As the heat of summer slowly subsides and the chill of winter takes over, your skin care routine needs a serious revamp. The cold, dry air of the season can lead to dehydrated, flaky skin if you’re not careful. Dr. Nirumpama Parwanda, MBBS, MD in Dermatology from Joli Skin Clinic, shares with HT Lifestyle essential tips and advanced treatments to maintain healthy, glowing skin as the temperatures drop. (Also read: Morning vs. night skin care routine: Discover the key differences and why each is important for your skin’s health and glow ,
1. Habits to maintain moisture
Start by changing your routine to retain moisture. Swap your light summer moisturizer for a cream rich with ceramides or squalane to protect against dry air and prevent water loss. Enhance your cream by adding oils like argan, rosehip or jojoba, which are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants to nourish your skin. For maximum effect, apply your moisturizer to damp skin immediately after cleansing. This simple timing trick helps seal in hydration, keeping your skin soft and supple during the chill of winter.
2. Hydration at home
Don’t underestimate the power of your home environment. A humidifier can be a game-changer. Place it in the rooms where you spend the most time – bedroom, living room, or even in your home office. By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier can help maintain your skin’s hydration levels, making a noticeable difference in how your skin feels and looks.
3. Rethink cleaning
Cleansing is an important part of any skin care routine, but as the weather gets cooler, your approach should change. Instead of using astringent cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils, opt for hydrating cleansers that cleanse without compromising the skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like glycerin or oatmeal, which gently cleanse while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture.
4. Advanced Skin Care
For those who are ready to invest in their skin, the winter season is an ideal time to explore advanced treatments that provide deep hydration and rejuvenation. Two standout options are Bio Remodeling with Profhilo and Hydrostretch Therapy with Viscoderm. Profhilo uses ultrapure hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and enhance elasticity of key areas such as the face, neck and hands. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin.
Viscoderm Hydrobooster, on the other hand, combines the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid with innovative technologies to plump and smooth the skin. This procedure reduces wrinkles, refines skin texture and increases elasticity, especially around the mouth, eyes and forehead.
5. Sun protection
Even though the sun isn’t as strong as in summer, UV protection is still important. The winter sun can still cause damage, contributing to premature aging and dehydration. Make SPF your daily companion, ensuring that your skin is protected from harmful rays regardless of the season.
6. Holistic Care
Your diet can play an important role in maintaining the moisture of your skin. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables which are rich in water content and antioxidants. Foods like pumpkin, squash and leafy greens not only provide essential nutrients but also help in maintaining the glow of your skin. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts support the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it resilient against the winter cold.
7. Personalized Treatment
Finally, consider consulting a dermatologist or skin care specialist to customize the treatment according to your skin’s specific needs. As the seasons change, so do your skin’s needs. A professional can recommend specific products or treatments to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy throughout the winter.