The freezing weather and pollution can take a toll on the skin and make it look dull. Hence it is important to take extra care of it this season, says DR AJAY RANA

Skin changes with every season and weather. There are different care and precautions that are required to maintain a healthy skin. Winter season bring party fouls along the way. Cold temperatures and low humidity levels can lead to many skin problems. Cold waves make it dry, itchy and irritated. Cold, blustery conditions can leave skin feeling raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from the skin.

The freezing weather and pollution can take a toll on the skin, and make it dull. Dry skin and rashes is a common problem during these days. So, it is extremely important to take precautions to avoid rashes and blisters. Even in winters skin get exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet rays make the skin dehydrated. These rays can penetrate deeply into the skin from the epidermis right to the dermis, cause hazardous side effects and leave red patches on the skin.

Apart from dryness of the skin, winter skin problems can become severe which can lead to skin cracks and flakes. These skinflare-ups can happen due to use of new and different skincare products in certain areas of the body. There are many severe skin conditions that grow during winters such as eczema and psoriasis that are triggered when skin moisture is compromised.

Due to cold weather many Itchy patches, also known as winter itch, grow in the hidden areas of the body. It isthe result of the cold winter days that strips away the natural barrier of your skin, which leads to dry, itchy and irritated skin.As the temperature drops, the air holds less moisture which draws that moisture out of our skin and makes it dry.

Acne is one of common skin problems during winters. The main reason for acne in winters is sebum, which is a kind of oil which is secreted by the skin. Sebum is secreted as a result of dry skin during winters.  Excess sebum production can make the cells in skin to stick together. Which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts on the skin.  Dehydration, sun exposure and windburn is very common which cause chapped skin, which has a severe impact on the healthy skin. In this season, skin around the nail often bear the brunt of cold weather and can be painful cuticles.

Here are few tips for healthy skin during winters:

• Avoid dry skin in winter by applying regular massage of oil. It can protect the skin from free radicals caused due to exposure to sunlight and locks in the moisture.
• Dry skin and rashes are very common during winters. So modify your facial skin-care regimen cream-based cleansers, and apply toners.
• Moisturise your skin frequently, especially your hands after washing up. Use any cream or ointment in the winter for your healthy skin.
• During winters eat healthy diet and stay hydrated. Eat foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil.
• During this season wearing wet clothes and shoes can further irritate your skin and cause itchiness and rashes. Change out of wet clothes quickly to avoid itchy skin and patches.

The writer is Founder & Director of ILAMED