Tips to take Care of Dry skin in Winter

In winter your skin will be dry and at times you feel itchy due to skin dryness. When you scratch your skin you experience burning sensation as your skin is hurt due to rubbing.

Our skin has small oil glands dotted all over it. The oil glands secrete a natural oil to keep our skin soft and help to prevent drying of skin. In addition the cells of skin also contain protective layer made of fats and proteins. This layer actually locks the moisture and protects our skin from harsh outside environment. When you expose your skin to harsh climate and pollution filled environment the skin is left dry. Taking long hot water shower is another major reason for skin dryness as this strips off the natural oil on skin and they can also disrupt the protective layer of fat and protein.

Ayurveda description about Dry skin

The type of skin is determined by tridoshas. The Dosha, which is dominant in skin, determines the type and quality of the skin. When Vata dosha is dominant, the skin will be dry, thin, delicate and cool (to touch). When vata dosha becomes imbalanced in body and skin , the skin becomes rough, scaly and wrinkled.

Therefore for skin care avoid long hot water showers to prevent dry skin condition. Ayurveda acharyas recommend a lukewarm water bath instead of hot water. A “just warm” water bath helps to retain the natural oil from oil glands of skin and also protect the protein –fat protective layer of skin. Warm water also balances doshas present in the skin.

Warm water bath is recommended to maintain skin texture. Warm water bath for a short time increases blood circulation through skin and helps in increased supply of essential nutrients and oxygen. It removes the dust, dirt and excess grease accumulated on skin.

You must start your day with rejuvenating, healthy, just warm water bath.

In winter when the external weather is extremely cold and chilly breeze around you can apply face packs for dry skin. Dry skin leads to wrinkles and makes a person look aged. Dry skin can be kept soft and smooth by increasing moisture level of skin. Air conditioned rooms, sun rays, harsh soaps worsen the condition.

Also read: Quick and Easy Natural Homemade Beauty Face Mask

Face packs for dry skin

• Take few slices of a ripe papaya and scoop its pulp. Mash it well and mix with honey, milk and rose water. Apply this mask and wash it off with lukewarm water after an hour.
• Mash half portion of a ripe banana and mix it with rose water. Apply this pack and wash it off with lukewarm water after 1 hour.
• Take 5 to 6 almonds and soak it over night. Mix it well with little milk and apply this pack. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

You can alternate these face packs to get a clear skin.

Also read: 6 Popular Homemade Beauty Face Mask

Few dos and don’ts for dry skin

• Take steam for face before applying face pack.
• Always wash off face packs with lukewarm water.
• Avoid air conditioned rooms and refrigerated foods and drinks.
• Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juice and include vegetables in your diet eg: salads
• Do not take long showers especially with hot water
• Use scarves and warm clothes to cover your face and avoid chilly weather.

There are plenty of products available in the market eg: moisturizers and cold cream. Be wise and select mild , herbal varieties to prevent skin dryness.

Moisturize-Secret for dry skin care

You really need to moisturize your skin. And, everyone will tell you that it is best to apply our moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp. This applies to your face, your hands, and the rest of your body. In addition to keeping in your body’s own oils, the moisturizer will also help to protect you skin as a barrier to the cold.

The hands actually take a bigger hit with the cold than anywhere else on your body. So, keep a good hand moisturizer around and use if often, especially if you wash your hands a lot during the days. Use hand gloves. When it’s cold outside, be nice your hands and protect them from the wind and cold.

Take great care of your skin and you will look great with skin glowing and soft.

QUICK AND EASY NATURAL HOMEMADE BEAUTY FACE MASK

Face packs done at home makes your skin look young, it is very economical too. Skin treatment products are available abundantly in the market, they are expensive too. Every one cannot afford  expensive creams and lotions to moisturize and do skin care. However it is important to take good care of your skin. As it is popularly said that face is the mirror of our feelings and expresses our emotions too. Taking care of the face, eyes, lips , nose becomes extremely important.

Lime or Lemon is a common ingredient used in several homemade face masks due to its natural skin whitening property. Face masks, facial masks, and body masks made from ingredients available at home save a lot of money. You can ascertain benefits of facial masks only after some time.

Do a test prior to know if it suits your skin . Apply a little on the inner side of the wrist. If you feel itchy or redness of skin appears then do not apply on skin and neck.

You should follow a mild massage prior to application of face masks.  It helps exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Caution for Dry Skin: – Always wash your face with lukewarm water; do not wash with hot or cold water. While making face packs do not add water as an ingredient, you can add rosewater instead of water. Do not use soap to clean the mask.

Caution for Oily Skin: – Wash your Face with lukewarm water and then with cold water. While washing with lukewarm pores on your skin open’s and you can wash off the oil present in the pores. After that you need to close the pores, so that dust does not move inside, for that wash your face with cold water. Do not use soap to clean the mask.

