or shea butter. These help to create a protective barrier on the lips and prevent moisture loss. Avoid licking your lips, which can dry them out even more, and reapply throughout the day for soft lips.
(Image source- The Bare Bar/ Instagram)
7. Cut Down On Alcohol-Based Perfumes
Nothing compares to smelling warm, musky and fragrant on a chilly winter day. But your regular perfumes contain alcohol that dry your skin. Switch to The Bare Bar’s natural deodorants that are made from pure ingredients, are cream-based and come in a variety of fragrances, which perfume your skin in the gentlest way with lasting impact.