With the onset of the winter season, we need to give our utmost attention to our skin. This weather attacks the delicate protective layer of the skin leaving it dry, flaky, raw, irritated, and itchy. Therefore, the skin needs adequate nourishment so that it can retain moisture better. Dr. Vaidehi Newaskar, a dermatology expert at Bioderma, explains a few things that you should avoid in the winter season.
Low humidity during the cold weather conditions steals moisture from the skin every second of every day. On top of that If you already have an underlying skin condition such as acne or rosacea, it’s imperative to have a correct skincare routine to prevent these conditions from getting worse during the winter.
Here are a few things that you should avoid in the winter season.
Not using sunscreen: It is true that we all love basking in the sun during winters, but is it also essential to put on a thick layer of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Additionally, using a moisturizing sunscreen is a good way to restore the moisture levels of your skin, therefore decreasing the risk of cracks, wrinkles, etc.
Not changing your cleanser: No matter what your skin type is, changing skincare products according to the weather conditions is a must. Switch to washing your face once a day to avoid drying your skin out, and always use lukewarm, not hot or cold water. And above all, switch to a more foaming, gentle, creamy cleanser instead of harsh ones in winters. Your skin will already be dry enough, so you don’t want to strip the moisture.
Type of products to avoid: Stay away from comedogenic products as well as products with fragrance, they might irritate your skin. Avoid using a lot of face masks, peels, alcohol-based toners as these will suck all the moisture from your skin, leaving them dry and flakey.
Don’t wash your face with hot water: When you wash your face with hot water, it strips the essential and natural oils from the skin leaving your skin dry and dull. Hot water can also increase skin sensitivity and can lead to red patches. Apart from skin sensitivity your pores also get affected adversely, you may end up having dull and dry-looking skin with large and visible pores. Always use lukewarm water to wash your face.
Moisturizing your skin is a must: Keeping your skin barrier- the outermost layer of the skin healthy is important. Without your skin barrier, the water inside your body would escape and evaporate, leaving you completely dehydrated. In winters, your skin tends to dry more easily therefore it is essential to use a moisturizer for maintaining your barrier. Just remember to use a moisturiser that is preferably not harsh for your skin and is best suited to your skin type.
