Winter in India is often a magical season, filled with vibrant festivals, hearty meals, and cozy evenings. However, it also brings its fair share of skincare challenges- dry, itchy, chapped skin due to the cold and low humidity. Every time we slurp gajar halwa from the steaming bowls, we must also pay attention to our skin. In this guide, let's clarify if body oils or body lotions are apt for your skincare especially during winter, the difference between body oils and lotions, and when to use them for better results- know all here.

Why Your Skin Needs Extra Hydration in Winter

As mercury is dipping, our skin is left dry and moisture-less, causing a gamut of skin-related problems ranging from dryness, chapped lips, cracked heels, and itchiness of scalp to many other problems. Since winter air has less moisture and indoor heaters suck away moisture from your skin, your skin needs extra hydration during this season. Balance this out by giving your skin a stronger moisturizing barrier, so it stays fresh and hydrated throughout the season. Providing additional hydration helps replenish lost moisture, protecting your skin from the harsh winter elements.

Body Oils vs. Body Lotions: What's the Difference?

When it comes to winter body care, many people wonder whether to use body oil or lotions. Both moisturize, but they have crucial differences in formulation and targeted concerns.

Formulation: Body creams typically range around 70% water in addition to liquid oils, humectants, emulsifiers, and a variety of others. In contrast, body oils are around 70% oil and include a mix of carrier oils, antioxidants, and essential oils. This is an important formulation because it impacts how each cream behaves against the skin.

Target Concerns: In the case of lotions, it is usually water, which hydrates the skin very nicely when applied to the outermost layers. It can also be great for targeting itch or flakiness in specific areas. Body oils lock moisture deeper down and allow really deep hydration that can focus on severely dry areas.

Absorption and Penetrability: Since oils are fat-soluble, it is easier for it to penetrate the skin. Human skin is actually a relatively permeable membrane, so oils can penetrate down into the layers of the skin to help repair natural moisture. Lotions, being water-based, tend to simply stay on the top and do not offer the same hydration for those with extremely dry skin.

Why Are Body Oils Beneficial?

The following are reasons why body oils can be quite useful in your winter skincare routine:

• Long-lasting: A little goes a long way. Just a few drops can keep your skin hydrated and supple all day.
• Pure: Most body oils are made from natural ingredients and aren't filled with harsh chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
• Multi-purpose: Body oils can be used on your face, body, and even hair, which streamlines your beauty routine.

Why Body Lotions Beneficial?

The lotions are light-weight hence easy to use during the day without leaving greasy residues. Here's why they're important:

• Lightweight and Versatile: Lotions are lighter hence easy to use during the day, and layer under makeup without causing oiliness or sweat.
• Travel-friendly: Lotions usually come in leak-proof packaging so suitable for on-the-go skincare.
• Anti-aging Benefits: Most moisturizers contain added ingredients that also help nourish skin in the long run, retaining elasticity, and the signs of aging appear slower.

Some winter oils for you to try:

- Argan Oil: Rich in moisturizing and with high antioxidants.

- Olive Oil: High in vitamins and healthy fats, it is one's favorite hydrating power.

- Lavender Oil: Apart from its various uses, it improves body oil benefits and possesses soothing properties.

- Rosehip Seed Oil: Packed with essential fatty acids, it will promote regeneration in skin and elasticity increase.

When to Apply: Night or Post-Shower?

Actually, when you apply your skincare can affect its effectiveness. The best time to apply body oils or body lotion is post shower time. Warm water opens up pores, allowing much better absorption by your skin of the applied oil.

If you are a night routine type, applying body oils before sleeping can also prove to be advantageous in your case; it allows overnight working time for the oil to nourish your skin while you sleep. It is left to your personal preference and lifestyle as to whether morning or night application should be performed.

If you are applying both, which one to apply first?

If you are someone who chooses to apply both but do not know whether to use the body oils or the lotions first. Start with a body lotion to hydrate the skin, and then apply the body oil on top to lock that moisture in. By putting the oil over the lotion, it prevents the lotion from actually getting in as deep as it's supposed to. So by using both of these products at the same time, you can really make most of each.

Make it winter and prevent your skin from that full of irritation and dryness related to the season. Body oils and lotions are different; you must know when and how to apply it, so keep your skin healthy and radiant. Welcome the magic of winter with nourished, soft, and glowing skin. With the right products and techniques, winter skincare could be a beautiful ritual and not a daunting chore at all.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide suffer from endometriosis.

The chronic and complex menstrual disease that affects many women is characterized by severe pain during menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain (pain that does not go away when the menstrual cycle ends), infertility, and abdominal bloating and nausea.

The incurable condition poses a significant challenge to women as it affects their personal and professional lives, relationships, and fertility, among others, due to persistent pain and fatigue.

