How to Prevent Dry and Cracked Skin in Winter
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
16 December, 2024
Ask any skincare enthusiast what their least favourite season is- and they will answer ‘winter’. This is because the air is chilly, with low levels of humidity- leaving your skin feeling dry, itchy and more sensitive than ever! Most of us think that dealing with dry and cracked skin now is normal, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Let us learn more about how we can keep our skin safe, soft and perfect, even under the harshest conditions.
Importance of Hydration for Skin Health in Winter-
If you have normal skin, then it is completely okay to notice some dryness in the winter. If you leave your poor skin to fend for itself, then it may just get worse and cause you physical pain. Moisturising often and well is the essence of skincare in the winter. When you moisturise well, not only does your skin look and feel better, its structural integrity is also maintained. Our skin requires plenty of moisture and it is mostly derived from the water you consume on a daily basis. Conserving moisture is an important goal that you will need to work towards- and this is done by layering on products in the right way, for the best results.
The dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, so it makes sense to use a humidifier at home. You can get a cool mist humidifier for this purpose. Your feet and hands are almost always exposed to cold floors and chilly air and may develop cracks or itchiness. You can apply plenty of hand cream after washing with soap. For the legs- the heels especially, you can dab a generous amount of petroleum jelly and put on a pair of socks. Do this for a couple weeks and you should have super smooth and crack-free skin. Also, a hot shower sounds great but it can dry your skin out further. So use warm water only.
How to Choose the Right Winter Skincare Products-
Winters are normally very harsh on your skin. To ensure that your skin feels soft, hydrated and plump, we recommend that you take some time out and choose the right products. There is no need to invest in very expensive stuff either. The active ingredient is what matters, along with how you use it. But, a general rule of thumb is- you will need to use very mild cleansers and exfoliate maybe twice a week with very gentle products- something that has sugar or oats in it for example. Once you are confident that your skin feels clean, you can begin with a hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid serum on damp skin. Layer on a thick moisturiser on top, so that there is an effective barrier that seals in moisture. Lastly, you can apply some sunscreen before you get busy. This routine is super effective for any normal day and is called the AM routine in all beauty circles.
It is important to remember that the steps may vary slightly during the day as opposed to PM skincare. For the evening or night, once you are home, you will need to remove all makeup with a gentle remover or use some oil on the cotton ball method. The oil that gets left behind may soothe your skin, but it is better to cleanse that too. You can then put on some moisturiser. The skin under your eyes and your lips are more sensitive than usual, so you should use some under-eye cream and plenty of petroleum jelly or lip balm and leave it on for the night.
Conclusion
You are what you eat and this applies a lot to your skin too. So, make sure to eat a lot of skin-friendly items this winter- like fresh fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water. Most of the items you would ever require are all in your kitchen. Here are some dietary tips to improve skin hydration in cold seasons- eating fresh produce will ensure that you get lots of antioxidants- which help keep skin cells healthy. So, that combined with some external skincare hacks and you are all sorted. We wish you happy days and supple skin this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best moisturizer for dry winter skin?
How often should I moisturize my skin in winter?
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