Introduction
According to Bharat Bhise, most people experience dry skin in the winter due to low humidity levels, cold air, and indoor heat which zaps the moisture out of your skin. You can easily recognize the signs of dry skin, which is characterized by cracks in the skin, redness, itchiness, flakiness, scaliness, rough texture, and more. That is why it is crucial to adjust your skincare routine in the winter to minimize skin irritation.
The Routines
Here are a few skincare routine tips you can follow for winter:
1. Ensure you apply sunscreen daily – Many people cut back on the use of sunscreen due to the shorter winter days. However, that is a bad habit since exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun for even short durations when you go outside can damage the skin’s moisture barrier.
Thus, ensure you apply a layer of sunscreen after applying moisturizer on your skin daily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it is recommended you use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
2. Minimize the use of scrubs and exfoliants – Many people prefer to use exfoliants since it helps to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface and helps to make your skin look more vibrant and smoother. However, it is possible to over-exfoliate your skin, especially when you do it too frequently or use products that are not suitable for your skin type.
We recommend you use a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of a physical scrub, especially if you have flaky or dry skin. Using harsh physical scrubs can damage your skin over time or if not used properly. And you should avoid the use of exfoliants if your skin is raw, irritated, or cracked.
3. Consider overnight treatments – One of the best ways to prevent dry skin or revitalize your skin during the winter is to opt for overnight treatments using emollients. It is suitable to apply emollient to your skin overnight since these heavy creams take longer to get absorbed by the skin.
You can apply overnight moisturizers to any part of your body including the face, hands, feet, and any area that feels rough and dry.
4. Add occlusives to your routine – Sometimes, emollients are not enough to repair and smoothen the skin barrier. In such cases, you can consider adding occlusive ingredients to your skincare routine. These ingredients create a physical barrier to lock moisture into your skin.
And you only need to apply them once or twice a day after your moisturizing routine. Common occlusive ingredients include jojoba oil, shea butter, rosehip oil, cocoa butter, and petroleum jelly-based products like Aquaphor or Vaseline.
Conclusion
Bharat Bhise suggests you stay well-hydrated during the winter and eat foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help to protect your cells from environmental damage and facilitate the production of healthy skin cells. Also, ensure you use a humidifier to maintain the moisture level in your home, especially when you use indoor heating.