It’s winter, and your skin is not responding to your habitual skin care. Your skin feels dry, it’s itchy, and it’s cracked. You should consider switching up your skin care routine. Your skin responds differently to every season, and so it’s important to always change your skin care routine just to ensure that your skin is well taken care of according to the season. There are some common mistakes that people often make during the winter season that greatly affect their skin. This blog will help you take note of such mistakes and make some changes regarding this.
Skipping sunscreen
Most people think that sunscreen is just meant for sunny days. That’s where they get it wrong. The moment winter season hits, they throw away their sunscreens and believe that their skin doesn’t need them.. UVB rays are indeed present and harsher in summer, causing sunburns, but the UVB rays are now converted to UVA in winter, and these rays are present throughout the year. UVA rays have longer wavelengths, penetrating the skin, causing ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, causing sunburn and vitamin D synthesis.
The solution
- Create a solid routine: Make sure to incorporate sunscreen for your daily routine; it’s the best anti-ageing cream.
- Always go for the broader spectrum, which is able to protect you from both UVB and UVA.
- Always go for an SPF that’s not less than 30 any day, no matter the weather.
- Choose a hydrating sunscreen for winter.
Hot shower
Hot long showers are the best when it comes to winter, it’s relaxing and probably a good way to get your body warm, but guess what? It’s destroying your skin. The long, hot showers, together with harsh soap, drain down all the oils that are meant to protect your skin. Your body generates oil that acts as a layer of protection and also keeps your skin moist. As such, the moment you start to bathe in hot water, your skin suffers the most because you have washed away the oils. When you’re done bathing, your skin becomes squeaky and then later on becomes dry and tight.
The Solution
- Limit your shower time to ten minutes
- Starting bathing in lukewarm water
- Throw away the harsh soaps
- Pat, don’t rub
The wrong moisturizer
The lightweight moisturizer that you used in summer won’t effectively work in the dry winter air. It will only give moisture to your skin just for a short while, it then evaporates and ends up leaving your skin dry.
The Solution
Get the right moisturizer for your winter skincare. The right moisturizer should hydrate your skin by pulling water to your skin with hyaluronic acid and glycerine; it must also seal or create a barrier on your skin to keep the water trapped. You can get shea butter, Vaseline, dimethicone or ceramides.
Conclusion
If you have been religiously following these steps and your skin still has cracks, it’s severely itchy and painful. It could be another bigger issue that needs a dermatologist to examine your skin. Don’t hesitate to book your appointment at Puri Skin Clinic. Dr Ashwajit Singh, an expert in dermatology, can help you cure your skin condition and also give you further guidance on how to maintain flawless skin.
FAQs
1. Why does my skin get dry in winter?
The harsh weather strips away your skin’s protective oils, and factors like hot showers and harsh cleansers can further strip away the oils, making your skin dry and cracked.
2. What kind of moisturiser should I use during winters?
While choosing a moisturiser, you can opt for ceramides, Vaseline, shea butter or dimethicone. However, make sure to do a patch test of your skin before using the one.
3. What Should I Avoid During Winters to Protect My Skin?
During winters, avoid taking hot baths and start having lukewarm baths that help in keeping your skin’s protective oils, and avoid harsh cleansers that make your skin squeaky.