As the season changes, it's important to adjust your skin and hair care routine accordingly. In winter, many things change around us and even in our bodies. It gets colder, and the air becomes dry, which means there's less moisture in the air. Inside our homes, the heating can make things even drier. All this can make our skin feel very dry and our hair more likely to break. Also, because of the cold and less sunlight, our skin might not look as bright and healthy as it does in other seasons.
We spoke to our expert Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, Deconstruct and RootCos, who shared common skin and hair winter woes and how to tackle them.
Common Concerns In Winter
Adapureddy listed common concerns that one may experience in winter as follows:
- Dryness: Winter's lower humidity levels can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dry, flaky patches. This can be particularly troublesome for areas like the hands, face, and legs.
- Chapped lips: Exposure to cold winds and indoor heating can cause lips to become dry, cracked, and uncomfortable.
- Dandruff: Dry scalp conditions tend to worsen in winter due to factors like reduced moisture levels and increased use of hot water for showers. This can lead to flaking and itching.
- Frizzy hair: Static electricity and lack of moisture in the air can cause hair to become frizzy and unmanageable during winter.
- Dullness: Reduced exposure to natural sunlight and lower humidity levels can leave the skin looking lacklustre and tired.
Skin And Hair Care Ingredients To Opt For
Keeping in mind these woes, Adapureddy listed a few ingredients to look out for or incorporate into your skincare and haircare routines as follows:
Ceramides
Essential for winter care, ceramides fortify the skin's protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and shielding against harsh environmental elements, helping to maintain a healthy and hydrated complexion
According to Skin Research and Technology, using creams that have ceramide helps keep the balance in your skin and protects its outer layer. It's a good idea to use these creams to avoid skin damage and keep your skin healthy, especially when spending a lot of time indoors in the winter.
Hyaluronic Acid
“A winter skincare staple, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin by attracting and retaining water molecules, ensuring it remains plump, supple, and well-moisturised even in dry, cold conditions", added Adapureddy.
Murumuru Butter
Murumuru butter is rich in fatty acids and offers intense nourishment for parched winter skin, replenishing vital nutrients and promoting a smoother, more hydrated complexion.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a powerhouse moisturiser that creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness, making it an excellent choice for combating winter-induced dehydration.
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Cocoa Butter
It is known for its emollient properties and provides deep moisturisation. It is beneficial for effectively soothing and softening rough, dry skin, making it an ideal ingredient for winter skincare routines.
Cupuacu Butter
With its high water absorption capacity, cupuacu butter delivers superior moisturisation, helping to combat the effects of winter's harsh conditions and keeping the skin well-hydrated and comfortable.
Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF)
Adapureddy informed, “NMF components like amino acids and lipids work together to safeguard the skin's barrier function and maintain optimal hydration levels, making them essential for protecting against winter dryness and irritation.”
Squalane
“A natural component of the skin's lipid barrier, squalane aids in repairing and reinforcing the skin's protective layer, crucial for preventing moisture loss and maintaining a healthy complexion during winter”, highlighted Adapureddy.
Niacinamide
In winter, niacinamide proves invaluable for brightening dull skin, regulating excess oil production, and improving overall skin texture, providing a revitalised and radiant complexion even in colder months.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for general purposes only. It is advisable to consult your expert if you are dealing with any skin condition.]
