Maintaining a proper skin care routine and starting it sooner can help you battle the harsh winter. However, the real key to a well-nourished skin is to choose your products enriched with natural ingredients. Also, remember, moisturise, moisturise, and moisturise. We have all heard it before that moisturiser is our holy grail during the cold season.

Below are some tips to prepare your skin for Winter: 

1. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face: It is tempting to use hot water during the winter season but to save your skin from drying any further use lukewarm water. “Gently clean your face with facewash twice a day. Opt for a face wash that rids the face of impurities and nourishes the skin for brighter complexion. The soap free formula cleanses the skin without stripping the off skin’s natural moisture and provides the hydration healthy skin needs,” says Vinita Jain, Founder and CMD Biotique.

2. Use a toner: A lot of you maybe skipping this step during the winters but a good toner is the key to lock the moisture in your skin. It helps maintaining the pH levels of your skin. A toner helps in replenishing moisture and sustain the skin’s glow.

3. Hydration is key: As you work towards hydrating your skin from the outside remember to stay hydrated from within. Your body will thank you. “Carry your bottle of water everywhere and sip on it every half an hour. Add some lemon slices and mint to add flavour to your water,” adds Jain.

4. Use Lip Balms: We all love our matte lipsticks but it is time to ditch those drying formulations and add some glow to your lips. Remember to exfoliate your lips and use a lip balm to seal in the moisture. This will help your lips from chapping and drying. “The top layer of your lips’ skin is much more delicate than any other part of the body. With winds getting colder, they are most likely to get dried and chapped,” says Harini Sivakumar, Founder and CEO, Earth Rhythm.

5. Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Now that the sun’s heat will be less scorching and we will all enjoy it more, we must not forget that the harmful UV rays are still as prevalent. “I have always stressed on the importance of using sunscreen as a non-negotiable part of your skincare; no matter the weather or if you are stepping out in the sun or not. In winters though, I would recommend to use thicker moisturisers to go with your sunscreens as they help retain the effects of your sunscreens and serums longer,” adds Sivakumar.

6. Moisturise and massage your skin: The cold winters can erase the skin off its natural moisture, leaving it with a sandy texture. It’s extremely important to choose a rich moisturiser to replenish and nourish your skin intensely. A rich body lotion infused with ashwagandha will help rejuvenate skin cells and revive your dull looking skin.