How can you do this. Follow the quick and easy natural home made beauty face packs as per your type of skin .Some of the popular face masks with fruits and veggies are:

Papaya Egg mask

Papaya Egg face mask will brighten the skin complexion and cure tan.

Ingredients used:

• ½ cup blended papaya ( skin firming, anti aging and helps skin tone)
• 1 egg white (smooth complexion, tightens skin, high protein content)
• 5 teaspoons yogurt ( helps moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging )
• 1 teaspoon honey  (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial property)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice  (improves complexion,  helps skin whitening)

Preparation of Papaya Egg face mask:

Blend all the ingredients in a mixer to form a thick fine paste. It will be foamy and smell unpleasant due to presence of egg white . Transfer into a plastic bowl.  Apply the pack gently over moist face. Retain it for 15 minutes.

Rinse it off with lukewarm water.  Recommended once a fortnight.

The lime rind can be applied over the nails. Very good on dark neck too.

Tomato mask

The benefits of tomato face pack is for individuals exposed to sunlight daily. Tomatoes absorbs oil from your skin and moisturizes skin , gram flour exfoliates your skin making it glowing with radiance.

Ingredients used:

• 2 medium sized tomatoes (improves complexion, anti-oxidant, wrinkle free effect, helps skin whitening)
• Besan / gram flour (deep cleanse, exfoliate the skin )
• 1 lime  (improves complexion,  helps skin whitening)

Preparation of tomato face mask:

Cut tomato, add lime juice and blend it in a mixer to a thick puree . Transfer the puree into a plastic bowl. To this add gram flour to maintain thick consistency. Apply the paste all around your face and let it remain for 10 to 15 mins.

Wash the face pack gently with cold water . This pack can be applied daily .

Cucumber mask

Cucumber pack is ideal for normal skin and oily skin. Cucumber pack is quick and easy to make and therefore very popular among women across the globe. This pack is highly beneficial for the individuals who have dark circles and blemishes.

Ingredients used:

• 1 cucumber (moisturizes skin, cooling effect )
• 1 teaspoon honey  (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial property)

Preparation of cucumber face mask:

Peel the cucumber , cut into small pieces and blend it in a mixer. Transfer the cucumber puree into a plastic bowl. To this add honey and mix thoroughly to form a fine paste. Place the plastic bowl into the refrigerator for about 30 to 45 minutes . Apply the cool pack on your face and let it remain for 10 to 12 minutes.

Wash the face with cold water and gently pat with a soft towel. Can be done twice a week. Cucumber pack absorbs impurities from skin, rejuvenates skin and prevents discoloration and skin darkening due to sun rays.

Note: To minimize dark circles below eyes , place used tea bags on the closed eyes . You can also dip thick cotton pads in tea and place it on the eyes. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. This posture also relaxes your body. Keep thinking positive and keep your mind away from stress.

Banana yogurt mask

Banana yogurt mask makes your skin feel young and lively.

Ingredients used:

• 1/3 banana  (anti-bacterial property, cures acne and warts)
• ½ cup yogurt ( helps moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging )
• 1 teaspoon honey  (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial property)

Preparation of Banana Yogurt face mask:

Mash banana in a mixer along with yogurt and honey. Transfer this to a plastic bowl. Mix and apply gently over moist face and neck. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Wash off the mask with cold water. Wipe with soft towel and you will be amazed with the result. Your face will be radiating with the fresh glow. Your skin will feel soft. Can be done twice a week.

Mashed banana mixed with yogurt or honey is ideal for hair. Relieves dryness, dandruff and makes hair shiny and smooth.

Apple face mask

Ingredients used:

• 1 apple  (skin tone, relieves sunburn, anti-bacterial property )
• 1 egg yolk (anti-aging, prevents acne formation, natural moisturizer)
• 3 teaspoons milk ( improves skin complexion, prevents sun burn)

Preparation of Apple face mask:

Peel the apple and blend in a mixer . To this add egg yolk and milk and blend again. Transfer this to a plastic bowl. Apply the mask gently over your face and neck in circular motions. Leave it for 8 to 10 minutes. This mask gives a unpleasant smell due to the presence of egg. But not to worry the results are excellent.  Wash the face pack gently with lukewarm water. Remember to use some room fragrance to remove bad smell from the rooms.

You can grab any of the above ingredients from the kitchen and make your day. There is no wastage and the masks are very easy to make and economical too.

6 POPULAR HOMEMADE BEAUTY FACE MASK

Natural homemade face masks can do wonders to your skin. The new look achieved makes you look attractive and you are confident to face the world. There are no side effects. Very beneficial for women who are working as the face masks done at home saves time. You can apply the face masks and continue domestic work . You can avoid visit to parlor or spa during time constraints.

Skin tone varies for each individual and therefore you can test try and finalize the mask that suits your skin. Face masks used regularly improves skin condition. The face masks made of fruits and natural resources are healthy as they have vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for healthy glowing skin.

