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Combining an effective skincare routine with a balanced, hydrating diet helps counteract winter’s drying effects on the skin
you can maintain a nourished, glowing complexion all season long, ensuring your skin remains resilient to winter’s challenges
As winter’s cold, dry air sets in, many people experience a decline in skin hydration, leading to tight, flaky, and sometimes irritated skin. Experts recommend a combined approach of external skincare and internal nutrition to keep skin supple and healthy throughout the colder months.
Dr. Sarita Sanke, Senior Consultant Dermatologist, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi, and Ruchi Sahay, Health Enthusiast and Founder, Earthylia, share their top winter skincare strategies.
Moisturizing Essentials for Winter
Dr. Sarita Sanke emphasizes the importance of using richer, more emollient moisturizers during winter. “Thicker creams or oils, like shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, and almond oil, work best for providing lasting hydration by creating a barrier that locks in moisture,” she explains. For optimal results, she advises applying moisturizer immediately after showering while the skin is still damp, which helps seal in hydration effectively.
In addition to creams, Dr. Sanke suggests using toners with humectants like aloe vera or rose water, as they draw moisture into the skin, maintaining hydration levels. For deeper hydration, she recommends ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, ceramides, and squalane, which repair the skin’s moisture barrier and provide long-lasting softness and suppleness.
Internal Hydration and Nutrient-Rich Foods
While topical moisturizers are vital, Ruchi Sahay highlights the importance of staying hydrated from within. “Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that your skin stays moisturized from the inside out,” she notes. She also suggests herbal teas, like chamomile and green tea, and beverages like coconut water and buttermilk, which provide additional hydration and can complement daily water intake.
Sahay further emphasizes the role of a nutrient-rich diet in maintaining skin hydration during winter. Foods like oats, which are packed with antioxidants and beta-glucan, a moisture-retaining soluble fiber, help keep skin smooth and hydrated. Almonds, rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, protect the skin from moisture loss and environmental stressors. Nuts such as walnuts, with their high omega-3 content, help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, promoting elasticity and preventing dryness.
Exfoliation for a Fresh Winter Glow
Dr. Sanke recommends exfoliating once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, ensuring smoother, healthier skin. “Using a mild exfoliant helps avoid irritation, as winter skin can be more sensitive,” she explains. This step allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively, improving skin texture and appearance.
Winter-Friendly Nutrients and Fats
Sahay adds that certain foods, including flaxseeds and soy, can significantly benefit skin health. Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, while soy provides isoflavones, which help retain moisture and support collagen production for youthful, hydrated skin. Coconut oil, with its medium-chain fatty acids, not only improves elasticity when used topically but also replenishes moisture when consumed, making it a versatile winter staple.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
Combining an effective skincare routine with a balanced, hydrating diet helps counteract winter’s drying effects on the skin. By following the advice of Dr. Sanke and Ruchi Sahay, you can maintain a nourished, glowing complexion all season long, ensuring your skin remains resilient to winter’s challenges.
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