Winter Skincare

Winter has come. That time of the year when the weather is cold, the environment is foggy, it gets dark early and our skin gets dry.

Indeed, wintertime is the worst time for our skin. The frigid air steals moisture from all exposed parts of our body including our face, hands and feet and makes our skin rough, chapped and itchy. Many people lose their lustre and radiance and may even need to see a doctor.

But we can avoid this situation by taking a few simple steps to protect our skin from the biting cold and keep it smooth and radiant. Winter need not be a disaster if we take care of ourselves.

The most important thing to do is to moisturise – a lot. Apply a thick layer of moisturising cream that contains Ceramides, Hyaluronic 

Acid and Petrolatum all over your body, especially on the parts that are exposed to 

the elements. 

The cream acts as a barrier between your skin and the dry air and will prevent the latter from stealing your moisture.

However, when choosing a moisturiser, make sure to pay attention to two things – its thickness and its suitability. It has to be thick, thicker than your summer lotions, and it should not cause any rashes or allergic reactions. Also, remember that good old Vaseline is a great moisturising cream.

Likewise, couple moisturising with exfoliation. Avoid hard chemicals and choose creams that contain lactic acid which peels off dead skin, draws moisture into the new skin and then keeps it locked. 

Exfoliation is often an overlooked part of skincare but in winter, it becomes an absolute necessity to keep skin smooth and supple.

Another thing, you still need sunscreen! Many people, especially in our country, think that it’s an either/or choice between moisturiser and sunscreen. It’s one or the other. Also, they think that because the sun is not as hot in the winter, it is not as harmful. 

But both these conceptions are wrong. Moisturising creams only moisturise, they do not protect your skin from damaging UV rays and yes, UV rays are still present during the winter.

So, do not let go of your sunscreen and apply it as many times a day as you think is necessary. If you do not want to use more than one cream then consider buying moisturisers with built-in sun protection. 

If a dry face is what bothers you during winter, then, in addition to moisturisers, you may also want to switch to hydrating cleansers and facewash gels. 

Harsh cleansers may leave your face ‘completely clean’ but they also strip your skin of the natural oils that protect it from the elements. So, you may need to use softer cleaning agents during the cold months.

Any cleanser we use should support our body’s natural defences against the cold, not eliminate it.

But what to do if you have acne? Generally, people believe that using thick moisturisers or ‘weak’ cleansers will exacerbate pimples but it does not have to. 

There are oil-free, fragrance-free hydrating lotions that can be applied on top of whatever acne creams you may be using. But it is always a good idea to consult your dermatologist before adding any product, herbal or synthetic, to your skincare routine.

Also, although it is easier said than done, avoid hot showers as much as possible. Hot water dries your skin like you would not believe. 

Therefore, when bathing, use only lukewarm water. If you have to use hot water then limit your baths to less than 

15 minutes.

Also, when bathing, avoid scrubbing implements like loofahs and nets. They can irritate the skin and cause scratches which may not only cause further dryness but also lead to wounds that require medical attention. The same goes for soaps. So, best use unscented soft soaps and only scrub with your hands. You do not need to be squeaky clean; you are 

not a dish.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also dehydrate you. So, watch how much you drink during the winter. At the same time, boost your water intake. Your skin can only be hydrated if your body is.

And the simplest, yet the most important thing of all, carry a lip balm wherever you go. Have one in your pocket at all times and use it every chance you get. Chapped lips hurt and they kill confidence. 

So, use the appropriate balms, preferably ones with SPF to protect your lips from the sun as well.