Winters are harsh especially for people who face extremely dry itchy skin during colder months. I am certainly one of those who hates winters because of the constant itchy dry winter skin. However, over the years I have experimented with a number of products, tips and tricks to calm down my skin. Some things worked and some didn't. I remember using coconut oil as a body oil and ending up having way more dryness and rashes due to clogged pores. Finally after years of experimenting, I do have a fixed routine that I follow for my dry skin during winters and I am listing down everything that has worked for me.

Remedies for Dry Itchy Skin

• Use bath powders instead of soaps

I have been using bath powders instead of soaps for past two years. This has worked like a charm in reducing dryness on my skin. I feel soaps can be drying for the skin. Bath powders combine a mixture of herbs, clay and oats flour (as it nourishes dry skin while cleansing due to natural saponins present in it) which cleanses the skin without taking away the skin's natural oil content. Learn to make your own bath powder here: CREATE YOUR OWN BATH POWDERS

• Rose water with glycerine

This is a remedy passed on by my mother. All you have to do is add 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Glycerine to your 100ml bottle of Rose Water (Rose Hydrosol), shake and spray wherever you feel your skin needs nourishment.

I do this all over my body after shower before I applying my body oil/body butter.

Buy pure, organic rose water here: Rose Hydrosol

• Body oil/butter on damp skin

Take your daily shower or bath as usual. After you've finished, pat your body dry with a clean towel. Do not rub or dry yourself completely; leave a little moisture on your skin. Apply a dollop of body butter directly to your skin - don't use too much or your skin could get greasy. Rub it in gently, using firm, broad strokes, until the body butter is fully absorbed.

I spray rose hydrosol with added glycerine and then apply my body butter/oil. Started doing this only last year and it has made a huge difference in my dryness.

Recommended Body Oil: Jojoba Oil

• DIYs for dry dull skin in winters

These two are my go to DIYs whenever my skin feels dry and dull. You can also apply them on body..basically wherever you need nourishment.

DIY OATS FACE MASK: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon oats flour with Rose Hydrosol and apply a thick layer. Wash it off once it is semi dry, tone and moisturize. You can also add a pinch of turmeric.

DIY FACE MASSAGE GEL: Take 1 tablespoon of Raw Honey, a teaspoon of aloe juice and 4-5 drops of Jojoba Oil. Mix it well and massage your freshly cleansed face with it. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, rinse well, tone and moisturize.

• Use nourishing ingredients

Some ingredients that I like adding to powder cleanser/ masks/ bath powders during winters:

- Raw Honey

- Oats Flour

- Rose Hydrosol

- Aloe Juice/Gel

- Coconut Milk

- Jojoba Oil

- Vegetable Glycerine

Tips for dry skin in winters

• According to ayurveda, dry skin is a cause of aggrevated Vata. So eat warm & grounding food with ghee and healthy oils. Eat soaked nuts and practice Abhyanga.
• A big no to hot showers. Luke warm water is fine.
• Do not exfoliate too often. Once a week is enough.
• Stay away from bath sponges/washcloths.
• Wear soft warm clothes.

I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me.

Love & light,

Aarushi Singhal (Founder)

Blend It Raw Apothecary