To help you combat the effects of winter on your skin, here’s a guide to layering skincare products, blending modern skincare techniques with age-old wellness practices
Winter in India brings a wide range of climates—from the cold, dry winds of the north to the milder conditions in the south. No matter where you are, the season’s dry air demands an enhanced skincare routine to maintain hydration, nourishment, and a strong skin barrier. To help you combat the effects of winter on your skin, here’s a guide to layering skincare products, blending modern skincare techniques with age-old wellness practices.
Gentle Cleansing for Balanced Skin
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to switch to hydrating cleansers that cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Oscar Pereira, Founder and Skincare Formulator, CodeSkin, recommends using cleansers with ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid to maintain your skin’s moisture balance. “Avoid sulfate-based cleansers, which can be too harsh for winter. For heavy makeup, consider double cleansing with a cleansing oil followed by a gentle foaming gel cleanser,” advises Oscar.
Complementing this, Neha Ahuja, Founder, Kaashi Wellness, suggests opting for natural cleansers during the colder months. “Herbal options work wonders in winter. Try cleansers made with soothing ingredients like chickpea flour (besan), rose water, or milk, which cleanse effectively while keeping skin soft and hydrated,” says Neha. These gentle options ensure that your skin stays nourished even through harsh winter conditions.
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Hydrating Toner to Lock in Moisture
Hydration is the key to radiant winter skin. Oscar emphasizes the importance of using hydrating toners: “Replace astringent toners with ones containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. These help lock in moisture and prepare the skin for the next layer of products. Pat the toner into your skin for better absorption.”
Power-Packed Serums
During winter, your skin craves extra hydration and nourishment. Oscar suggests applying a hyaluronic acid serum to help retain moisture or a vitamin C serum to brighten the skin. “Apply these while the skin is still damp to optimize hydration,” he adds.
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Moisturizing for Every Skin Type
Winter requires a moisturizer that suits your skin’s specific needs. According to Oscar, “Focus on lightweight moisturizers for oily or acne-prone skin and rich, barrier-repair creams for sensitive or dry skin.” Moisturizers create a protective layer to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
Neha supports this with her Ayurvedic wisdom, recommending Ayurvedic oils such as coconut, almond, or sesame oil. “These oils can be massaged onto your body before a warm bath to lock in moisture and protect against winter dryness,” she advises.
Repairing the Skin Barrier
For those with sensitive or damaged skin, winter can be especially tough. “Strengthen the skin’s defense by using a barrier cream, especially after treatments like peels or if you’ve used any topical irritants that compromise the skin’s natural barrier,” suggests Oscar.
Caring for the Delicate Eye Area
Winter dryness can also affect the delicate skin around your eyes. Oscar recommends hydrating eye creams with peptides, ceramides, and caffeine to
