Winter not only brings cold weather but also brings a series of skin problems such as dryness, flattening, peeling, and even cracking.
Low humidity, cold air and the use of domestic heating cause the skin to lose natural oils, weakens the skin's protective barrier and increases the risk of irritation and infection.
For people living in urban areas, pollution and constant temperature changes make this situation worse.
According to Dr. Namita Chopade, a dermatologist in Maharashtra (India), winter skin care needs to focus on preventing and maintaining moisture, instead of only treating it when the skin is dry or damaged.
A suitable care regimen can help your skin overcome the cold season while remaining soft and healthy.
The first step is to gently clean. Dr. Namita recommends using a mild, creamy, unscented, ceramic or oatmeal cleanser.
These products help clean the skin without breaking the natural moisture-resistant film. Bathe or wash your face should be limited to 5 - 10 minutes with warm water, avoid water that is too hot as it can dry out the skin. Then, dry gently, without scratching.
Immediately after cleansing, the skin needs to be hydrated in time. When the skin is still slightly moist, you should apply serum or toner containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to absorb and retain water for the skin.
For skin living in polluted environments, niacinamide (nicotinamide, vitamin B3) helps soothe and reduce inflammation, while vitamin C supports bright and healthy skin that is still safe in the cold season.
Hydration is an indispensable step and should be done at least twice a day. thickeners containing petrolatum, shea butter or squalane help lock in moisture effectively, reduce itching and peeling.
Even oily or acne-prone skin needs proper moisturization to avoid excessive oil secretion.
Dr. Namita also noted that exfoliation should be done gently. Products containing lactic or mandelic acid help remove dead skin cells without causing damage. For sensitive skin, oatmeal masks are a safe choice to soothe the skin.
In addition to outward care, lifestyle also plays an important role. Maintain indoor humidity at 40 - 60%, drink enough water every day and supplement with omega-3-rich foods such as walnuts and flaxseeds to nourish the skin from within.
Although the winter is less sunny, using SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning is still necessary to protect the skin from UV rays.
Finally, doctors recommend avoiding overuse of powerful anti-aging products such as retinol in winter because they can easily cause irritation.
If the condition of dry skin persists or red patches or itching appear, people should go to the doctor for appropriate treatment advice.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if you have any questions).
