How to tackle dry skin in Indian winters
If you have dry skin, you know that winter months are a bane. The skin, which feels dry & itchy under normal circumstances, seems to feel far more deprived of moisture. This happens because of reduced humidity in the winter season (yes, your skin does absorb moisture from the air around you). When there is less moisture in the air, it means even lesser moisture for your skin.
What are some tips and tricks that will help you tackle your problem? Here are some pointers, keeping Indian skin in mind.
First, let us have a look at your regular skin care routine. It should contain a moisturizer, a serum, a face cleanser, and sunscreen in most cases.
Of these, the most likely product that needs change is your cleanser. Most of us tend to use face washes or cleansers that contain salicylic acid. This is because salicylic acid is an effective tool in controlling acne breakouts. However, part of this function involves drying out your skin even more. One of the first changes in your routine for this season, would therefore be to ensure that you eliminate salicylic acid from your routine.
As mentioned earlier, your skin tends to collect moisture from the air. This tends to keep it healthy. During winter months, there is a rapid drop in humidity, thereby reducing the available nutrition for your skin. This would not affect all of us equally. If you are in a coastal tropical city like Mumbai or Chennai, it may not be very adverse for you. However, in a city like Delhi or higher up in the mountains, you may want to explore the option of keeping a humidifier at office as well as at home.
Another counter-intuitive suggestion is related to showers. As soon as the winter months arrive, especially in northern, central and parts of eastern India, we start relishing hot baths for comfort. However, a long and hot bath also reduces the amount of sebum that is naturally secreted by your skin to keep itself moist. The only way out? Use lukewarm water and try to keep the baths shorter.
On a parting note, individuals who suffer from Eczema and Psoriasis will tend to see a worsening of their condition during winter months. It might be a good idea to visit your dermatologist if this is the case.
