Chapped lips and flaky skin? Dos and don'ts of essential winter skincare

Itchy skin, dry nose and chapped lips indicate the onset of winter season in the city. While we all look forward to some relief from the blazing heat, it must be known that the pleasant weather in Mumbai comes with its own set of woes, dry skin being the most common.

Further, persistent poor air quality and pollution from Diwali are most likely to worsen the skin issues for many city residents. To address this concern and aid Mumbaikars, especially those with sensitive skin, Mid-day Online knocked on the doors of dermatologists to get some key winter skincare tips.

Although dry skin is the most common skin condition in dry weather, other issues like dry eczemas, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, prurigo, xerotic eczemas, frizzy hair, and brittle nails are known to exacerbate during the winter season. Experts say, having a winter skincare regime in place well in advance can go a long way in avoiding skin issues born out of harsh weather.

"In Mumbai, the weather is not so cold. Hence, one may not change the skincare much unless the skin dries up. However, one must make some key changes keeping in mind the change in weather," says Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, consultant dermatologist, Dr Trasi Clinic and La Piel Skin Clinic.

Adding to this, Dr Reshma Vishnani, consultant dermatologist, trichologist and aesthetic dermatologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, says, "For us Mumbaikars though the drop in temperature and decrease in humidity in these months will give us a relief from the excessive sweating, it becomes difficult for the skin to retain the natural moisture making it more sensitive and prone to dryness along with flaky skin and hair. This makes it necessary to have a winter-appropriate skincare routine in place."

The winter skincare mantra
When it comes to using the correct products, you must always use hydrating skincare items during winter. Include gentle non-soapy and fragrance-free cleansers to wash the face and the body. One can use micellar cleansers that are gentle on the skin.

Depending on your skin type, use lightweight, water-based moisturisers containing ceramides that help lock in moisture. Those who have extremely dry skin can opt for a thick moisturiser or body butter. At night, you can make use of hyaluronic acid serum.

For anti-ageing products, use products containing peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to also keep the hair hydrated.

A daily winter skincare regime
1. Have a bath with lukewarm water.
2. Followed by this, pat dry your body and lather a generous amount of moisturiser.
3. After applying moisturiser, apply sunscreen during the day. At night, you can apply hyaluronic acid serum, followed by a round of moisturising.
4. You can also indulge yourself in a 30-minute oil massage prior to the bath followed by a mild cleanser for wash and then a moisturiser. Using hand and foot cream containing four to 10 per cent urea can prevent rough and cracked hands and feet. Before applying the creams, one can dip the feet in warm water and then cover them with socks.
5. Oil the hair regularly to hydrate and prevent it from breakage. Apply nail oil or moisturiser to hydrate the nail cuticles.
6. Make sure to lather lip balms generously and reapply them from time to time. Regular use of lip balm is compulsory to prevent dry chapped lips. Opt for a lip balm containing SPF to ensure maximum lip hydration.
7. Use a good eye contour cream containing ceramides and growth factors to hydrate the skin and prevent fine lines and wrinkles around the eye.
Both Trasi and Vishnani strongly warn against skipping moisturising.

Common skincare mistakes to avoid
According to Trasi, "Most of us follow the same skincare routine throughout the year. However, cold weather can dry the skin and some skin products like retinol can lead to increased skin dryness." This makes it necessary for us to understand which products and skincare habits should be avoided.

1. Avoid hot water baths. It can rob your skin of moisture making it prone to dermatitis. Avoid toners as they can also dehydrate the skin.
2. Avoid using glycerine-based soaps. Rather use shower gels or neutral pH skin-friendly soaps called syndets. Further, any skincare products containing retinol, salicylic acids, or benzoyl peroxides should be replaced with other products.
3. Never exfoliate your face or body with scrubs or natural face packs in dry cold weather. Doing this can cause redness and exacerbate itching. Discontinue tomato or lemon application on the face which can worsen the skin issues more. Use masks containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or vitamin E. These hydrate the skin and give a good glow.
4. Avoid wearing harsh clothing, especially woollens as they can scratch the dry skin even more. Opt for soft woollens that are smooth on the skin.
5. Avoid contact with wet hair with cold winds as it can cause hair breakage and hair fall. Also, do not use curling machines and tongs as they damage the hair cuticle.

The crucial role of sunscreen
According to Vishnani, "Sunscreen should be applied and reapplied every three hours in an adequate quantity whether you are inside the house, car, office or outside on the road. Sunscreen has to be applied even if it's raining outside or gloomy."

Adding to this, Trasi says, "One must never forget to use sunscreen even during winter season. Though the sun rays are less harsh, one can get tanned in winter. Nowadays, everyone works on devices containing visible light like laptops and computers. Hence, the facial tan is from those rays rather than the sun itself, making sunscreen an all-time necessity."

Pre and post-makeup skincare
During dry weather, opting for organic and liquid-based makeup helps the skin to stay hydrated. Avoid powder-based makeup in this climate as it can make your face look cakey. Further, avoid alcohol or spirit-based cosmetics as they have a tendency to irritate the skin in this climate.
Use good amounts of moisturisers before applying makeup to prevent drying of the skin. Also, avoid over-layering of foundation creams. Excess layering of skin with moisturisers, concealers, and foundations can lead to acne breakouts.
With regards to make-up for lips, avoid using non-transfer, matte lipsticks or long-lasting lipsticks on an everyday basis as they will dry out your lips further. Instead use moisturising or glossy lipsticks, even though they don't stay for long.

Tips for healthy skin during air quality concerns
"A bad air quality definitely creates havoc on the skin," says Trasi. Indoor and outdoor pollution may activate inflammatory pathways and lower the levels of antioxidants in the skin. Oxidation damages the skin's DNA, collagen breakdown and the barrier function of the skin. Skin problems like acne, eczemas, psoriasis, premature greying of hair, and early wrinkling have been exacerbated in spite of good treatment. Skin allergies or urticaria cases have increased with the current pollution level. Hence take extra care of the skin and visit the dermatologist as required.
To counter the evil of winter pollution, Vishnani suggests washing your face at least twice or thrice a day, following up with a moisturiser. Have a clean diet with adequate hydration and exercise to flush out those toxins. Most importantly, visit a dermatologist who can set up a skin care regimen as per your skin and daily routine.

The importance of diet in skincare
Both Trasi and Vishnani stress that hydration for the skin, internal as well as topical, is non-negotiable. Along with this, consume a lot of seasonal fruits and veggies. Berries are exceptional sources of vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs to stay healthy during the cold weather.
Avoid smoking and drinking excessively as it dehydrates the skin and hair.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.

Winter skincare routine: Essential tips to ensure healthy skin

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