Some people just breeze through winter with no noticeable problems. Some, like me, attract all the issues that the cold weather can bring. What about you? 

You might boast of the healthiest skin all year through, but something goes awry in winter. Moisture content in your skin goes down and that is the leading cause of irritated skin. The cold months of winter could bring with them a host of issues like skin redness, rashes and bumps. Your skin might get sensitive, itchy and also swell up a bit.

The rash could be all over your body, or you might notice it localised in one area only, such as your face, arms or legs.

Besides loss of moisture, what could be the causes of winter rashes?

When it is cold, you want to crank up the heat or take hot water baths. This makes your skin lose naturally present oils, thus allowing moisture to escape. You can also get rashes if you:

• Are sensitive to deodorising or antibacterial soaps or detergents
• Have a pre-existing skin condition, like psoriasis or eczema
• Have recently got a bacterial or viral infection
• Might have developed a latex allergy
• Have been under a lot of stress
• Are overworked and fatigued

Treating the annoying winter rash

All is not lost. There are many ways to treat these red bumps on skin. You can use petroleum jelly or natural oils, bathe in milk, etc. Or you can try these home remedies for red skin. Whatever you do, don’t resort to commercially-available products.

#1 The gentle aloe vera

Try and get the freshest aloe vera leaf possible.

The process:

• Cut the leaf into half and remove the gel.
• Transfer it immediately into an airtight container.
• Apply the gel to the red bumps and massage gently.
• Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before washing it out with water.

#2 Lemon juice to the rescue

You can reduce redness on face with the magic of tangy lemons.

All you need is 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a few cotton balls.

The process:

• Using the cotton ball apply the lemon juice to your affected area.
• Let it dry for about 5 minutes.
• Wash it out with tap water.
• Pat your face dry gently and apply a moisturiser.
• Do this twice a day.
• Dilute the juice with water if you have sensitive skin.

Lemon is also one of the best home remedies for pigmentation and can really help you get even tone skin!

#3 Soothe your skin with coconut oil

For this you need to buy a bottle of virgin coconut oil.

The process:

• Wash your face thoroughly but gently. I like to use a cleanser such as Olay.
• Gently pat your face dry.
• Apply a few drops of oil to the entire face or the affected parts and massage gently.
• Go to sleep with the oil on your face.
• Do this every night until you notice a change.

You know, there are a million benefits of coconut oil, but if you don’t like the smell, you can try ghee in your skin and hair care routine! It is sure to turn heads.

#4 Treat your skin to delicious cocoa butter

Pick a jar of organic cocoa butter for this treatment.

The process:

• Dab on cocoa butter to the area affected by the winter rash.
• Massage it gently and let it stay overnight.
• Wash your face as usual in the morning.
• You can do this every night.

#5 The ever-reliable apple cider vinegar

Like lemon, ACV is also acidic in nature and restores the pH balance of your skin.

You will need:

• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• A few cotton balls

The process:

• Make a solution of the vinegar and water.
• Using the cotton balls apply it to the affected areas.
• Once it dries fully wash it off with tap water.
• Gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturiser.
• You can do this twice a day.

If none of these home remedies for redness on face seem to work, or if the rash gets worse, please visit a doctor for quick treatment.