Hyderabad: As the seasons change to winter, our skin faces challenges from the cold, dry air. To keep our skin healthy and avoid dryness, it is important to adjust our nighttime skincare routine. This means focusing on cleaning, exfoliating, and moisturizing regularly.
Have you observed how your skin reacts to seasonal changes? In colder months, it tends to become drier and flakier. The combination of cold air, indoor heating, low humidity, and harsh winds can deplete your skin of its natural moisture, causing redness, roughness, and even cracks.
1. Moisturize Right After Washing:
After every face wash, hand wash or body wash, your skin loses its natural oils. These oils, vital for moisture retention, must be replenished promptly. Make it a habit to use a hydrating moisturizer after washing.
2. Apply Sunscreen Daily:
Despite the shorter days, harmful UV light persists in winter. Maintain a morning routine of applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 after moisturizing. Protecting your skin's moisture barrier is crucial for overall skin health and hydration.
3. Opt for Overnight Treatments:
Overnight treatments, rich in emollients, work wonders for revitalizing dry skin. Apply them generously before bedtime, allowing your skin to absorb the moisture and oils it needs.
4. Adjust Your Skincare Routine:
If your face seems more sensitive during winter, simplify your skincare routine. A healthy moisture barrier responds better to basic care, so consider using only a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning and a gentle cleanser with moisturizer at night. Gradually reintroduce other treatments when your skin's moisture barrier is restored.
5. Use a Humidifier
Combat dry indoor heating by using a humidifier. Maintaining a humidity level of 60 percent in winter, as recommended by Harvard Health Publishing, helps replenish moisture in the top layer of your skin.
6. Lower the Temperature
While hot showers may be tempting, lukewarm water is kinder to your skin. Hot water can strip away natural oils, potentially causing damage. Pat your skin gently with a soft towel after bathing to retain moisture.
7. Go Easy on Exfoliants and Scrubs
Exfoliation is beneficial, but overdoing it can harm your skin's moisture barrier. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants over harsh physical scrubs. If your skin is cracked or irritated, avoid exfoliation until it heals.
Additional Tips for Supple Winter Skin
- Lock in moisture by adding occlusive ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil to your routine.
- Nourish your skin from within by staying well-hydrated and consuming foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Reduce skin irritation by wearing loose, comfortable, natural fabrics and choosing detergents formulated for sensitive skin.
- Shield your hands from the cold and environmental agents by wearing warm gloves, especially when washing dishes.
By incorporating these simple yet effective bedtime skincare habits, you can bid farewell to winter dryness and unlock radiant, healthy skin. Enjoy the season with confidence, knowing that your skin is well-prepared to face the challenges of winter.
By Dr. Neha Khuraana
MD, Board-certified Dermatologist and Founder House of Aesthetics
