Winter Skin Care Essentials: Keeping Your Skin Hydrated and Glowing
Winters are known for causing dry and dull skin. This is because cold winter air often lacks moisture, and being exposed to it can slowly draw out moisture from the skin, making it dry and cracked. Beyond external conditions, heaters used within premises also evaporate moisture from the air, making it drier. These factors mean that to maintain healthy skin in the winter, a carefully crafted skincare routine is essential.
This blog explores how to create a winter skincare routine to ensure that skin stays healthy and hydrated even when it’s cold and dry outside.
Top 6 Winter Skin Care Tips
The first rule of winter skin care for maintaining healthy and glowing skin is to ensure the skin gets enough moisture both internally and externally. Apart from this, a few adjustments in winter attire and diet can make a huge difference. Here are 6 winter skin care tips on how to prevent dry skin this season:
1. Stay Hydrated
During winter, the body loses water more rapidly due to lower humidity levels and increased indoor heating. Drinking plenty of water consistently throughout the day helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance from the inside out. Dehydration can manifest as dry, flaky skin, and fine lines may become more pronounced.
Dermatologists emphasize that water is essential for the skin’s natural repair processes and helps maintain its elasticity. Drinking water consistently throughout the day, rather than consuming large amounts at once, allows for better absorption and utilization by the body. While the exact amount of water intake varies depending on individual needs and activity levels, aiming for 8 glasses a day is a good starting point.
2. Moisturise Every Day
Moisturizers create a protective layer on the skin’s surface barrier, preventing water loss in dry winters and keeping it supple. Opt for oil-based moisturizers, as these are more effective at trapping moisture than water-based lotions. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are known for their hydrating properties. It’s important to apply moisturiser immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp lock-in the moisture effectively.
3. Cover Up
Protecting the skin from the harsh winter elements is vital. Cold winds and low temperatures can strip the skin of its natural oils. This results in dryness and irritation. When venturing outdoors, cover exposed skin with scarves, hats, and gloves. Choose fabrics like wool or fleece that provide insulation and wick away moisture.
4. Incorporate Healthy Fats into Diet
Skin, like any other organ, relies on proper nutrition to function optimally. During winter, when the skin’s natural barrier is compromised by harsh weather and dry air, it’s important to support it from within.
Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, have a role in maintaining the skin’s structural integrity and its ability to retain moisture. These essential fats help fortify the skin’s lipid barrier, which functions as a shield against moisture loss and environmental aggressors.
Foods rich in omega-3 fats, like fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, and tuna, avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, should be incorporated into the winter diet. A diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables further protects the skin from damage caused in winter, which can accelerate ageing and dryness.
5. Use a Humidifier Indoors
Indoor heating systems can reduce humidity levels, contributing to dry skin. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, counteracting the drying effects of heating. This is particularly helpful in bedrooms, where the skin is exposed to dry air for extended periods during sleep. Placing a humidifier in the bedroom gives the skin a chance to recover overnight.
6. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
While it may seem counterintuitive, sunscreen is essential year-round, including during winter. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds and damage the skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 exposed skin, even if spending limited time outdoors.
Dry skin in winter may lead to more serious skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, chilblains, and windburns. This is why it is important to consult with a doctor before fixing routine skin care for winter dry skin. Additionally, consult with a health care provider and book a test with Dr Lal PathLabs to ensure overall health in winter.
FAQs
What is the best skincare routine for winter?
Best winter skin care focuses on maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier through hydrating, moisturising, covering up, eating the right nutrients and using a humidifier.
How to prevent dry skin in winter?
Dry skin can be prevented with regular moisturization and drinking lots of water. Additionally, a humidifier can be used indoors to prevent dry air, and a coverup should be used when stepping out.
What are some winter skincare essentials?
Some winter skincare essentials include purchasing a good-quality moisturizer that suits the skin type and drinking enough water to ensure that the skin is hydrated.