As the year draws to a close, crisp autumn breeze and a nip in the air call for a change in skincare routines: emollients, occlusives, rich and hydrating body butters are the name of the game. While winters can be harsh on the skin, Dr Mikki Singh, founder & medical director of Bodycraft Clinics, Bengaluru and Gurgaon, shared why one should avoid these three things at all costs: Skipping moisturiser The cold winter air can be extremely drying on the skin. Those with oily skin may be tempted to skip the moisturiser but this can only cause the skin to get oilier as it tries to overcompensate for this loss in moisture. "When moisturising, don't just focus on the face, but the neck, hands, elbows, knees and the rest of the body," she said. She also said that moisturising as soon as you step out of the shower can help lock in that moisture. Tightness and flakiness are signs of skin being dehydrated. Avoid harsh cleansers Cleansers that contain alcohols, sulphates and fragrances can cause skin stripping. It can remove your skin's essential oils and lead to dryness and irritation. "Our skin's pH level leans acidic and harsh cleansers tend to be more alkaline. This can compromise the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation and breakouts. If you’re wearing makeup, use an oil cleanser as your first step, followed by a gentle water based cleanser," she said. Kiran Bhatt, cosmetologist and vice president of Junoesque, said that physical exfoliation is not good in such weather as it leads to added dryness and flakiness on the skin. "Instead of the physical exfoliation, it is better to opt for gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or glycolic acid. They help to remove the dead skin cells without causing much physical damage. Preferably exfoliate the skin once or twice a week," she said. Avoid skipping sunscreen In winters, you may feel the sun is not too harsh, but always remember that ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are present all year round. "UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows; these rays add to skin ageing and tanning. When picking out a winter sunscreen, cream or lotion, opt for formulations that can provide extra hydration in the dry winter months," said Dr Singh. For those with sensitive skin, she suggested looking for mineral based sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are more gentle on sensitive skin. Sunscreen helps support your skin's barrier function by preventing oxidative stress caused by UV exposure. Bhatt mentioned that dairy products contain hormones, which trigger breakouts on the skin, with the added effect of dry and cold weather. Sugar is another culprit behind wrinkled and sagging skin. It destroys the skin’s natural proteins––collagen and elastin––causing skin glycation. Choose non-dairy alternatives as they are much gentler than cow or buffalo milk such as oat milk, almond milk and so on, Dr Singh said. Dr Singh also shared some key tips and tricks to keep in mind: - Moisturising your hands after washing them. - Drinking lots of water for hydration from within. - Opting for injectable moisturisers like SkinVive for long lasting hydration. - Remember certain topical ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can be extra drying during winters. - Prolonged exposure to hot showers can strip natural oils and lead to dryness.
