Mistletoe Kisses And Soft Skin: Achieve A Winter Wonderland Of Skincare With These Tips

Last Updated:December 05, 2024, 19:37 IST

Skin boosters not only provide deep hydration but also help improve skin texture and elasticity, making them ideal for winter when the skin can feel tight and uncomfortable

Winter brings chilly winds, low humidity, and indoor heating, all of which strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. The cold weather reduces blood circulation to the skin’s surface, diminishing the production of essential oils that keep the skin hydrated. Additionally, harsh winds and hot showers further damage the skin’s protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity. To combat these effects, focus on hydration and nourishment. Opt for rich moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, and use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers. Regular exfoliation, protective clothing, and a balanced diet can also keep skin soft and glowing all winter long.

Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi, Dermatologist & Founder, Oprava Aesthetics, shares some unusual yet highly effective tips for winter skin care to keep you looking fresh and radiant this season.

“One of the most significant environmental factors contributing to dry skin in winter is the decrease in humidity. In winter, the air becomes drier, both outdoors and indoors, because cold air holds less moisture than warm air.”

She adds, “When the humidity levels drop, the skin loses its moisture to the dry air through a process known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL refers to the evaporation of water from the skin’s surface into the surrounding air. The skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, loses its ability to retain moisture, which causes dryness and flakiness”

1. Hydration is Key – Inside and OutWinter air lacks moisture, which leads to skin dehydration. While moisturizing your skin is vital, Dr. Sanghvi emphasizes that hydration needs to be tackled both internally and externally. “Oral ceramides are bioactive lipid molecules that are ingested to improve skin hydration and support the skin barrier from within. When consumed orally in tablet forms, ceramides are believed to be absorbed by the digestive system and incorporated into the skin’s outer layer, where they help restore the skin’s natural barrier function. Studies suggest that oral ceramides can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)” she explains.
2. Go Beyond Regular Moisturizer with Korean Hydrating SerumsKorean skincare is known for its hydrating innovations, which can be attributed to a combination of advanced formulations, innovative ingredients, and a deep understanding of skin health. Korean skincare emphasizes layering lightweight, hydrating products to build moisture in the skin. Dr. Sanghvi recommends looking for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin and Beta-glucan and Centella Asiatica to give skin an instant moisture boost. Products are often formulated with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane, which help restore the skin’s lipid layer, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss. Korean moisturisers and serums incorporate the use of microencapsulation technology, which allows active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides to be more efficiently absorbed by the skin. This ensures that the hydrating ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin layers for better and longer-lasting hydration.
3. Emphasis on Natural and Fermented IngredientsDr. Sanghvi adds “Fermented ingredients are a staple in Korean skincare, as fermentation helps break down molecules into smaller, more absorbable forms. Ingredients like fermented rice extract, fermented green tea, and ginseng are rich in nutrients that hydrate, soothe, and nourish the skin. These ingredients not only hydrate but also enhance the skin’s natural glow and resilience. Fermented ingredients often contain high levels of antioxidants and organic acids that help improve the skin’s natural barrier function”. For example, lactic acid, a product of fermentation, helps to exfoliate the skin while improving its moisture retention capabilities. She advises, “Fermented rice extract is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. These amino acids, including glutamine, glycine, proline, and serine, play a crucial role in maintaining skin’s structure, elasticity, and hydration.”
4. Treat Your Hands and FeetDr Sanghvi recommends paraffin socks and gloves as excellent tools for deeply moisturizing your hands and feet, especially in the winter when skin tends to get dry and cracked. “These products are loaded with paraffin wax providing intense hydration and helping to lock in moisture, that helps to seal and protect the skin by forming a thin, flexible layer. This barrier protects the skin from environmental damage, pollutants, and irritants, which can exacerbate dryness or irritation. Paraffin wax gloves are often combined with nourishing oils, glycerine & vitamin E that helps to restore moisture and promote skin healing, particularly in dry or cracked areas beneficial for addressing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.”
5. HydraFacial for Deep MoistureIf you’re looking to give your skin an extra boost, Dr. Sanghvi recommends professional treatments like the HydraFacial. “The HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it glowing and plump,” she says. Using a combination of gentle exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidants, this treatment can help eliminate dry patches and restore skin’s natural radiance. The HydraFacial’s benefits go beyond hydration. It helps address concerns like fine lines, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone—making it perfect for those colder months when skin tends to look dull and uneven.
6. Skin BoostersFor those struggling with dry, parched skin, skin boosters are a must-try. These injectable treatments are designed to hydrate skin from within by introducing a gentle dose of hyaluronic acid directly into the skin’s dermis. The result? A plump, hydrated complexion that radiates health.

Dr. Sanghvi explains, “Skin boosters not only provide deep hydration but also help improve skin texture and elasticity, making them ideal for winter when the skin can feel tight and uncomfortable. These injectable moisturisers can be done on face, neck, hands and décolletage for enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture, stimulate collagen production, and restore a youthful, plump appearance.”