Winter is upon us : The season of blankets, quilts and snow is finally here !

Shahnaz Husain
Well, several people must have already planned their winter travel to experience snow-covered land- scapes, festive vibes, and cosy moments.
As the weather tends to change quickly, especially during winter, travelling during the season can make the skin dry and dull.
The drop in temperature, low humidity levels, and harsh winds strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and worsening of existing skin conditions. Winter vacations sound delightful, yet your travel plans may throw unexpected and unpleasant surprises if you are not sufficiently prepared.
Whether you’re exploring picturesque mountain towns or bustling winter markets, taking care of your skin and hair should be your top priority.
Winter air is notoriously dry, and dehydration can sneak up on you. The changing weather during travel can affect the skin, causing allergies, dryness, chapping, and conditions like eczema.
1) Hyderations
Proper hydration in winter is just as important as in warm weather. Contrary to popular belief, the cold doesn't spare your body from water depletion, and the risk of dehydration is just as high. Dry air, heating, and low temperatures contribute to silent dehydration.
Carry an insulated bottle that keeps drinks warm and opt for herbal teas (ginger, chamomile), warm water with lemon, soups, and water-rich foods (citrus, soups)  to hydrate comfortably.
Drink water first thing in the morning to rehydrate after sleep. Flavoured seltzer, herbal tea and milk are all excellent alternatives to plain water if you’re looking to mix things up. These flavoured waters allow you to vary your fluid intake.
Citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit, clementine, etc.), apples, cabbage, carrots, and pumpkin naturally provide water to the body. Incorporating these foods into your diet is a simple first step to staying well-hydrated.
Satisfy the urge to snack with hydrating foods such as sliced fruit, precut veggies or a container of yoghurt. Avoid dehydrating caffeine/tea/alcohol, which increases urine production and leads to additional fluid loss. But they should be consumed in moderation only.
To hydrate your skin during cold weather, apply a rich moisturising cream daily. Opt for oils or balms for sensitive areas (lips, hands). Humidify the indoor air with a bowl of water or a humidifier. Wear soft, non-irritating clothing to limit skin water loss and protect the skin from the cold.
2) Facial scrub
Winter can leave your skin in a Catch-22 situation. If you are going for a longer duration of 10-15 days, then carry a facial scrub that will exfoliate the skin, remove the dead cells, remove impurities, and lighten dark spots and blemishes. Strictly choose the products as per the expert’s recommendation.
A good exfoliator or face scrub will gently remove the dead skin cells, purify and cleanse away grime and revitalise dull skin for a healthy glow; all this while retaining the skin’s natural oil content, and further enhancing the properties of your moisturiser.
Pamper your skin with some skin-loving sugar scrubs that fight dryness, flakiness and dullness, and leave your skin healthy, hydrated and happy even if it is freezing outside.
 . While using a physical scrub, wet your fingers and massage them over your face. Once you’ve worked the exfoliator into your skin in small, circular motions, rinse using lukewarm water and pat your face dry.
. Think about travel essentials and how to limit your grooming needs, so that you look pleasing and enjoy your trip. Travelling light is an advantage, so you need items that are compact and portable. Get yourself a spacious shoulder bag and two small, plastic-lined cases for your toiletries and make-up. Your beauty aids should be within easy reach, so that you can freshen up your make-up and alight from your journey looking attractive and self-confident. Searching for a lipstick or comb in a cluttered handbag can really test your patience.  
A short hairdo that you can just brush and arrange is good, while for long hair, take along a headband and hair clips, to keep your hair tidy. Remember to take a scarf along to protect your hair from over-exposure to the sun, as well as from wind and dust. You will need it if you are out motoring, boating or even wal- king by the seaside or hills.
The make-up items and clothes you carry depend on what your trip entails. If you are holidaying in a big city and expect to meet people, you will need a few good clothes and accessories for dining out. Take a few in-between outfits that are neither too casual nor too dressy.  You will also need makeup cosmetics for the night. The lighting at night demands more colour, so include darker shades of lipstick, blush-on, eye-shadow and mascara. A hairpiece can provide instant glamour. Don’t forget to take your perfume, one or two good accessories and a neutral evening purse that goes with your dressy outfits. These will help to add the finishing touches.
If you are on a sightseeing trip or on a vacation by the sea or mountains, the emphasis will be on comfort. Casual wrinkle-free clothes, lightweight shoes and sunglasses will be needed. On a vacation, one probably needs to carry more skin care cosmetics and fewer makeup aids. An anti-tan sunscreen or sunblock would be good. The effects of sun exposure are greater by the waterside or near snow, because water and snow are reflective surfaces. By the sea, avoid sun-exposure between noon and 3 pm. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when out in the sun, not only on the face, but on all exposed areas. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going out. If you are out in the sun for more than an hour, reapply the sunscreen. Use a high SPF of 30 or above for sensitive skin.
Apart from sunscreen, you need skin and hair care essentials, like cleanser, moisturiser, leave-on conditioner and hair serum. For your make-up, carry a powder compact, eye pencil, kajal stick and lipsticks that are suitable for day wear. Perhaps a lip gloss will do. By the beach, you need makeup products that are “waterproof” or “long lasting” and provide a matte finish.
Remember to pack lip balm, saline nasal spray and travel-size hand cream, too. If you usually wear contacts, opt for a pair of glasses on the plane to avoid dry eyes.
You will also need pressed powder (compact) and powder blush-on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, pre-moistened tissues are what you need. Carry them in your handbag when you go out, to clean and refresh your skin. Apart from these, take a deodorant and talcum powder.
Travel adds a wonderful dimension to one’s life and personality. It enriches our experience and broadens our outlook. Travel also means a time that is refreshing and renewing. There is nothing more enjoyable than getting away from everyday and unwinding. If you have taken care of your travel needs, all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
The author is an internationally famed beauty expert and is called the Herbal Queen of India