Cold waves are harsh not only on our health but also on our skin. As we know winter skincare differs from summer skincare because our skin dries out faster in the winter, and hydrating it to hold moisture is a special focus in our skincare routine. In the winter, exposure to the heater's and blower's hot air causes skin breakage, and reduced moisture levels in the air may cause the skin to become dry and tight. Regular exposure might also trigger your skin to produce more oil. Making a few changes in our daily regime such as the following can help you avoid skin problems.
Switching to hydrating face cleansers
A hydrating cleanser is intended to cleanse and refresh the skin without stripping it or leaving it tight and dry. It is preferable if it contains mild surfactants like Decyl glucoside, Coco Betaine, Myristic Acid, etc. that do not make the skin dry while cleansing the skin making it feel soft, smooth & supple. You can also pick face wash with ingredients like Calendula, Squalane, etc. which help to soothe skin and restore skin's protective barrier.
Adding hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration
The hyaluronic acid serum is a one-stop shop for hydrated, baby-soft skin. Two hyaluronic acid serum benefits that make this product a must-have skincare essential is reduced dry fine lines and multi-level hydration. We recommend looking for formulas with fragmented hyaluronic acid, more effective if it’s about 10 to 15 kDa molecular weight and has better skin penetration. After applying these serums, it's best to follow up with a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the daytime.
Applying emollient based moisturizer instead of Gel or water-based moisturizer
Based on your skin type and condition it may be more comfortable during winter to use an emollient-based moisturizer, with ingredients like Squalane, Avocado, Almond oils, etc. Such ingredients combat the drying effects of winter. Instead of thinner, water-based lotions, it is preferable to use thicker, oil-based creams and ointments. This is because water naturally evaporates, negating the moisturizing effects of products with high water content. Hence, thick moisturizers have strong, long-lasting moisturizing effects.
Always wear sunscreen
You can’t escape the UV Rays in winter. A broad-spectrum SPF doesn’t only provide a barrier against these harmful burning & aging rays but also protects skin from dryness. Wintertime dryness and blustery winds cause the skin to become more prone to cracks, wrinkling, and infection. Utilizing sunscreen keeps the skin's moisture levels stable. One must look for a sunscreen with anti-pollution technology that will provide additional protection against the harmful impact of Nano pollution particles.
Using gentle exfoliator
Exfoliation is an important step in achieving clean, healthy skin, but in the winter, using a gentle exfoliator is preferable to avoid redness, peeling, and burning on already dry skin.
Don’t forget your lips
In order to prevent your lips from drying out and cracking faster in the winter, you must nourish them. Make sure your winter skincare kit always includes lip oils or gloss for soft, supple lips. Look for lip care that can provide sun protection as well.
Introducing body butter to your skin
When the winters are particularly harsh, a simple lotion is insufficient to keep the skin soft, we need an indulgent body butter in such times. As it prevents fine lines and wrinkles, and also smoothens and soothes dry patches.
Inputs from Rajat Mathur, Head of Education and Customer Experience, Kiehl’s India.
