Winter skin care: How to combat dryness & protect your skin

Expert emphasises on need to shield your skin with sunscreen even in winter & for relying on home remedies

NT Bengaluru

Bengaluru’s winter brings a refreshing change from its usual weather, with cooler temperatures often dipping below 15°C at night. While many enjoy the crisp air, the season’s dry, cool conditions can cause skin to become dry and flaky and sometimes lead to premature ageing. Proper skincare is essential to maintain healthy, glowing skin during this time. Dr Sunil Prabhu, a dermatologist at Aster RV Hospital, highlights that Bengaluru’s winter weather, like other dry, cool climates, can lead to a range of skin problems. "The cooler, drier air strips moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling tight, rough, and sometimes cracked," Dr. Prabhu explains. He recommends rich moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, or shea butter. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding hot showers that can exacerbate dryness is also crucial.

Chapped lips are another prevalent concern during Bengaluru’s winter. Dr. Prabhu explains that cold air and lower humidity levels contribute to cracked, peeling lips. “Lip balms containing beeswax, lanolin, or vitamin E can help seal in moisture,” he advises. Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can worsen dryness. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis often flare up in winter due to dry air. These conditions result in itchy, inflamed patches of skin that require special care. Dr Prabhu recommends fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers and, when needed, prescribed topical steroids.

Psoriasis flare-ups, marked by red, scaly patches, can be managed with dermatologist-recommended topical treatments and regular moisturization. Dr Adrian Mario D’Souza, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at P.D. Hinduja Sindhi Hospital, suggests several trusted home remedies for dry skin.

Coconut Oil: Particularly effective for elderly individuals, coconut oil should be applied 30 minutes before a shower to lock in moisture.

Thick Moisturizers: Apply a thick moisturizer at least 2-3 times daily, including immediately after a shower, to trap moisture.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate foods like blueberries and legumes rich in omega-3 and antioxidants into your diet.

Oatmeal Baths: These can soothe dry, irritated skin. Cotton Clothing: Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes to reduce irritation.

Bathing Tips: Use lukewarm water for short showers to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils.

Lip Care and Sun Protection: For chapped lips, Dr D’Souza recommends using Vaseline petroleum jelly or lip balms containing vitamin E, such as NMF E Lip Balm, up to four times daily. Sunscreen use remains essential even during winter. "A sunscreen with SPF 50 should be applied at least twice a day and reapplied every four hours," he advises. Regular use protects against UV rays, which remain potent even on cloudy days. For sensitive skin, gentle care is key. Avoid harsh soaps and focus on using mild, fragrance-free products alongside regular moisturization. By following these expert tips and incorporating simple remedies, Bengaluru residents can enjoy winter while keeping their skin healthy, hydrated, and protected.