The diagnosis also gets delayed, as endometriosis is often confused with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, due to some overlapping symptoms like irregular menstrual periods. The symptoms may continue to persist or recur after treatment is initiated.

In a powerful statement resonating with millions worldwide, Indian American author and television host Padma Lakshmi has shared her experience with the condition.

Opening about her personal battle with endometriosis, the 55-year-old, Co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America, said that the condition made her understand how strong she is and called for greater awareness and self-advocacy among women.

"Endometriosis has taught me that I should always listen to my body. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong,” said Lakshmi, in a media post on social media platform Instagram.

"Through my struggles with endometriosis, I've learned that, actually, I have a very high threshold for pain, that I may be stronger than I know, but that I shouldn't always need to be,” PopSugar quoted her as saying.

Lakshmi noted that it is now her life's mission "to advocate for my own health, and also to advocate for all women with endometriosis."

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissues commonly develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining.

Endometriosis affects many women and can impact their daily lives, including their ability to work comfortably. Many women continue their professional responsibilities despite experiencing severe discomfort, fatigue, and pain.

Raising awareness about the condition and encouraging supportive workplaces can help women manage both their health and career more effectively.

Since it is a progressive disorder, timely intervention remains key to managing it. In many cases, women live with symptoms for several years before receiving the correct diagnosis, which can delay treatment and affect their quality of life.

Treating Endometriosis

Treatment is particularly based on the severity of symptoms. Women will be advised lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce discomfort.

Hormonal therapies may also be used to control symptoms. Some women will be advised to undergo laparoscopy to remove endometriotic cysts.

Minimally invasive surgery can help remove lesions and restore pelvic anatomy, which may also improve fertility in some cases. In advanced cases, surgery can be recommended to women.

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

What Is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.

Common oral herpes symptoms include

• blisters (cold sores)
• open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.

HSV-2 generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Its symptoms include painful

• bumps,
• blisters,
• open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.

How Makeup Testers Can Spread Infection

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

How To Stay Safe?

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:

• Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.
• Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
• Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin
• Use disposable applicators
• Test products on your hand rather than your face
• Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.

April 2 is celebrated worldwide as “Autism Awareness Day” and April as Autism month to create awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society for individuals with autism.

So what exactly is Autism, and why do we need to create a culture of awareness and acceptance?

As per DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, in simple terms, there is poor eye contact, impaired social communication skills, repetitive patterns (certain movements or fixation on certain toys, objects), difficulties with sensory processing - extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs (dislike loud noises, sensitive to touch), etc.

As a child, these individuals may not respond to name-calling, have poor eye contact/lack gestures like pointing, etc., lack imagination in play, and may not be able to relate and respond to the emotions of others. They have set routines and dislike changes to their routines. All this can cause significant disruption to their day-to-day functioning.

This year’s theme of -Autism and Humanity- Every Life has Value” reiterates the need for inclusion of autism, ensuring equitable representation of these individuals. Ensuring that society not only recognizes them but also treats them with equal respect and dignity.

Educational Support and Inclusive Workplace

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was one of the Government's flagship programs, along with Action for Autism, to disseminate information in schools regarding inclusive education for autism. Education is a key foundation to ensure children with autism get suitable opportunities as adults. Special educators, with additional support in schools, can go a long way in ensuring their potential is maximized.

Many IT giants like Microsoft, Google, and SAP encourage tapping the potential of individuals with autism and their exceptional skills. In our country, organizations and NGOs, including Action for Autism, offer training for future employment opportunities.

There is a spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) known as Asperger’s syndrome, and these individuals have normal to above average intelligence and can have some exceptional skills, and the world includes some living examples of these with a higher IQ, some of whom are the most successful and famous personalities. Even on the other end of the spectrum, autistic individuals have exceptional skills, some of which include great attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and lateral out-of-the-box thinking.

Options for flexible working hours (part-time), understanding their need for routines, and explaining them beforehand regarding important changes to schedules can help them adapt better to an otherwise challenging workplace.

The Need For Sensitization

Understanding individuals with autism may need little extra support, being a little flexible with time deadlines, giving simple instructions, especially written/visual ones, and allowing them time to overcome their communication barriers can go a long way in ensuring they feel heard and valued like anyone else in the workplace.

Sensitization of all major organization employees to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness, and an accessible work environment, is the need of the hour. Autistic individuals do well in a variety of job profiles, including IT, technology, finance, art and creativity, and administration.

Environmental modifications like background noise cancellation with headphones help those with sensory processing issues. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect, it's recognizing our special skills and strengthening them.

Possibilities are endless if we wish to encourage and make these individuals heard. So, let’s carry the Autism Awareness Day beyond a mere day of awareness and light it up blue. Let’s value and acknowledge them being different, but also empower them to act on their special skills to earn them a dignified place in society and the workplace.