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The winter season brings with it many skin complaints, like tightness, itching, flaking and even cracks from low humidity, indoor heaters and strong winds. These factors deplete your skin’s natural oils, compromise its lipid barrier and increase the risk of infection. For Indian skin, pollution and fluctuating temperatures further aggravate this, leading to dry skin and premature ageing.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Namita Chopra, MBBS, MD (Skin), dermatologist, trichologist and cosmetologist based in Nashik, Maharashtra, explains how a preventive approach combined with a targeted skin care routine can help protect and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
How to protect skin health in winter?
Dr. Namita suggests the following measures to preserve and protect skin health:
- Clean gently: Use a mild, creamy, fragrance-free cleanser with ceramides or oats to cleanse without disrupting the moisture barrier. Avoid harsh foaming agents that worsen dryness. Limit baths to 5-10 minutes with lukewarm water (not hot), pat dry gently with a towel, and avoid rubbing to preserve natural oils.
- Hydrate with a serum or toner: Immediately after washing, while the skin is still damp, apply a serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These elements draw water, making the skin soft and smooth. Add niacinamide for anti-inflammatory benefits, ideal for pollution-stressed urban skin, or vitamin C for a glow without the sensitivity.
- Moisturize twice daily: Maintain moisture with thick creams containing petrolatum, shea butter or squalane. Apply within 3 minutes after cleansing, morning and night, to reduce itching. Oily or acne-prone skin types also benefit, preventing compensatory sebum overdrive.
- Exfoliate carefully: Use gentle lactic or mandelic acid products to remove dead skin cells that trap moisture. Avoid rough scrubs that can cause micro-pimples. Oatmeal mask works well for sensitive skin.
Advanced security and lifestyle integration
“Maintain indoor humidity at 40-60% with a humidifier to recreate the ideal moist environment for your skin. Support the skin from within with omega-3 rich foods like walnuts or flaxseed and drink 3 liters of water daily and electrolyte-rich coconut water,” says Dr Namita.
She adds, “Protect against hidden sun damage with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (mineral-based for less irritation) every morning. At night, maintain moisture with emollient creams on hands or heels and wear soft cotton or bamboo clothing instead of wool. These habits make the perfect winter shield, keeping skin soft and healthy.”
what to avoid
Dr. Namita says, “Avoid strong anti-aging creams like retinol in winter, as these increase sensitivity. If dryness persists for more than 2 weeks or red, itchy spots (like eczema) appear, consult a doctor for special creams. Track your skin’s progress with photos, you will see soft, glowing skin in just 7-10 days with consistent care.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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