Experts share essential tips for your winter skincare routine

Ceramide-based moisturisers can protect your skin barrier. Representation pic

The unseasonal showers notwithstanding, the lower temperatures and drier air that are typical of this time of the year can take a toll on your skin. To compound this further, the dry, cold environment of air-conditioned workspaces and homes can leave your face feeling taut and dehydrated. Additionally, Dr Greeshma Nair, an ayurvedic expert, highlights the fact that higher air pollution in the winter months adversely affects your skin. "The cold air is denser and traps more atmospheric pollutants than any other time of the year. Winter mornings in the city are often synonymous with smog. These pollutants can affect the skin's structural integrity. They can also enter through the pores of your skin, causing oxidative stress. This results in premature ageing, freckles and black spots," she points out.

Add moisture

"Since the dry air around us tends to pull out moisture from our skin, it will be ideal to have a humidifier around us, at home and in the office, to maintain moisture levels in the air. This can prevent dryness. If you don't want to invest in a humidifier, keep a big bowl of water next to you - this will act as a water reservoir, safeguarding your skin's moisture," shares Dr Chytra Anand, a dermatologist and founder of KosmoDerma Clinics.

Dr Chytra Anand and Dr Greeshma Nair

Protect your skin

To keep your skin barrier intact, Dr Anand recommends using ceramide-based moisturisers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate during the winter months. "Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate create a film on top of your skin, and guard it from dehydration while also adding hydration," she says. To further boost the health of your skin barrier, she suggests bathing with lukewarm water. At the same time, make sure to stay hydrated from within by drinking at least one-and-a-half litres of water a day. If you have extremely dry skin, she also suggests looking into vitamin E capsules.

Guard against pollution

With South Mumbai's air quality being declared as worse than Delhi on Monday, Dr Nair insists on the importance of wearing masks outdoors to protect against pollution. "Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 regularly. Limit morning walks or outdoor activities when the air quality is not good. At home, use air purifiers. Keep your doors and windows shut on days when the smog is heavy," she says. Further, a regular cleansing, toning and moisturising routine is a must during winter months. If you have sensitive or combination skin, make sure you're using suitable products, she says.

Make time for oil massages

Oil massages can protect your skin and hair, says Dr Nair. "They are a part of dinacharya [the daily regimen] according to ayurveda. The activity is called abhyanga, during which oil infused with various herbs is applied all over the body. Our skin is composed of three layers and the uppermost layer has pores that can absorb oil and the goodness of the herbs infused in the oil. Eladi, triphala and hemp seed oils are particularly beneficial for your skin," she adds.