Your Winter Skincare Survival Guide!- Pearls from your Holistic Dermatologist
For a moment let’s try to imagine how our skin truly feels during the cold, winter months.
“Cold air outside, hot air inside, and dry air everywhere!”
This is a definite recipe for disruption of our skin’s barrier & integrity. And that means we are more prone to dry, itchy skin.
My concern during these times is even more towards those who deal with conditions like eczema and psoriasis since the cold, dry air is known to aggravate these debilitating conditions even further.
As always, I recommend an all-around approach while choosing ways to step up your game this winter. While there are some tried-and-true skin superstars, there are others that are relatively new additions to the winter skincare arsenal.
My Top 5 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Although you should be using a moisturizer year-round, it is especially important during the winter months. The Best time to moisturize is right after you shower. Feel free to reapply as and when necessary during the day as well.
Pat dry your skin after you shower and apply a generous layer of moisturizer to help seal the moisture into your skin and keep the water from evaporating.
My favorite way to moisturize at this of the year is using oil-based, richer serums, creams, and lotions, especially for the face and hands.
My Picks:
- Kora Organics: Noni Glow Face Oil– an excellent initial base. It gets absorbed very easily while keeping the skin supple.
- Anovite: Cream and Serum Duo– I am particularly fond of the serum
- KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Balm– This is particularly handy when you are on the go and need added moisturization. I like keeping one in my handbag at all times.
2. Moisturize your hands over & above the routine.
While I am guilty of frequently washing my hands (almost to the extent of having an OCD for the same!), you know just too well, how crucial this practice is. Hand-washing, as the CDC notes, is vital, especially when the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are a threat. (Get my complete Cold & Flu Treatment guide here).
But constant washing of your hands will cause loss of moisture, and make your hands feel & appear like dry, parched, barren land! You may have noticed that your hands are one of the most affected areas during the winter. In addition, if you are a homemaker and frequently wet your hands whilst doing the dishes, clothes, etc, you need to pamper these hardworking assets a little more. Always wear gloves when youβre outside and keep a fragrance-freeΒ hand creamΒ with you so you can re-apply it throughout the day.
My Pick-
- Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream– it is very nourishing and soothing. It is very useful especially if you have eczema or psoriasis over the palms and soles
3. Lower Overall Heat + Lower the Water Temperatures
A long, steamy shower serves to be very relaxing and comforting to temporarily fight off the cold around you, but very hot water can dry out your skin. Also, be mindful before you crank up the heat in your thermostat. Higher heat not only leads to drier skin, but can also dry the mucosal linings of your nose, and throat.
Try to keep the heat at a setting that is low enough but comfortably tolerated by you, in order to prevent being exposed to high heat while driving, showering, or spending time indoors.
4. Invest in a humidifier
A cool, mist humidifier can prevent dryness of the skin and mucosa. It thereby prevents further irritation, and discomfort to an individual already prone to dry, itchy skin conditions & seasonal allergies. It helps replace the moisture that is lost in the air. I highly recommend having one if you have children in the house.
5. Nourish your body and Stay Hydrated
You know by now, my advice will NEVER be complete if it doesn’t involve nourishment of your inner self. Try to notice the shift in the kind of foods you enjoy during this time. Your body will crave warm, comforting food and this is one of the best seasons to increase your intake of good fats.
Have you noticed how the skin looks dull comparatively during these months? This is the time when every cell of the body craves nourishment with healthy fats and adequate hydration. My favorite sources include butter, cheese, animal fat, avocado, nuts, and oils. Try it for yourself and you’ll soon notice the glow, plumpness, and aura you were wishing for in no time.
Commonly Asked Questions
FAQ 1- Can I use the same moisturizer over my face and body?
I get asked more often than not, whether it is fine to use the same moisturizer over our face and body.
Our facial skin is thinner and more sensitive as compared to the rest of the body. The skin over your back and palms are the thickest, so you can get away by using more occlusive topicals. Moisturizers specially designed for use over the face tend to be more lightweight and do not clog your pores. Hence, the chances of breaking out are negligible. They may also contain more expensive anti-aging ingredients added to them. But keep in mind that more expensive skin care products are not necessarily more effective! There is a lot more that has to be taken into consideration.
FAQ 2- What precautions do I need to take if I already have dry skin, eczema, and/or psoriasis?
You might have noticed that eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that cause dry, itchy skin get aggravated during the cold, winter months. They require greater attention and care. I always recommend my patients moisturize extremely well after a shower and repeat moisturize at least 2-3 times additionally throughout the day.
In cases of palmoplantar eczema or psoriasis, wear mittens and socks at night after moisturizing over a pre-hydrated skin surface. I am very fond of the Remedywear line available which is made up of a special material that is extremely soft and non-irritating for inflamed skin. Needless to say, supplement your diet with wholesome, rich sources of fats, proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods to combat the underlying inflammation.
FAQ 3- Can I continue to use Retinols & similar skincare products during the winter?
It is better to step down on the use of products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol in winter. While there is no need to completely stop their use, you can use them less often, or at a lower concentration.
Also, I want you to continue exfoliating during the winter months because you still want to remove the dead skin cell build-up that can make your skin look flaky. But remember do NOT over-exfoliate!
My favorite night repair serum:
Let me know what is your favorite skincare hack during the winter season.
Till then,
Continue to glow, thrive and shine as always.
Sending lots of healthy and happy wishes your way. π
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Comments
This is fabulous information for taking care of our skin during the winter. I never heard of a humidifier that mists. Iβll look into it.
Thank you!