Winter brings with it a comfortable environment but sometimes it becomes harsh on the skin. Factors that have a profound effect on winter skin include humidity, cold and dry winds, and indoor heating systems. They dehydrate the skin due to excessive moisture loss and also make it prone to rashes.
Make sure to make some changes in your skin care to fight winter dullness and make your skin glow even in winter.
Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, dermatologist and founder of Akia Aesthetics, tells how to protect your skin from acne, dullness and lack of moisture at night.
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(1) Combat acne with hydration and gentle care – Acne and skin rashes are common during winter as the skin barriers become weak and this leads to inflammation and acne. So take good skin care during winters, like using a gentle pH balanced face cleanser to remove dirt without over-drying the skin.
Face cleansers containing active ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids should be applied two or three times a week to avoid skin irritation. Add niacinamide (2-5%) to your routine to control oil, soothe redness, and support the barrier. For those struggling with fungal acne, avoid heavy creams and choose gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
Also, be mindful of winter habits – wearing a woolen hat or scarf can cause friction, trap sweat and cause rashes on the forehead and jaw. Keep these items clean and avoid touching your face frequently.
(2) Prevention of moisture loss during night time – Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases during winter, which means skin loses more moisture overnight and requires extra hydration and care during the night.
After cleansing the face, apply a hydrating toner, such as one containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin or rice water. Apply a layer of moisturizer with ceramides over it to deeply nourish the skin. For individuals with extremely dry skin, squalane or a sleep mask applied topically also works wonders. Without professional consultation, it is not recommended to apply baseline to the entire face. Indoor humidifiers also help restore skin moisture levels that are lost from indoor heaters.
(3) Protection against dullness with antioxidants and gentle exfoliation – Cold weather makes the skin look tired and dull as cellular turnover slows down. But the easiest solution to this is to exfoliate once a week with gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or PHA. They help clear away dead skin cells without causing skin irritation.
For added skin-brightening benefits, add a vitamin C-based serum to your morning skin care regimen. It helps in enhancing the glow of the skin and also protects from damage caused by pollution and UV rays. When combined with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF between 30-50, vitamin C can help even out skin tone.
Do you want an instant glow? Try adding some superfoods like oranges, amla, leafy greens etc as they enable collagen synthesis and provide a strong antioxidant protection.