Caring for your skin during winter – a practical guide

Winter is around the corner, providing some well needed respite from the scorching summer heat. But this may not be good news for your skin. Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are some simple steps which can be followed to provide the TLC your skin deserves.

Skin’s natural defense system:

In ambient weather conditions, the moisture content of skin is maintained by its outermost layer called the stratum corneum. This layer contains a mixture of natural oils such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, which help trap moisture, making the skin soft and supple. Together with proteins, they form a natural skin barrier which prevents the loss of water from within. Although anyone can suffer from winter dryness, some people are genetically predisposed while others may have a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance.

Winter and skin:

The major problem your skin faces during winter is dryness. Lower temperatures, cold winds and increased indoor humidity lead to depletion of the natural oils in the skin. This disrupts the natural barrier, leading to loss of water through the skin and dehydration. Skin care products which were previously tolerated by your skin can cause irritation or allergies in winter.

What can be done?

The following are some measures that can be followed to combat winter dryness.

Dos:

1. Take short showers in lukewarm water.
2. Use a gentle moisturizing soap or cleanser.
3. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
4. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bath. Petrolatum-based creams are preferred over lotions. Look for ingredients such as urea and ceramides.
5. Repeat moisturizer application throughout the day.
6. Apply a moisturizing lip balm multiple times a day.
7. Use hair conditioners, masks and protective serums for your strands.

Don’ts:

1. Bathe in piping hot water or take long showers
2. Use harsh soaps that dry out the skin.
3. Use scrubs and loofahs.
4. Rub your skin with a towel after bathing.
5. Use moisturizers with fragrances and lanolin if you have sensitive skin.
6. Skip your sunscreen. UV rays can still penetrate clouds.
7. Use products with retinoids, glycolic acid or salicylic acid if you haven’t used them already.

Hope this helps to keep your skin radiant, healthy and glowing this winter!