Cold wind, soft and warm sunlight and a drop in temperature; all are signs of winter. For some people cold winter days bring roses to the cheeks while others feel uncomfortable due to flaky, cracking and itchy skin of the face, hands and feet. Hands and feet are important and prominent parts of our body, and just like we take care that our face looks beautiful and refreshed in winter, in same way we need to pay attention to our hands and feet. It has been observed that women spend a great time on the face, but often tend to ignore their hands and feet. Rough hands and feet look untidy, while soft hands and feet leave a positive impact on personality.

As the humidity levels fall in winter and the air around us gets dry, the skin dehydrates and the protective barriers cracks, leaving the outer skin dry, scaly and itchy. So, with the change in weather it is time that you pay a little extra attention to your hands and feet.

One thing that should be kept in mind is that apart from weather, selection of skin products also contribute to skin condition; harsh soaps and use of hot water strips the moisture from your skin, leaving it dry. Avoid using dry soap, lotion and other drying products.

Get rid of that dry, chapped skin by using these home remedies

The moisturiser that you use in summer and spring may not have the same result in winter. This is the time to change your skin care routine and find lotion and cream that contains glycerine or petroleum jelly. Always moisturise your hands and feet after washing them.

You can prepare a moisturiser at home also by mixing ¼ cup glycerine, ¼ cup lemon juice and ½ cup rose water in a bottle; apply on your hands and feet daily whenever you wash them especially before going to bed. It helps to make skin smooth and soft.

To get rid of dead skin cells exfoliate your hands and feet as well. Make this exfoliate scrub at home. Put 1/2 cup sea salt, ¼ cup coconut oil and four drops of essential oil in a jar and shake well to mix everything. Gently rub a small quantity of this scrub on your hands and feet for five minutes; wash with warm water. Pat dry and then apply lotion. Use this scrub twice a week. Exfoliating hands and feet revitalises and softens the rough skin.

Make it a habit to wear gloves and socks when going out because the skin of our hands is thin, sensitive and delicate, and directly suffers from cold and hard winds.

Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly.

Cracked heels are common in winter and also a sign that you have been ignoring your feet. For getting rid of cracked heels, fill warm water in a tub and add two tablespoon salt; soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes then dry them. Mix one tablespoon petroleum jelly and two drops lemon juice and apply this foot moisturiser on your feet, especially on cracked heels and wear soft cotton socks. Repeat the procedure on a daily basis.

Cold winds leave lines and patches on hands and feet, massage with coconut oil or olive oil twice a week before going to bed and wash with warm water in the morning. The massage will help in removing lines and patches from the skin. You can also combine Multani matti and water to make a smooth paste, apply on hands and feet for 20 minutes and then wash with warm water. This can be done thrice a week.

Make a hand mask by whisking one pinch alum in one egg white; apply on hands and massage for five minutes. Then, wash it with warm water and apply lotion. Use this mask twice a week for beautiful and soft hands.

Hope this winter you will stay soft, smooth and glowing!

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 13th, 2015