Care for teenage skin during winter
We are all born with good skin. But, as we grow older, the skin is influenced by many factors, like our diet, habits, lifestyle and physical changes. Teenage is a time when there is much hormonal activity. This also affects oil glands, leading to oily skin, blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. During winter, when the humidity is less, even an oily skin may feel dry. It feels stretched and taut soon after washing with soap and water. However, this may be superficial dryness of the outer layer and the application of heavy creams may lead to clogging of the pores and acne. So, it is necessary to understand your skin and give it the care it needs.
Good health and physical fitness are important for healthy, glowing skin. Daily exercise adds a healthy glow by improving blood circulation to the surface. Adequate sleep is a beauty treatment in itself. Diet plays an important role too. Sweets, chocolates, cola drinks, fried foods and snacks can have a detrimental effect. Lack of fibre in the diet can lead to constipation and a congested system. This gives rise to pimples and acne. So, include fruits, raw salads, sprouts and lightly-cooked vegetables in your daily diet. Drink plenty of water and take fresh fruit juices diluted with water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning.
During winter, use a cleansing milk or face wash for your skin. Then wipe the face with a skin tonic, using cotton wool. You can also mix rose water with an astringent lotion in equal quantities and use it to tone the skin after cleansing. This improves blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow. You can also go for a “clean-up” treatment at a beauty salon. It includes removal of stubborn blackheads.
A “pick-me-up” face mask can leave your skin clean and glowing. When the skin looks dull, mix one teaspoon each honey, lemon juice and rose water with egg white and apply it on the face. Wash off with water after 20 minutes. Then give the skin a compress with the cold rose water soaked cotton wool pads.
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Shahnaz Husain is a pioneer and leader of the herbal beauty care movement based on Ayurveda. As CMD of the Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies, she heads the largest organization of its kind in the world with a global network of salons, spas and beauty training academies.
