by Dr. Navnit Haror, Founder and Director of Derma Miracle Clinic 

As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, our skin takes a beating. The cold, dry air leaves our skin feeling dry, tight and itchy. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

When treating dry skin, it’s best to keep a regimen as simple and clutter-free as possible. A simple daily routine can avoid overloading your complexion with unnecessary products like toners or heavy makeup that could irritate the sensitive nature of this type of tissue in an effort for you to not only feel better but also look more youthful too!

What causes winter dry skin?

Winter dry skin is a common problem that affects millions of people every year. Although there may be several causes of winter dry skin, one primary reason for it is cold weather. When wind blows across the face, it causes the moisture in your skin to evaporate quickly which leaves your skin feeling tight and dry. Other factors that can cause winter dry skin include heating systems, indoor air pollution, air conditioning units, humidity levels, alcohol intake and changes in your individual lifestyle choices.

What are the symptoms of winter dry skin?

Winter dry skin has many different symptoms including flaky patches of red-colored skin on certain areas of your face such as the chin or near the nose or mouth. You may also experience chapped lips that are sore or cracked, itchy skin, a feeling of tightness on your skin after showering or bathing and redness in the face.

Here are some tips to help you get the best skin of your life this winter-

1. Keep yourself hydrated- It’s no secret that staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important for keeping your skin healthy. When you’re dehydrated, your skin becomes dry and irritated. So be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Using a humidifier– Dry air can really take a toll on your skin. A humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
3. Avoid hot showers– Hot showers might feel great, but they can really dry out your skin. Try to take shorter, cooler showers instead.
4. Use a moisturizer– One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated is by using a good quality moisturizer. Humectants, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid in moisturizers help attract moisture to your skin. Be sure to apply it both morning and night for the best results.
5. Eat healthy foods– Eating healthy foods is important for keeping your entire body healthy, including your skin. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for keeping your skin healthy, so try to include foods like cold water fish and flaxseeds in your diet.
6. Wear sunscreen– When you’re outside, the sun can damage and age your skin over time, so it’s important to protect yourself. Wearing a daily moisturizer with SPF and wearing a hat when you’re in the sun will help shield your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging and wrinkles.

When to consult a doctor

Dry skin can be improved with the use of home remedies, but if they do not work a person should consult their doctor. A dermatologist might prescribe products that are right for them and also offer other helpful tips on how to get rid of dry patches entirely!

Takeaway

There are many things that can be done to prevent dry skin in the winter. Being conscious of your own physical needs, like drinking enough water or applying moisturizer on a daily basis will go miles towards keeping yourself feeling hydrated and happy!

By  Dr Chytra V Anand (SkinQ )

Winter is full of festivities, warm and cozy clothing, chills in the air and dry/dehydrated skin. While we all look after our skin more in winters than in summer, it is important to care for skin the ‘right way.’

And how do we do that?

Winters are testing times for our skin and its health. With dry air and colder temperatures, our skin is highly vulnerable and becomes more sensitive. Skin experts such as Dermatologist Dr Chytra V Anand recommend, we use hydrators and moisturizers to keep our skin well-fed and nourished. SkinQ is a dermatologist-formulated skincare brand especially made for the ‘Indian Skin.’ 

SkinQ’s range of Indian Skin Care includes important hydrators such as Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. Hyaluronic Acid is a known hydrator which can be topically applied for superficial and instant hydration. It enables skin to absorb moisture from the air, and it can hold up to one-thousand times its molecular weight. In winters, Hyaluronic Acid absorbs moisture available within the skin to keep it hydrated. Sodium Hyaluronate works at deeper levels within skin to absorb moisture. Along with Hyaluronic Acid, the duo – found in Hydrate Elixir, provides powerful superficial and cellular hydration.

During winters, it is important for skin to have access to lipids. 

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids present in skin to form to the skin barrier, which prevent damage and excessive or Transepidermal Water Loss. With dry and cold air, winters are demanding conditions for skin. Using ‘Ceramides’ helps in restoring the skin barrier by providing natural lipids to the skin. A strong skin barrier prevents drying and dehydration of skin. Ceramide-moisturizer, such as Moisture Balm, should be used after applying Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate, to lock-in the moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. 

People often tend to feel less thirsty during winters, as there’s less water loss in the body. However, drinking water is a crucial step in keeping skin healthy and hydrated. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, and a maximum of upto  3 liters per day for a hydrated body and skin. Drinking enough water provides the moisture required within skin cells, absorbed by Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. 

Exfoliation is always an important step in skincare. 

However, winters call for a reduced need to exfoliate as the skin barrier gets thinner and more sensitive due to the weather. Dr. Chytra V Anand recommends exfoliating once in 3 to 4 feels, using mild chemical exfoliants, while completely avoiding scrubs and bead exfoliants. A 5-step approach is the ‘ideal’ way to exfoliate in winters starting with cleansing, exfoliation, massage and wrapping-up with a sheet-mask. Hydrate DIY Active Facial Kit provides made-to-measure 5-step exfoliation and facial, developed specifically for winter dry and dehydrated skin.

Skin around eyes and lips are prone to drying to itchiness during winters. These are sensitive areas which need cellular-level hydration provided by a Sodium Hyaluronate serum like SkinQ Hydrate Elixir, topped off by a Ceramide moisturizer like the Moisture Balm. 

Make your skin experience the difference this winter, by using the ‘essential ingredients’ recommended by Dr. Chytra that redefine winter skincare, prevent drying/dehydration, and nourish the skin for a healthier skin.