Yes, that is totally possible. If anyone tells you otherwise, give him/her the royal ignore. Be aware of the do’s and don’ts to follow to get the kind of skin which turns heads. Fair or dark doesn’t matter. What matters is clear, glowing skin which speaks of fine health; a cheerful temperament (a good skin certainly gives you much to be cheerful about); and care. A soft, supple skin doesn’t depend on expensive cosmetics plugged by the film stars. It depends on sensible eating, drinking sufficient fluids, sleeping adequately, exercising, and some routine care daily.
Winter means that the air is drier, even though in some places humidity remains troublesome. In northern and western India, your skin tends to feel as it has been run through a dryer. Keep in mind that dry skin can even cause eczema, painful cracks, and psoriasis. To prevent that dry, pinched look, you need to be well hydrated, while moisturizing the outer skin all over your body — not just your face. Always wash your face or bathe in lukewarm water as very hot water makes your skin drier by robbing it of natural oils. Cleanse your facial skin of grit by washing with clear water at least twice a day. And, use a night cream daily, unless you have a very oily skin.
The best natural moisturizers are honey, and milk. They make the skin very soft and supple. Gently moisturize immediately after you wash your face, or bathe — but avoid the water based moisturizers. Don’t neglect moisturizing your hands after doing the dishes, or washing the clothes. Quick tip: You could coat your hands with Vaseline petroleum jelly, and allow it to soak for a minute or two before doing housework. That will protect your hands from the worst effects of harsh detergents, and dishwashers.
However, if you are susceptible to blackheads, or breakouts like acne, avoid oil based moisturizers. Instead, you should opt for products which contain glycerin, ceramides, hydration serums, and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin. Dry or oily, dead skin collects on the surface faster in winter, than in summer. Exfoliate dead skin regularly with masks made of natural ingredients like mashed bananas; fresh aloe vera gel from the leaves; grated potato and cucumber; honey, Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti); curds and besan; but go easy on the astringent and lemon juice for cleaning clogged pores.
Drink plenty of water. If you drink it lukewarm, or slightly hot, not only will it protect your throat, but will also aid in the elimination of toxins. You might even consider keeping a bottle of water always within easy reach. The fluids present in fruit juices of oranges, grapes, sweet lime (mausambi); tea, especially green tea, lemon tea, or ginger tea; milk, soups, and thick gravies also help you to rehydrate. It isn’t necessary to have thick soups. Light, clear soups serve to rehydrate better. Lemon juice with lukewarm water, a dash of black pepper powder, and black salt would serve the double purpose of providing protection against seasonal colds, and cleansing your system. If drunk on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, it works wonders for your figure.
Try having a vegetable juice of freshly juiced carrots, mint leaves, amla, ginger, lemon juice, and beet root at least once a week. However, avoid drinking it after sundown.
Don’t reserve the oil for only squeaky hinges. If you are not allergic to oil, take a proper oil bath at least once a week. Don’t oil just your hair. Rub oil all over gently, and allow it to soak for a while before your bath. The other option is to quickly rub oil all over before your daily bath to ensure that the soap or body wash doesn’t dry your skin. Choose the oil which suits you best — mustard oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, or sesame oil. You could try natural moisturizing oils made with natural, hydrating ingredients like jojoba, lavender, and chamomile which help soothe dry, itchy skin.
Mustard oil has a pungency which really whacks you on the nose. Allow a portion to boil thoroughly, throwing in some nigella seeds (kalonji). Cool, and bottle it. This takes away that raw smell, while the nigella helps prevent colds. If you suffer from arthritis or rheumatism, avoid using coconut oil during winters. However, mustard oil is beneficial for both. If you have a very sensitive skin, virgin olive oil should be the unguent of choice. Sesame oil should be lightly warmed before use.
The health and glow of your skin will depend as much on the kind of nutrition you take, and whether you eliminate toxins and other waste products efficiently. Fiber rich food keeps the bowel movements smooth to ensure you eliminate all the harmful by-products of the food and drink you ingest. Foods rich in Vitamin C, fibers, zinc, and Omega-3 oils are the most beneficial for getting a glowing skin. Have generous helpings of salad, fruit chunks, vegetables, and various kinds of dals. Apples, papayas, kiwi, citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, avocados, and grapes; cantaloupe, berries; leafy greens like spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves; peas, broccoli, carrots, cabbages, green onions, tomatoes, and beans should form a major portion of your diet.
Routine skin care, proper dietary habits, and brisk exercise like running, jogging, walking, and floor exercises can keep you glowing even in winter. Don’t forget to get your beauty sleep daily.