Not every flake of winter is made of snow. Cold weather along with low humidity, creates chaos to our skin, making it flaky and dry. It is not only the dry air from outside, but also the indoor heating that further decreases the moisture from your skin. The result? Winter Itchiness.
Want to know the effects of winter on your skin and tips for skincare routines to follow in winter? Then, without further delay let's delve into the article to know more.
Why It Is Important To Have Skincare Routine In Winter:
Though winter brings many perks such as a series of holidays, vacations, warm and cosy sweaters, and so on, it also causes dryness, itchiness, and flakiness to your skin. Cold air and harsh winter wind removes natural moisture barriers from your skin and makes it look dry and dull.
But with a proper skincare routine, you can maintain the good health of your skin even in winter.
Skin health is not only essential to look beautiful, but is equally important as it performs various essential tasks. One of such tasks is protecting your body from viruses and bacteria. It even protects you from harmful UV rays from the sun that can damage your skin cells. The cold winter months on the other hand triggers some skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and xerosis that may cause dry skin, itchiness, and reddish patches, the severity may vary accordingly.
Symptoms Of Dry Weather On Your Skin:
Some of the symptoms of dry weather on your skin are as follows:
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Redness
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Rough when you touch
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Cracking, itchiness, and flakiness
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Dryness and dullness
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Burning sensation
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Skin feels tight
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Increased sensitivity
How To Winterproof Your Skin?
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Moisturize After Every Wash:
As soon as you wash your face, hands, or body, your skin strips off its natural oils. Since these oils help in retaining moisture, it is essential to replace them. Hence it is important to moisturize once you wash your skin, especially during winter.
Make it a habit to stock up a bottle of moisturizer next to your sink or your dressing table and keep a small travel-size moisturizer while you are travelling.
Using petroleum based or cream based moisturizers works better during winter than lotions for all the skins.
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Avoid Long And Hot Showers:
Staying in the shower for a long time can damage your skin’s barrier. It can remove the natural oils from the skin and makes it dull and dehydrated. Stop taking hot showers for a long time during winter and better use lukewarm water. Apply moisturizer immediately after taking a bath. Use non-irritating and non-detergent based moisturizers.
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Modify Your Skincare Routine:
Not all skincare routines work effectively throughout the year. Seasonal changes directly affect how your skin behaves. During winter, the dry and chilly air can make your skin overly sensitive, irritated, and dehydrated. In contrast, the hot and humid summer months call for lighter formulas. For example, a gel-based moisturizer is ideal for summer, while cream-based or rich hydrating products are better suited for winter—depending on your skin type. Choosing the right skincare product in India becomes easier when you adjust your routine according to the season’s demands.
You need to remember that your skin's natural barriers are to be healthy to respond to serums, toners, moisturizers, and other skin care products.
It is better to keep your skin care routine simple during winter. Using a cream based moisturizer and a sunscreen is enough during the day and a gentle cleanser and moisturizer will be good during night.
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Use A Humidifier:
Dry air from winter and also room heaters take away the moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers bring back the moisture into the air. Having moisture in the air will act as a natural moisturizer which prevents and relieves your dry skin. It will also refresh your skin during winter.
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Apply Sunscreen Daily:
You may be thinking of avoiding the use of sunscreens during winter, but wait…Though the days are shorter with less sunlight, it is essential to use sunscreen even in the cold winter season. The UV rays from the sun may equally harm your skin’s natural barrier which is vital to nourish your skin and maintain the hydration. Add a layer of sunscreen right after the application of moisturizer. Using a sunscreen that is more than SPF 30 is always preferable.
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Be Gentle On Exfoliation And Scrubs:
Exfoliation removes the dead cells from your skin thereby making your skin look smooth and gorgeous. But over exfoliation will make your skin hard, dry, flaky, cracked, and irritated. Using hard scrubs will damage the skin's moisture barrier causing skin problems.
So, look for the right skin care products and don't overdo exfoliation. If your skin is dry or flaky, use a gentle chemical exfoliator rather than a physical scrub. If your skin is irritated, cracked, or itchy, it is better to leave exfoliation until your skin gets healed.
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Your Skin From Inside:
One of the essential ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing is to keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day. Not taking enough fluids may affect your look and dries out your skin.
Apart from being hydrated, it is also important to have a balanced diet and food that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help in protecting your skin from environmental damage and improves the production of healthy cells.
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Don't Skip Night Skin Care Routine:
Nighttime skin care will help in refreshing your skin and also it reduces dryness of the skin. You can use the night cream that contains anti-ageing elements that hydrates your skin and promotes regeneration of cells thereby keeping your skin refreshed. It helps to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, or dark circles, and firm your skin. Night skin care helps in maintaining youthfulness, gives radiance, and enhances the beauty of your skin.
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Don't Scratch Or Rub Your Skin:
Dry skin gets irritated soon and gives an urge to scratch or rub it. Scratching or rubbing your skin will further damage your skin and lead to inflammation. Use gentle skincare lotion to reduce the itchiness and dryness. Always use a soft cloth or towel to wipe your skin. Don't rub it harshly.
Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Skin During Winter:
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Banana Face Mask: Mash the bananas and mix it with milk, honey, lime juice, and apply it on your face. This will be the best facepack for dry skin.
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Almond Oil: Almond oil is beneficial for your skin. It properly moisturizes your skin and retains the natural glow. Massaging your skin regularly with almond oil and leaving it overnight will provide more radiance to your skin and keep it glowing.
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Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel works as an excellent natural moisturizer and is known for its ability to soothe and repair the skin. It helps reduce acne breakouts, softens fine lines, and supports skin firmness. For those looking for a gentle yet effective moisturiser for dry skin, aloe vera gel is a great choice because it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy.
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Milk: Raw milk is a natural toner for your skin as it contains antioxidants and lactic acid. It evens the skin tone and reduces dark spots or pigmentation. Mixing it with papaya, honey, turmeric, etc will give a natural glow to your skin.
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Oatmeal And Milk: Mix oatmeal with milk and apply it on your face. Gently massage it over your face and let it dry. Rinse it off thoroughly. This removes dead skin from your face and gives it a natural radiance and makes it glow.
Final Thoughts:
Winter is an awesome season as it brings a series of holidays. But on the other hand, the dry weather and hot air from room heaters will make your skin dry, itchy, and flaky.
So follow the right skincare routine during winter and get a smooth, radiant, and glowing skin.