Bothered by the cold? This time of year, your skin might feel itchy and uncomfortable, and your hands can be red, raw, and rough! If you're wondering why, this is a season where your skin doesn't retain enough moisture, that's why your skin looks drier and flaky.
Among all the seasons, winter is particularly problematic because of low relative humidity both indoors and outdoors, and because the epidermis tends to mirror the surrounding relative humidity. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to treat winter xerosis, or dry skin.
Using skin moisturisers is the first line of defence against dry skin since they replenish the moisture and hydrate the epidermis. Three categories of components are present in these skincare products – glycerin, sorbitol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin are examples of humectants, which aid in drawing moisture
A moisturiser will generally work better if it is thicker and greasier, like the TONIK Skincare Vitamin C Skin Refiner, which includes efficient moisturising oils that stop water loss without clogging pores. It's ideal to use them to seal in moisture while the skin is still damp from a bath.
Here are other ways to keep your skin healthy this winter:
- In the winter, feel free to use a humidifier. Adjust it to around 60%; this should be enough to cover the top layer of the epidermis.
- Don't take more than one 5- to 10-minute shower or bath every day. Bathing more frequently than that could remove a large portion of the oily layer from your skin and dehydrate it.
- Instead of using hot water, which might remove natural oils, use lukewarm water.
- Reduce the amount of soap you use; if you must, try moisturising products like the Vitamin C Skin Refiner and Bio Moisture Boost Serum in the morning, followed by the Deep Regenerating Complex in the evenings.
- Avoid using perfumed or deodorising soaps and alcohol-based treatments since they might remove natural oils.
- Steer clear of washcloths, scrub brushes, and bath sponges to lessen the chance of skin irritation. Use a gentle towel. For the same reason, when patting dry, remember to pat rather than rub the skin.
- Petroleum jelly and creams like the Universal Restorative Balm is helpful to moisturise skin, and even lips, and hair. It can be made less greasy by rubbing a tiny amount on your hands and then the affected regions until the area is no longer oily areas.
- Avoid scratching your skin. A moisturiser can usually be used to manage the itching. Compresses or cold packs can also be used to soothe irritated areas.
- Steer clear of fabric softeners and use washing detergents without scents. Also avoid wool and other materials that could irritate your skin.
To know more about why you should moisturise during winter, read our blog here.
