Time to get rid of dry skin

During winters,  our skin loses its moisture to the dry air around us, causing dryness and breakouts. DR Ajay Rana gives us tips to maintain healthy skin

As soon as the temperature drops, Skin tightness, dryness, and seasonal breakouts can be very common in the winter season. A hot summer season and monsoon season has bestowed its mark upon our face with pigmentation from excessive tanning, travel-induced dehydration, and inflammation and the sudden drop in temperature can impact the way our skin performs, looks and feels.

During winter, impairment and fragility of the skin barrier is the most common thing which can manifest as symptoms of dryness, sensitivity and a lack of lustre look. During this time, the barriers of the skin become damaged and the pollution and other external aggravators penetrate deeper into the skin  and can cause inflammation, sensitivity and redness.

 Treat dry skin

• As temperature drops, humidity levels also drop and our skin loses its moisture to the dry air around us. So, during winters, switch to a more moisturising cleanser that can help to hydrate parched skin and support the skin’s barrier to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the cold weather.
• Fundamental key to keep skin clean and free of accumulated dirt is cleansing morning and night. Cleansing also increases the blood flow and aids elimination of toxins so don’t rush it.
• Exposure to the heating and harsh, bracing winds during the winter season can lead to dry skin. Hydrate your skin always. For hydrating use a Hyaluronic acid.
• Retinol is great for plumping and smoothing skin. Use retinol on your skin, retinol should always be followed up with a good SPF. It increases cell turnover, regulating oil flow and improving the appearance of pigmentation.
• The biggest mistake you can make is not wearing SPF in winters. Our skin can be damaged by UV rays all  round the year. Use a mineral-based SPF for its lightness, breathability, ocean-friendliness and ease of use.
• Humidity levels and low temperature during winters can sometimes cause many skin problems. Use a mask that includes Clay and Seaweed Extract, which can help draw out impurities, calm spots, and exfoliate your skin.
• Add Vitamin C To your skincare regime. It works effectively in winters and helps combat SPF rays that aren’t fully blocked by the sunscreen. It helps to boost collagen production resulting in a brighter complexion.
• Use a lip moisturiser and eye cream.
• Indulge in a creamy body butter with must-have winter skin ingredients like strengthening shea and cocoa oils.
• It is always important to complement a winter skin routine with a nutritional and seasonal diet with skincare regime. During this season, eat lots of squashes, like butternut and pumpkin, that are rich in beta-carotene that helps to aid cell renewal, normal skin function and collagen production.

The writer is Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Founder, Director of ILAMED