Winter skin and hair care tips

Prothom Alo File photo
Prothom Alo File photo

During winter the environment becomes very dusty. The skin turns rough and dull leaving it cracked and itchy. It just needs a little bit of time and extra care to fight the winter woes.

Dermatologist Sharmin Sultana of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) shared tips for the winter skin care.

Sultana Sharmin suggested avoiding soap during winter. Moisturiser must used to avoid the skin getting rough. In order to maintain hydrated skin one should regularly use moisturiser before going for sleep and after bathing. Using olive oil also adds a glow to skin.

The entire body needs special care during this season as the drop in temperature and cold wind leave the skin dull.

Hair Care: Dandruff is a common winter problem. Use anti-dandruff shampoo twice or thrice a week. Keep the shampoo in the hair for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Hand and Foot Care: Using Vaseline or glycerin is a good way to get rid of cracked skin on hands and feet.

Skin care: A creamy moisturiser will help protecting dry skin. Those with acne problems may mix little water with the moisturiser before application. Applying sunscreen is a must 30 minutes before going outside.

Lip Care: Lips have a greater tendency to dry in cold and dry weather causing lips to crack. Constant licking of the lips also causes dryness and irritation. Sometimes the skin peels of off and the lips bleed. Press a cloth dampened in luke warm water three or four times on the lips and apply Vaseline or glycerin lightly afterwards. Keep lip care products in the purse and use it three or four times a day.

Nail Care: Manicure and pedicures once a month helps preventing nail splits.

Avoid showering in scalding hot water. Try taking showers with warm water mixing few drops of jojoba or almond oil to keep the skin hydrated and smooth.

Head beautician, Amena Haque of Navin’s beauty parlour shared few tips regarding hair care. She said, ‘Cold and dryness in winter dries the hair. Lack of moisture in the air damages the hair and ruins the glare. She advised to shampoo hair not more than twice a week. It is wise to apply oil two hours before shampooing the hair. Deep conditioning is the one thing that is a must for the winter for keeping hair lustrous and strong.

In order to avoid dandruff Amena Haque suggested using lemon juice on the scalp.

*The piece appeared in the print version of Prothom Alo and has been re-written by Faria Islam