A Winter Skin Care Routine for Dry Pakistani Winters

From the foggy winters of Lahore to the freezing nights in Islamabad, Quetta and the north, Pakistani winters are tough on skin. Cold air holds less moisture, gas heaters dry out the air indoors, and long hot showers strip away the skin's natural oils. The result: tight cheeks, chapped lips and hands, and flaky shins.

Here's a simple routine to keep skin comfortable, built around a few small habits and the right oils.

Why skin gets so dry in winter

Your skin's outer layer holds water with the help of natural oils. In winter, dry air pulls moisture out of the skin faster, and hot water and strong soaps wash away the oils that keep it in. That's why the most effective winter routine is less about adding many products and more about protecting the moisture you have.

Morning routine

1. Rinse, don't scrub. Use lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser. Skip harsh face washes and scrubs.
2. Moisturise while damp. Apply your moisturiser within a minute of washing.
3. Add one drop of oil. Press a drop of almond oil over your moisturiser for extra comfort.
4. Sunscreen. Winter sun still matters, especially in the mountains, where snow reflects UV.

Evening routine

1. Remove the day with the oil cleansing method or a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply your moisturiser.
3. Seal it in with two or three drops of oil. On very dry areas, try a richer oil like walnut.
4. Before bed, massage oil into hands and feet. Cotton socks overnight help.

Body care

Keep showers short and warm rather than hot. Pat skin dry, then apply oil to still-damp skin, paying attention to shins, elbows and knees. Our body oil after shower guide explains the technique. For a richer winter body oil, blend two parts almond with one part walnut; see DIY oil blends.

Hands, lips and heels

• Hands: a drop of oil after each wash, rubbed into cuticles. See our cuticle oil guide.
• Heels: walnut oil and socks overnight. See how to soften cracked heels.
• Lips: a lip balm through the day; avoid licking dry lips, which makes them drier.

Hair and scalp in winter

Winter can leave hair dry and staticky and the scalp tight. A weekly pre-wash oil treatment helps lengths feel softer. Our hair oiling guide walks you through it, and walnut oil for hair is ideal for thick or dry hair in cold months.

Winter habits that help

• Put a bowl of water near the heater, or use a humidifier.
• Don't sit too close to heaters; direct heat dries skin quickly.
• Drink enough water. Thirst is easy to miss in the cold.
• Wear gloves outdoors on windy days.
• Wash with lukewarm, not hot, water.
• Choose soft fabrics next to the skin; rough wool can irritate dry skin.

When to see a doctor

If your skin becomes red, cracked, very itchy or bleeds, it may be eczema or another condition that needs medical advice. Oils are for comfort, not treatment.