During the winter season, your skin needs extra TLC as the chilly air, low humidity, and indoor heating often rob it of its natural moisture. It can leave your skin dry, flaky and overly sensitive. While
exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and reveal a healthy glow, over-exfoliating or using harsh products, especially during the winter, can do more harm than good. The key is to exfoliate gently and nourish simultaneously.
We speak to Dr Blossom Kochhar, a pioneer in Aromatherapy, who shares several easy-to-follow steps on how you can add exfoliation to your skincare routine this winter without damaging your skin:
Begin with a gentle, creamy cleanser
Before exfoliating, always start with a mild, moisturising cleanser to prepare your skin. A natural way to do this is by using a simple homemade blend of milk cream and a pinch of turmeric powder. The lactic acid in milk gently dissolves impurities, while turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin.
Choose the right exfoliator for winter skin
Winter calls for gentle exfoliation, and your best bet is a mild, natural scrub that polishes the skin without drying it out. An excellent option is an oatmeal and sandalwood scrub, made by blending one teaspoon of oatmeal with a quarter teaspoon of sandalwood powder.
Oatmeal works as a gentle, natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells, clearing away impurities, and restoring smoothness while retaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Sandalwood, on the other hand, has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation and reduce redness, making it ideal for sensitive winter skin.
To use, gently massage the scrub in circular motions for one to two minutes, focusing on areas like the nose, chin, and forehead where dead skin tends to accumulate. Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid stripping away essential oils. This gentle exfoliation technique instantly revives dull, dry skin, leaving it soft, supple, and ready to absorb moisture from your next skincare step.
Follow up with overnight nourishment
After exfoliation, your skin needs deep hydration. One popular remedy is to blend one tablespoon of milk cream with a few drops of glycerine, castor oil, and rose water. Apply it generously to your face, neck, and hands before bedtime, and leave it overnight. By morning, your skin feels supple, nourished, and perfectly balanced.
Winter Exfoliation Tips For Soft, Supple Skin
● Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating too often; once or twice a week is enough.
● Always moisturise immediately after exfoliating.
● Drink plenty of water and include healthy fats in your diet to keep skin hydrated from within.
● Use lukewarm, not hot, water for cleansing and rinsing.
Exfoliation in winter should be gentle, mindful, and balanced. It’s not about scrubbing away the skin’s natural oils but about revealing freshness while preserving moisture. When you pair exfoliation with nourishment, your skin stays healthy, smooth, and glowing, even when the temperature drops.”
