Shield your skin in winter
With December here, the temperature has slowly, if not steadily, started to drop. The effect can be immediately seen with drier skin and cracked feet or chapped lips. While the cold can be a respite for the changing weather, it does come with its share of problems, right from itchy legs to rough hands. Experts suggest ways to keep the skin healthy and prevent dryness before it becomes severe.
FOCUS ON RETAINING MOISTURE
Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant and cosmetic dermatologist, The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai, says, “The trick is not to let the moisture escape from the skin. Dry skin happens because of lack of moisture on the top layer of the skin. The epidermis is made up of skin cells and lipids that keep the skin protected by locking in the moisture and hydration. Less moisture and humidity in winters means that the skin loses moisture at a higher rate than normal and replenishment is slow. Dry skin causes many problems such as itchiness, redness, thickened rough skin, cracks and bacterial infection.”
Our skin becomes dry and often lacks lustre, this may lead to severe eczema and the scratching of dry skin leads to infections. Dr Vijaya Lakshmi, dermatologist, Aster Prime Hospital, Hyderabad, says, “People with diabetes hypertension and allergies should take extra care of the skin. One should apply coconut oil or olive oil or shea butter half an hour before a bath. Always use moisturising soaps for a bath. The temperature of water for the bath should be warm, not hot .Shower should be taken for a short time. Avocados, grapes, apples, different oranges and leafy vegetables are very good foods for maintaining a healthy skin during winters.”
Dr Pallavi Sule, dermatologist and aesthetic physician suggests hydration, covering up, sunblock and lukewarm water as essentials. “As the temperature changes, our water intake reduces and could cause dehydration of the skin. It is important to keep water intake optimal throughout the year.”
SKIN CARE ROUTINES
Dr Mohan Thomas, senior cosmetic surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute, says, “As the winter months set in, the weather turns colder, windier and drier, your skin will need some extra help and protection from the environment. Sometimes, the weather may change rapidly and you need to be prepared. Otherwise, the skin on different parts of your body such as your hands, face and lips will begin to become dry chapped and crusty.”
When the temperatures change, alterations in your skin care routine is necessary. A little research of your skin type and the effects of winter on your skin is advised. Then adjust your usual skin care routine a little and it will make a difference to your complexion during winter and help to improve the overall health of your skin.
EAT FOOD BENEFICIAL FOR THE SKIN
One of the primary measures one can resort to, as part of their winter skin care, are having foods that are healthy for the skin. In fact, no amount of beauty products will be effective if your diet is not healthy. Whatever is going inside the gut will be reflected on the face or the skin. The food that you eat gets broken down into vitamins, amino acids and minerals that are utilised by the body to keep the skin healthy.
Afaaf Shaikh, nutritionist, Digestive Health Institute by Dr Muffi, says, “If you heal your gut, you take the first step in healing your skin, too. Including the right foods in your daily diet will not only provide essential nutrients but also will benefit your skin.”
Incorporating probiotics like sauerkraut, miso, kefir, pickled vegetables, yoghurt and prebiotics like asparagus, garlic, dandelion greens will improve your digestion and the bacterial environment in your gut. Foods rich in essential fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, wheat germ, Swiss chard, almond butter, olives, avocado, almonds and sunflower seeds prevent skin dryness and helps keep the skin supple and moisturised
Vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, kale and citrus fruits, help boost your collagen levels which are known to combat the effects of ageing and support overall skin health.
Vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, pumpkins, sweet potato, cantaloupe and also berries are a rich source of antioxidants that helps prevent the damage to healthy skin cells, help reduce pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.