Avoid The Dry Spells This Winter

TO QUOTE NED STARK, WINTER IS COMING. AND TO QUOTE a friend of mine who absolutely hates when writers fall prey to the obvious, this is the only time one is allowed to use that famous Game of Thrones line. He also said some other things about writers who... but we’re digressing.

Sometime after the last of the festivities and before the year-end plans begin to fruition, there comes that period of parchment, when things are dry and no one knows why. No Nut November might have been planned for this time of the year only because it’s easier to practice abstinence when dryness is a state of your bed, bath and beyond. But since I’m truly not interested in the happenings of your boudoir, I’d suggest you get right out, find yourself a mirror and look at yourself. If your skin is dry and flaky, lips quivering without libation and elbows screaming for attention, you’ve found yourself in winter’s enemy-like embrace, and we’ve got to do something to get you out.

Start with your face. It isn’t moisturised enough, is it? That’s because your summer moisturiser probably isn’t working as those with a lighter texture or water/gel-based ones work better during summer. Now that it’s getting cooler, it’s time for something heavier. Dab it on yourself, and keeping doing it till you shine like a baby’s bottom.

Moving downwards, your body needs some love, too. A cream, lotion or butter, whatever be your poison—indulge in it with gusto. Lather up the arms and your legs. Don’t miss out your torso—basically wherever you see some skin. Especially when you’ve stepped out of a shower. That’s when your body has lost most of its moisture (contrary to what you may have believed all along!). Before you get clothed, ensure you’ve been moisturised.

And while we’re on showers, I’d suggest going easy on those hot ones. They’re notorious for making your skin dry, and that’s the one thing you certainly don’t want in the winter.

As a thumb rule, pay close attention to your body during winter. Any signs of dry skin will stand out instantly. Particularly on your elbows and hands. Those white flakes on your elbows? That’s not helping your case with the ladies, gentlemen or whoever else that gets you going. No one should have to see that unpleasant sight. Through the day, every time you apply your hand cream, use it for your elbows too. And if you haven’t been applying a hand cream, what really have you been doing?

Have I missed out something? Umm... no, that’s all. As a standard practice, whatever feels dry must be tended to. Let me end this with my picks for the best body creams and lotions out there. Knock yourself out.

This Winter, Slather Right

The body creams and lotions to last you through the cold.

Kimirica The Gentleman Body Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Lotion

Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream

Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter

Caudalie Vinotherapist Vegan Body Butter

To read more stories from Esquire India's November 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine