Why winters need additional skin care?

During the winter months, cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can all impact the skin, making it more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and other skin concerns. Here’s why additional skin care is necessary in winter:

Reduced Humidity:

Impact: Cold winter air typically contains lower moisture levels, which means your skin loses moisture more quickly. Indoor heating (whether from radiators, fireplaces, or air conditioning) further reduces the humidity inside your home.

Result: Skin becomes drier, leading to conditions like flakiness, rough texture, and tightness.

Cold Air and Wind:

Impact: Exposure to harsh, cold winds can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leaving the skin exposed to moisture loss and making it more prone to irritation and redness.

Result: Dry, cracked skin, especially on the face, lips, and hands, which are more exposed to the elements.

Reduced Oil Production:

Impact: In colder months, the skin naturally produces less oil (sebum), which helps lock in moisture.

Result: Skin may feel drier and tighter, especially in areas like the face and hands.

Skin Barrier Function:

Impact: The skin’s natural barrier (the outermost layer) can become weakened by cold, wind, and harsh indoor heating. This barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out.

Result: A weakened skin barrier leads to increased sensitivity, redness, and inflammation. Conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis can worsen in winter.

Changes in Routine:

Impact: People may take longer, hotter showers in the winter to warm up, which can strip away natural oils and leave skin feeling dry and irritated.

Result: Hot water increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), causing dryness and sensitivity.

Sun Exposure: (Different school of thoughts)

Impact: Many people forget that even in winter, the sun’s UV rays can damage the skin. Snow reflects sunlight, intensifying UV exposure, especially in high-altitude areas.

Result: Increased risk of skin damage, aging, and even skin cancer if adequate sun protection isn’t used.

Precautions/Care:

To protect your skin, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to provide extra hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and shield your skin from environmental stressors. Here are some key tips for winter skincare:

Use richer, thicker moisturizers or body butters: Switch to more emollient, nourishing creams to lock in moisture.(for eg – Shea & cocoa butters , jojoba & almond oils)

Hydrate from the inside: Drink more water, and incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support skin hydration.

Limit hot showers: Opt for lukewarm water and moisturize immediately afterward to lock in moisture.

Add humectants to your routine: Look for products containing vegetable glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera to draw moisture into the skin.

Use sunscreen: Continue to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, even in the winter months, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in snow.

By adapting your skincare routine to these winter-specific needs, you can help maintain smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin all season long.