In recent times, skincare has gone from being a simple, everyday routine that we paid little attention to, to a well-
researched, bespoke option that more and more of us across the world are turning to. Now, we don’t just buy
products off the shelf without reading up on their ingredients and benefits; each ingredient is closely studied to
understand its pros and cons, and whether it would suit our skin type. Skincare routines have thus become the
norm, and recent studies suggest that people are now on the lookout for clean and clinically effective products that
have minimal chemicals and mild ingredients that do not harm the skin.
And with the severe cold season around the corner, winter skincare does need to go up a notch. As the season
changes, so does the skin’s natural tendency to retain moisture. While dry and flaky skin is common as the air gets
cooler and temperatures dip, for some of us the skin could feel less elastic than usual and more prone to showing
fine lines and wrinkles during winter months. But, it’s never a good idea to go overboard with products and
overindulge in routines and ingredients as this can do more harm to your skin than good.
The first step in fighting winter skincare woes is to develop a deep understanding of one’s own skin ailments and
their respective reasons. If it is a medical condition that is keeping you up at night with worry, it’s best to visit the
doctor.
Understand your skin type
If a medical condition is not the reason, the next step would be to understand your skin type. The winter season is
not all about dry and flaky skin. Be it combination skin, sensitive skin, dehydrated skin or normal skin, the products you use should suit your skin type in the best possible way. Ensure that your skin doesn’t feel tight after washing, so resort to face cleansers that make your skin feel calm and hydrated while restoring the skin’s protective barrier and preventing dryness; or if the skin feels too greasy after moisturising, it may be a good idea to resort to lightweight face moisturisers and body lotions instead, rich in ingredients such as plant-based ceramides that infuse immense hydration into skin cells.
Don’t disregard what works
It is not recommended to completely change the products you’ve been using during the summer in order to create anew winter-care routine. Keep what works for you!
Rectify daily habits
Our habits and the environment always leave an impact on our skin. We often unknowingly do things that could be
hampering our skin one way or another. Hence, it is important to take cognizance of these habits that may slowly be changing our skin’s texture, radiance, etc. Simple, doable alterations to the daily routine can help improve the skin, especially in winter months that are harsher.
Exfoliate
Try exfoliating at least twice a week to get rid of dead skin cell build-up and reveal smoother skin
that breathes better. BHAs like Salicylic Acid have an exfoliating effect on the skin and make it look younger
by loosening dulling buildup on the skin’s surface.
Don’t over-wash
Repeated washing strips the skin of its natural moisture barrier, which can lead to dryness. What adds to the problem is the frequent use of hand sanitisers. Moisturise your hands several times a day, especially when your skin is still moist after washing. For the body, it is recommended that you apply lotion within three minutes of towel drying or while the skin is still partly moist.
Avoid long showers and hot water
Limit your bathing time to 5-10 minutes, once a day, and use warm water instead of hot.
Stay hydrated: Improving your water intake would increase your skin’s elasticity and hydration, but pair it
with a balanced diet that contains the right nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, zinc and iron. Your
skincare routine can also include Blue Spirulina that is transforming the skincare world with its ultra-
hydrating benefits.
Layer up at night: While skincare routines are all the buzz, it would be best to layer up on heavier products
as part of your PM routine rather than your morning routine, giving them more time to smoothly penetrate the skin for effective results. Cold-pressed facial oils maintain our skin’s delicate pH levels, its elasticity as
well as the overall health of the skin, giving it some much-needed nourishment and helping improve its
texture. An intense repair cream with Retinol is also often included in night-time skincare routines to give
the skin some much-needed vibrancy and antioxidant benefits.
Acknowledge ageing: There is no natural remedy to ageing, but we suggest you lead a healthy life and up
your skincare routine. You may use products that delay or fade visible signs of ageing, but, of course, ageing
is a natural process that cannot be reversed. Replexium, a peptide blend, is known to stimulate the
production of collagen and critical proteins that help maintain the skin’s integrity and youthful look.
With inputs from Harini Sivakumar, Founder & CEO, Earth Rhythm.
