Winter makeup tips for dry skin

    02-Jan-2025
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Shahnaz Husain
As the winter chill sets in,  women often find themselves grappling with the challenges of dry and flaky skin
Dry skin is a major concern throughout the year, and the winters make matters more challenging.
Low humidity during winters, strips moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling parched and vulnerable. Indoor heating and hot water baths can further dry out your skin, while harsh winds cause irritation and sensitivity. It leads to dry patches or a rough texture, often accompanied by redness and irritation and your skin may start to show signs of dullness.
Winter skincare is all about hydration. Invest in nourishing products that keep your skin moisturised and shield it from the harsh elements. The right makeup products, techniques and tools for dry skin in winter can enhance your skin’s natural texture and give you a fresh, radiant finish.
1--Cleanse  gently
Cleansing your face is a crucial step in your winter makeup routine.
The cold air makes your skin delicate, yearning for a gentle touch.  
You can begin by using cream-based skincare cleanser to remove impurities from the skin, without stripping your skin off natural oils. It will help to slough off all kinds of dirt and dead skin cells that may have built upon the surface of your skin.
Poorly cleansed skin doesn’t allow makeup products to settle and blend in properly. Hence, you should prioritise cleansing in your winter makeup routine.
Start with a nourishing face wash  because it suits all skin types. This will help remove impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture. Follow up with a hydrating serum,  it will provide your skin with an extra layer of moisture, making it a perfect base for makeup.
Use a hydrating cleanser twice a day to wipe off all dirt, oil, or makeup. For best results, use a mild scrub twice a week to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores.
2--Hydrate your skin
Winter air tends to be dry, leading to dehydration of the skin. Before applying any makeup, ensure that your skin is well-hydrated by using a nourishing cleansing balm and hydrating moisturiser suitable for your skin type.  Incorporate serums, moisturizers, and face mists into your routine with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. A moisturising serum containing hyaluronic acid may be used after using a mild cleanser. To get a smooth surface for makeup, seal in moisture with a thick moisturiser that is high in ceramides. Apply moisturizer right after you cleanse to lock in the moisture left on your skin.
Cleansing balms contain hydrating ingredients such as peptides and shea butter. These ingredients work to lock in moisture as they cleanse, preventing your skin from feeling stripped or tight. Drink plenty of water, soup, and juice, to maintain internal hydration, supporting your skin from within.
Using a hydrating primer is essential for dry skin in winter. It creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing moisture loss. But make sure you apply it before your foundation. When you have dry skin,   avoid ingredients such as salicylic acid, para- bens, and alcohol. These ingredients can tend to dry out the skin.
3--- Exfoliate Your Skin
If you want healthy, smooth skin, exfoliation needs to be a part of your skincare routine to slough off dull skin. Increasing your exfoliation routine during the winter  months will help your skincare products absorb deeper and work even harder—making them way more effective. Exfoliation also boosts blood circulation, facilitates collagen production and speeds up cell turnover, leaving your skin feeling fresher, clearer and brighter. However  over- exfoliation   can strip away your skin's natural oils and cause irritation. You really shouldn’t be exceeding exfoliation twice  per week  using a gentle product like lactic acid to avoid over-drying or irritation. Regular exfoliation can help smooth the skin, though you’ll want to take care to choose the right exfoliation method.If you have sensitive or dry skin, use a gentle chemical exfoliator to avoid irritation or redness. For people with acne-prone or oily skin, it is best to opt for physical exfoliators that unclog your pores and cut through oil on your skin. However, avoid abrasive physical exfolia-tors.
Opt to exfoliate in the evenings  because you are removing the top layer of skin, you are leaving your face immediately more vulnerable.
4--Lip  Care-
Your lips seek attention and chapped lips are a common winter problem.
Even the most perfect appearance might be ruined by cracked lips.
Use creamy lipsticks with hydrating formulas that    helps keep your lips moisturized all day long. Be sure to apply a lip primer before adding colours to your pout.
Use lipstick that  has natural ingredients and a nourishing formula for the lips. A natural lipstick will keep your lips moist and prevent chapping. Stay away from long-wearing matte finish lipsticks that very likely will dry your lips out and settle in the cracks of your lips. Instead, opt for a nutritious lip mask and leave it on all night. Apply a moisturising lip balm underneath your lipstick during the day. Select lipsticks with a satiny, creamy texture to maintain the suppleness and softness of your pout. Also, start exfoliating your lips gently using a lip scrub at least once a week.