You need to be sure the face masks suits your skin. Apply a little on the inner side of the wrist. If you feel itchy or redness of skin appears then do not apply on skin and neck.

You can do a mild massage prior to application of face masks.  It helps exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Some of the popular natural homemade face masks with basic ingredients available in your kitchen are:

Red Sandalwood Face Mask

Red sandalwood powder is an excellent remedy to remove mild scars and marks and give even skin tone. Red sandal wood face mask makes you beautiful and fair.

Ingredients used:

• ½ teaspoon Red sandal wood powder ( removes marks and gives good skin tone)
• 2  teaspoons  Green gram flour ( natural scrub, supports as a base)
• ½ teaspoon Neem powder ( natural anti- fungal property)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh milk  ( adds nourishment to skin)
• ½ teaspoon Honey ( helps skin tightening thus reducing appearance of mild wrinkles)

Preparation of Red sandalwood face mask:

In a plastic bowl take all ingredients and mix thoroughly into a fine paste. The pack is ready. An alternate to neem powder will be neem leaves paste (grind leaves into a smooth paste with little water) .

Wash your face and apply this pack on face and neck.  If your skin type is dry then apply a little almond oil on face prior to applying this mask. This mask should be retained for 25 to 40 minutes. Then wash it off with cold water.

You can apply the Red sandalwood face mask atleast once a week. Your skin will be glowing and look clear as the sessions go by.

Note: You can mix sandalwood powder and rose water to a fine thick paste and apply over your face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.  Gives a radiant glowing skin.

Turmeric face pack

Ingredients used:

• 2  teaspoons  Turmeric powder (anti-bacterial property, anti septic property and anti aging property)
• 3  teaspoons  Besan / chick pea flour (deep cleanse, exfoliate the skin )
• teaspoon Almond oil ( penetrates into skin and makes skin moist)
• 4  teaspoons  Fresh milk  ( adds nourishment to skin)
• teaspoons  Honey ( anti-aging property, absorbs and retains moisture, anti-bacterial property)

Preparation of Turmeric face mask:

In a plastic bowl take all ingredients and mix thoroughly into a thick fine paste. Wash your face and apply this pack on face and neck.  This mask should be retained for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wash it off.

You can apply turmeric pack twice a week. Your skin will be glowing . After the facial mask your skin will become soft, smooth and radiant.

Note: You can apply turmeric pack made with turmeric powder, milk and honey on legs and hands. It minimizes facial hair and skin becomes soft and radiant.

Yogurt Honey mask

Ingredients used:

• 2 teaspoons yogurt  /curd (helps moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging, relieve sunburn and reduce discoloration)
• 2 teaspoons honey  (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial property)

Preparation of Yogurt honey face mask:

In a plastic bowl take yogurt and honey. Mix thoroughly into a fine paste. Wash your face and apply this pack onto a clean moist face and neck.  Yogurt honey face mask should be retained for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wash it off.

You can apply yogurt honey mask twice a week. Your skin will be glowing and clear of skin problems . Benefits of yogurt is it moisturizes, penetrates, hydrates the skin , and lo…you have a soft and supple skin.

Oat meal mask

Ingredients used:

• ¼ cup oatmeal ( dead skin exfoliation, skin cleanser)
• 5 teaspoons of blended papaya ( skin firming, anti aging and helps skin tone)
• 2 teaspoons honey  (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial property)

Preparation of oat meal face mask:

In a plastic bowl mix oatmeal, blended papaya and honey to a thick paste. Apply the pack gently over face. Retain it for 10 minutes.

Rinse it off with lukewarm water.  Your skin will feel soft and smooth. Oatmeal is good if added into water used for bathing too. Recommended once a week.

Multanni mitti mask

Ingredients used:

• 2 teaspoons multanni mitti / Fuller’s earth (it cleans pores, minimizes blemishes of acne and pimples)
• 2 teaspoons sandal wood powder ( removes marks and gives good skin tone)
• 2 teaspoons rose water

Preparation of Multanni  mitti face mask:

In a plastic bowl mix multanni mitti ,sandalwood powder and rosewater into a fine paste. Apply it gently over your face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the face pack gently with cold water Multanni  mitti face mask is excellent for an oily skin because it removes the excess oil from your skin and it tightens the pores as well. To be done twice a week.

Besan flour mask

Ingredients used:

• ½ cup Besan flour (deep cleanse, exfoliate the skin )
• 5 teaspoons yogurt ( helps moisturize, fight acne)

Preparation of Besan flour face mask:

In a plastic bowl mix besan flour and yogurt into a fine thick paste. To maintain consistency add milk (optional) . Apply it gently over your face and neck, ensure moist skin. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off the mask with cold water.

Besan flour mask is ideal for the skin which has a bad acne condition, cleanses pores thereby preventing black head formation and outbreak of acne. Can be done twice a week.

Follow the routine and enjoy owning a good glowing face.