Dull And Dry Skin Care: Has your skin started looking dry and dull in the cold season? Does it feel like the cold winds have stolen the moisture and glow from your face? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone in feeling this way.
That’s why we have brought some easy expert tips here, so that your skin remains soft and healthy.
Although by following these remedies you can get rid of most of your skin-related problems, but remember that everyone’s skin is different and the same remedy is not effective on all types of skin. So find products and routines that are better for your skin. If you have a specific skin problem, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Why does skin become dry in cold?
In the winter season, due to lack of moisture in the air and changes in temperature, the problem of dryness and skin condition xerosis increases. In winter, moisture starts getting lost from the skin, due to which dryness in the skin increases.
“Dry air steals moisture from the skin, which increases the problem of dry skin for many.”
Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Senior Consultant -Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
Why is it important to take care of skin in winter?
Dryness causes more damage to the skin, hence it is important to take proper care of the skin during cold weather. This should be started before the onset of winter. But what usually happens is that most of us start taking care of the skin when it has become very dry or the skin has been damaged.
“In the winter season, the skin not only suffers external damage but also internal damage, which is not visible in the same way as it is when the skin gets damaged in the sun during the summer season.”
Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Senior Consultant -Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
This is the reason why people often do not pay attention to skin care in winter because they do not see the damage. But it is very important to take care of the skin during the winter season because apart from dryness in the skin, cold and dry air also sometimes causes problems like rashes and skin cracks.
What to do to avoid dry skin in winter?
- Don’t take a bath for too long.
- The water used for bathing should be lukewarm instead of hot.
- Apply moisturizer on the skin immediately after bathing.
- Keep yourself away from allergens and products that cause skin irritation.
- Keep drinking adequate amount of water.
- Use a humidifier at home.
Try these 10 skin care tips in winter
- Hydrate from within: Drink adequate amount of water. By doing this, internal moisture remains in your skin.
- Use a gentle cleanser: To ensure that natural oils remain in the skin, you should always use a gentle cleanser. Use cream or oil based gentle cleansers, which are gentle on the skin.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for bathing so that natural moisture remains in the skin and dryness does not occur in it. Similarly, keep the duration of bathing also short.
- It is important to moisturize the skin regularly: Apply moisturizer on the skin immediately after bathing or washing the face. To ensure proper nutrition of the skin, use products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides.
- Keep your skin safe: To protect your skin from harsh winter winds, wear clothes that cover your skin, like scarves and gloves. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, especially when you are in a snowy area because snow also reflects UV rays.
- Humidify homes: Due to the heating system/room heater in the home, the air present inside the home becomes very dry. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, so that your skin can be protected from becoming dry.
- Remove dead skin gently (exfoliate gently): It is important to remove the dead cells that accumulate on the upper layer of the skin from time to time and it is especially important to do so in the cold season. Choose a mild exfoliant, but remember to use it only once or twice a week to remove dead skin as excessive exfoliation can damage the skin.
- Be active: Regular exercise improves blood flow in the body, which makes the skin look more healthy. After exercise, clean your skin so that the sweat and bacteria accumulated on it can be removed.
- Choose the right fabric: Use cotton clothes to keep your skin healthy, using rough clothes can cause problems for the skin. Also, use soft sheets and pillow covers for sleeping.
- Take skin care regularly: Follow the routine for skin care. Healthy skin can be ensured only by taking constant care. Choose a routine only after knowing how your skin reacts to cold weather.
