The weather has started to change and as the chill sets in,weddings and parties get underway, bringing with them the need to dress up and look fabulous almost every day.

Maintaining your skin in winters can be a challenging task as the cold weather takes a toll on it. Cold temperatures result in poor circulation and widened capillaries, leading to dry, itchy or irritated skin. In fact, during winter our typical skin type might shift.Oily skin may become normal, normal skin starts to feel dry while very dry skin becomes sensitive and irritated.

The skin can also get ‘confused’, with the outdoor weather being cold and chilly,and the indoors being warm and dry, hence it loses its ability to regulate itself and adjust to changing conditions.

It’s essential that you being to ‘winterize’ your skin-care routine now. Instep spoke to beauty expert Hifsa Khan, who runs her own salon by the name of Hifsa Khan Salon in Lahore, to get some valuable tips on caring for the skin this winter season.

Re-thinking the Cleansing Routine

Extreme weather tends to weaken our skin’s protective barrier, so the cleanser you were using during the summer may need to be changed in order to avoid intensive cleansing that can strip our skin of its natural protection. Switch to a gentle creamy cleanser and avoid alcohol-based cleansers as they will strip away the skin’s natural oil, resulting in dry and irritated skin.

Try using Thalgo Pure Velvet Cleansing Cream for the winter - it leaves the skin soft, supple and fresh and leaves it clear of all impurities.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

A heavy moisturizer is required to repair the damage caused by extreme dry weather that leaves the skin dehydrated and stretched. A thick layer should be applied after cleansing to keep the face soft and hydrated;moisturizing oils can also be used. On chapped lips, use a thick lip balm in the morning and evening.

Look for a nourishing cream that is enriched with Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids that will help restore hydration and regulate skin flaking.

If you wish to go organic, mix one ripe banana,the pulp of half a papaya and one avocado. Apply the paste on the face, neck and other dry areas and leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with water and see the amazing results.

Another organic mask can be made by mixing one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of milk powder and one egg yolk.This will also result in smooth and hydrated skin.

Moisture Comfort Facial

Every few weeks, pamper yourself with a salon treatment for dry and dehydrated skin. One such treatment recently introduced at the Hifsa Khan Salon is the Thalgo Extreme Comfort Ritual. It’s heavenly for dry skin, and begins with a relaxing massage after which the skin is gently cleansed and exfoliated. A concentrate rich in alge extracts is gently infused into the skin followed by a mask application that bathes the skin in pure nourishment. This soothes and restores comfort to dry skin.

Limit Hot Baths

There is nothing more luxurious than indulging in a hot bath on a cold winter day but it can wreak havoc on your skin.The hot water strips the natural oils off your skin and results in added dryness. Instead of hot water, try warm water and if you can add few drops of essential oil to it, then that should be absolutely comforting. Needless to say, limit the duration of the hot/warm shower to under 10 minutes in order to reduce the extent of damage.

Humidify Your Home

Using heaters continuously makes the indoor environment extremely dry. It is always a good idea to use humidifiers round the house. Turning on a humidifier will put the moisture back into the environment which will have a positive impact on your skin.

Winter Skin Care Diet

Focusing on what you eat will also help you keep your skin supple and fresh.

Drinking plenty of water and liquids will help maintain hydration. Including milk, honey and cane juice in the diet will help. Keeping away from junk food is the key to staying fit and healthy. Citrus fruits can strengthen the body and keep the skin healthy.

Skin care is all about consistency, stresses Hifsa. Her parting advice: "Follow the skin care regime every day and then reap the benefits of your efforts in the long run. We get tired and let go, but that’s not the solution - with a little effort, we can slow down the deterioration process and hence look and feel better."