Winter has knocked, and its effect is starting to show on our skin, with temperature shifts already affecting skin dryness. Winter is notoriously unkind to human skin, causing dryness, chapped lips, and sore hands, according to Hindi News. The cold air holds less moisture, leading to dry, lifeless skin that appears dull and can become rough and cracked. Cold winds strip moisture from the skin, causing it to become dry, itchy, and irritated, with symptoms such as roughness, peeling, and increased thickness.
In winter, cold winds start affecting people’s skin, leading to dryness. Cold winds cause the face to become dull, which looks odd. Year-round, the face and hands are exposed and are prone to dryness. With frequent chronic wind exposure of the hands, lichenization may form—this is a layer of thicker skin that has a darker shade, as noted by Marina Kartasheva, a dermatologist, pediatric dermatologist, cosmetologist, and leading specialist at the Family clinic network, she told Izvestia.
To combat winter skin dryness, it is recommended to apply special oils, like rosehip or argan oil, on the face before going to bed, as they deeply nourish the skin and help seal in hydration, according to Hindi News. Argan oil contains vitamin E and antioxidants, which hydrate the skin and make it soft. These oils lock moisture in the upper layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated for a long time. They nourish the skin, making it soft and glowing, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Coconut oil, with its medium-chain fatty acids, not only improves elasticity when used topically, but also replenishes moisture when consumed, making it a versatile winter staple. It serves as an excellent emollient for dry skin and is an effective natural cleanser that locks in moisture. Coconut oil contains antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. However, Dr. Punam Krishan cautions that it may block pores in acne-prone or oily skin, leading to breakouts.
Almonds, rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, protect the skin from moisture loss and environmental stressors, making the skin soft and radiant. Almond oil helps reduce dark circles and fine lines. Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which provide moisture to the skin and keep it healthy. Olive oil protects the skin from damage. Avocado oil contains vitamins E, D, and A, which nourish the skin.
Before going to bed at night, clean your face, take a little oil, and massage it gently on the face. Using too much oil can make the skin feel sticky, so use only a small amount of oil. If someone has combination skin, they can apply oil only on the dry areas. If someone has oily skin, they should not use oil on the face. It is advisable to patch test the Medik8 C-Tetra serum first, as everyone’s skin is different, and before using any new oil, a patch test should be done.
Natural substances can be used on the face in winter to avoid the chemicals found in soap. A mixture of milk and honey can help moisturize the skin in winter. To make the milk and honey mixture, mix half a teaspoon of honey in one teaspoon of milk, apply it to the face, massage gently, and then wash off with lukewarm water. If oats are available, grind them and mix with milk to make a paste. Apply the oats and milk paste to the face and wash off after five minutes. The oats and milk paste exfoliate the skin and makes it soft.
Gram flour (besan) and yogurt are commonly found in every kitchen. Mix one to two tablespoons of gram flour with one tablespoon of yogurt to make a paste. The gram flour and yogurt paste helps to retain the skin’s moisture. Aloe vera gel is easy to use for skin care. To use aloe vera gel, apply a thin layer on the face, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Aloe vera gel soothes the skin, removes impurities, and leaves it feeling soft and rejuvenated, and it helps to hydrate the skin.
During winter, it is important to ensure that none of your products cause dryness to your skin, including cleansers, and to choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers instead of harsh soaps. Using soaps can worsen skin problems by removing essential oils, according to Hindi News. In winter, it is better to use a gentle cream or oil-based cleanser to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, as heavy creams can clog pores in warmer weather. Marina Kartasheva advised using gentler cleansing products.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential ingredient for winter skincare. Dr. Sophie Durand advises using products containing HA, glycerin, or ceramides for effective hydration. Marina Kartasheva advised periodic prevention of hyaluronic acid deficiency through procedures like biorevitalization and mesotherapy, as she told Izvestia. A combination of Cica and hyaluronic acid is now found in many face cleansers and serums, which is important as adult skin recovers more slowly due to a deficiency of moisturizing factors and hyaluronic acid. Cica, also known as Centella Asiatica, is a natural substance with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and creams based on it have the most powerful regenerative effect. Cica accelerates the skin’s natural healing process and can be used for skin wind exposure, wounds, burns, or after cosmetic procedures.
Eating healthy and nutritious food, such as fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and foods rich in natural fibers and high water content, helps maintain the health of hair and skin, as reported by La Nación. Fruits rich in antioxidants are indispensable for skin health. Oranges, lemons, and kiwis are fruits that are rich in antioxidants and help protect the skin. One of the great benefits of consuming these fruits is the incorporation of vitamin C, which promotes the production of collagen. The effect of antioxidant-rich fruits on the skin is immediate because they contain antioxidant agents that reinforce the skin’s defenses.
Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and nuts, to support healthy skin. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts support the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it resilient against winter. Minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium are also recommended for skin vitality. Pumpkin seeds are key for cellular regeneration and are recommended for skin health. Green tea is rich in catechins, antioxidants that improve skin elasticity and combat premature aging. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that improve circulation and protect against sun damage. Dark chocolate should have at least 70% cocoa to be beneficial for the skin.
Water is crucial for maintaining radiant, healthy skin, and it is necessary to keep the skin moist and hydrated to stay healthy. Pay attention to eating foods that contain a lot of water, such as healthy fruits and various types of leafy vegetables, including hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and celery. Additional advice from AI for skin care includes drinking water to hydrate the skin.
Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare expert can help customize treatments according to the skin’s unique needs. If skin wind exposure is accompanied by redness and itching, this condition is called simple irritant dermatitis and requires treatment by a dermatologist, according to Marina Kartasheva. “If the skin has already been wind-exposed, to avoid the consequences of this damage, regeneration procedures may be used, such as plasmapheresis, mesotherapy, collagen injections,” she added.
Therefore, during this period, the hands need to be cared for more carefully than in summer, and first of all, pay attention to intensive moisturizing, as stated by Natalia Mikhailova, a candidate of medical sciences, dermatologist, scientific supervisor of the MARTINEX company. According to her, for cleansing the skin, alcohol lotions, and disinfectants are not needed; soap and gels wash away bacteria well and do not dry out the skin.
Face oils add a layer of nourishment and help seal in hydration, creating a protective layer on the skin,and making them especially beneficial for dry skin in winter. These oils nourish the skin, making it soft and glowing. Some oils have antibacterial properties that help reduce acne and pimples. However, antioxidants like vitamin C, resveratrol, and glutathione can protect our skin, and some oils contain antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful sun rays.
