4 Min Read
With winter approaching, it is time for festivities, long holidays, and beautiful evenings. On the other hand, it also calls for extra care for your skin as the skin tends to become dry, flaky, and irritated due to the cold, dry air and decreased humidity levels. This can lead to a loss of elasticity and an increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cold weather can also cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing blood flow and making the skin appear pale and dull. In addition, the skin may be more prone to irritation and sensitivity due to harsh weather and indoor heating.
How to Care for Your Skin in the Winter?
With a winter skin-care routine and extra care of your skin, you can help to keep it healthy and hydrated during the colder months.
Here are a few tips to take care of your skin during the winter:
-
Use of a Humidifier
Weather tends to be drier in winter in general and heaters tend to worsen this further. This can microdamage the skin barrier and cause inflammation making your skin feel rough and irritated. Humidifiers can be game-changers in your winter skincare regime by improving the overall moisture level in your environment.
-
Using Moisturizing Cleansers
In people with dry skin, we ideally want cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils in winter and want to look for ‘milky’ and ‘creamy’ cleansers while staying clear of anything that says ‘oil control’. Also, it might help to use a cleanser only at night and avoid over-cleansing. Using a face mist or a hydrating serum post-cleansing will help add an extra dose of moisture to the skin.
-
Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen acts as a shield to your skin. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should forget about sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin, even in the winter. Make sure you apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when going outside during cold weather.
-
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Lip care is an important part of your skincare routine. Exfoliating the lips with mild chemical exfoliants (and not physical scrubs) followed by thick layer moisturizers about 2-3 times a week can make your lips feel soft and supple instead of dry and chapped. It helps to use oil-rich moisturizers which melt into your mucosa instead of something like petroleum jelly that mostly works as an occlusive.
-
Body Care
We all love our long hot water showers in winter. However, quick 5 minutes shower with lukewarm water is what is recommended if you have dry, itchy skin on your body. For eczema-prone skin and in old age, it might be a good practice to skip using soap every day and also to completely switch to syndet bars instead of regular soaps, especially during winter. Also, avoid wearing woolen clothes directly on your skin, and try to layer cotton clothes underneath as wool can irritate the skin. To know more visit the best skin care hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore.
-
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your skin looking soft, supple, and more even-toned. Additionally, hydration helps to protect your skin from environmental stressors, pollution, and sun damage.
-
Opt for a Nutritious diet
A healthy diet not only helps in your body’s health but also compliments your skin regime. Eat a balanced and healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to help nourish your skin from the inside out. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and E can help to protect your skin from environmental damage and keep it looking healthy.
Following these tips can help keep your skin healthy, radiant, and hydrated during the winter months. Remember to be consistent with your routine and remove your makeup before going to bed.
If your skincare doesn’t improve your skin, then it’s time to go see the best dermatologist in Whitefield, Bangalore to help better understand your skin type, learn how to take care of your skin, and select skin care products that are suitable for you.
Department of Dermatology
Manipal Hospitals, Whitefield, Bangalore
