Lowering humidity levels ,and indoor heating create conditions that increase water loss the skin becomes dry ,dull ,irritated,and flaring up of some existing skin conditions. Read on to know how you can help your skin glow naturally this winter.
Winter changes everything for the skin. Winter gives us relief from the scorching heat of summer but simultaneously also brings some challenges for the skin. With the dropping temperature, colder air outside, falling down humidity levels, and indoor heating create conditions that increase water loss. The skin becomes dry, dull, irritated, and flaring up of some existing skin conditions.
Many people even complain that their skin becomes radiant during summer but in winter the same becomes dry, dull, flaky, and even skin pigmentation becomes more prominent.
But I say that its not any rocket science to keep the skin healthy neither it requires the use of many expensive skin care products. With a few daily routine lifestyle changes and some conscious care skin glow can be maintained not only during the winter but throughout the year.
Case: Hyperpigmentation In Winter – A Common But Ignored Problem
A woman in her thirties visited the opd clinic with concerns of pigmented patches gradually appearing around her mouth, upper part of nose and cheeks .She didn’t have any major skin problems but noticed that the pigmentation was more prominent during the winter season every year.she told that she had stopped sunscreen, used hot water for face washing and didn’t moisturise her face regularly.
The outer dry winter air, heater air indoors broke her skin barrier ,making her skin more prone to pigmentation. With simple winter skin care regime such as using lukewarm water, frequent moisturisation,regular sunscreen use and gentle exfoliation her pigmentation gradually started improving. This highlights how winter skin care routine neglect is the main trigger behind pigmentation in women .
The air is cold outside and heated indoor air pull away moisture from the skin ,making the skin barrier weak and making it more prone to redness , itching, dryness and infections.
The hot showers during winter are very comforting but at the same time strip the skin of its natural oils. People with sensitive skin ,eczema, and psoriasis experience worsening symptoms during this time
Common skin problems of winter:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Chapped lips
- Raynaud’s disease
- Chilblains
- Psoriasis
- Acne Rosacea
- Cold urticaria
- Xerosis (Dry skin)
- Atopic dermatitis
- Chilblains
- Fungal infections
- Hyperpigmentation
- Folliculitis
What Should Be The Winter Skin Care Regime?
- 1 Gentle cleansing of the skin is the is the foundation
- Unlike summers ,skin doesn’t need aggressive cleansing in winters .
- For skin cleansing gentle face cleansers and facewashes containing hyaluronic acid should be used .
- Face washing twice a day is sufficient for cleaning .
- Overwashing can cause harm to the skin more than benefit .
- Harsh soaps or facewashes damage the natural protective layer of the skin making it dry and dull .
- Instead of hot water lukewarm water should be used .
- 2 Skin Moisturising is the most important skin ritual
Skin moisturising must never be ignored at any cost in winter. A good quality moisturiser helps in restoring the skin barrier and locking in skin hydration. Instead of body lotions,cream based or ointment based moisturisers are more effective during colder months due to higher oil content .
Immediately After bathing ,when the skin is slightly damp ,is the best time to apply moisturiser,as it helps seal in moisture. Along with the face skin ,hands ,feet ,elbows,knees and lips should also be taken care of as these areas have thick skin and tend to dry out faster.
How To Treat And Prevent Chapped Lips?
- Lip balms with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, or beeswax should be regularly used to prevent lip chapping
- Drink plenty of water to keep the lips hydrated
- Use SPF to protect lips
- Resist the urge to lick lips
- Gently exfoliate the lips using sugar and honey scrub
- Apply petroleum jelly or lip mask to moisturize overnight
- Control caffeine intake
How Adequate Hydration Is Important To Get Healthy Skin?
Adequate hydration is directly linked to radiant healthy skin. We often drink less water because we don’t feel thirsty and this is the biggest mistake, the bad result of which is reflected quickly on the skin in the form of dryness and dullness.
Drinking sufficient water throughout the day is extremely essential for maintaining skin elasticity and radiance. If not able to drink plain water, instead have warm fluids like herbal teas, soups and lukewarm water which will maintain hydration as well as provide comfort in cold weather.
What Should Be The Balanced Nutrition For Winter Glow?
What we eat is reflected on the skin. A diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that give good skin health.
Top winter foods for Healthy, Radiant skin should contain
- Carrots are rich in beta carotene and vitamin A
- Citrus fruits like orange, sweet lime are rich in vitamin C
- Dry fruits and nuts like Almonds, walnuts are full of vitamin E
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, methi are loaded with antioxidants
- Sweet potatoes repair and hydrate skin
- Oats and whole grains support gut health
- Milk, curd and Ghee are natural moisturisers
- Herbal teas, green tea, turmeric tea provide hydration
- Strawberries are collagen boosters and anti-aging
- Amla richest source of vitamin c superfood for hair and skin
- Grapes antioxidants for glowing skin
- Healthy fats maintain skin softness
- Protein supports skin repair and regeneration
- Fried, processed and sugary foods should be avoided as they can worsen skin dryness and trigger breakouts.
Is Sun Protection Needed In Winter Also?
Yes, absolutely. Not only summer, sunscreen is needed in winter also. UV rays are active in winter also which can cause skin damage, premature ageing and pigmentation. Mostly people commit the mistake by thinking that sunscreen and skin protection not needed in winter. A good broad spectrum sunscreen should be used during the day time and outdoors.
Avoid over-exfoliating skin:
- A gentle exfoliation is good for removing dead skin cells but overdoing it can cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
- Once a week gentle exfoliation is enough.
- Harsh scrubs should be avoided, instead mild skin exfoliation should be followed which don’t damage skin barrier.
Benefits of adequate sleep and stress management for skin
- A good sleep is pivotal in skin repair.
- Improper less sleep gives dull skin, under eye dark circles, and premature ageing.
Stress management through physical activities like walking, weight training, yoga, running or meditation improve overall skin health by releasing good hormones.
When Should Medical Advice Be Sought?
When the dryness becomes severe, itching is persistent, with cracks, bleeding and rashes it becomes important to consult the doctor. Some skin conditions loke eczema, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections etc need immediate medical consultation.
Key Takeaways
Winter skin care doesn’t only mean the use of expensive cosmetic skin care products. Its only about not taking it for granted. A good healthy glowing radiant skin can be achieved in winter also just by maintaining adequate hydration by having adequate liquids, some regular physical activities, gentle but regular cleansing moisturising of skin, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, skin protection from the sun, good sleep and stress management.
