For those with oily or combination skin, winter may initially seem like a welcome pause from excessive greasiness. However, this perceived balance can often be misleading. Dr Aparna Santhanam, skin expert
and dermatologist at ITC Dermafique, explains that the deeper layers of oily skin can still experience significant dehydration in winter, even if the surface appears otherwise.
The Dermafique Indian Skin Health Report reveals that Indian skin has a naturally weaker barrier and lower moisture retention. As winter unfolds, this weakened barrier loses moisture quickly, leading to dryness of the skin from the inside that manifests as tightness after cleansing, dullness, and increased sensitivity – often mistaken for improved oil control.
Why Oily Skin Still Needs Hydration in Winter
A common winter mistake among those with oily skin is avoiding moisturisation due to fear of greasiness. But skipping hydration worsens dryness of the skin internally, causing the skin to overcompensate with even more oil production. This can lead to congestion, uneven texture, and unexpected breakouts. Dr Santhanam points out that oily skin doesn’t need heavy formulations – it needs smart hydration that nourishes without suffocating.
A Lightweight Vitamin-E Serum: The Ideal Solution
A body serum enriched with vitamin E provides a balanced solution for oily skin in winter. Its fluid texture absorbs quickly, delivering antioxidants and lipid-restoring nutrients without heaviness. Vitamin E helps replenish essential lipids within the barrier, supports repair, and maintains the skin’s natural equilibrium. It nourishes deeply but feels weightless, making it ideal for those who typically avoid moisturisers due to texture concerns.
Restoring Balance for Indian Oily Skin in Winter
The Dermafique Indian Skin Health Report notes that Indian skin’s higher pore density and increased sebum activity make it particularly prone to imbalance when hydration levels fluctuate. Dehydration beneath the surface can quickly turn into dullness, roughness, or winter-triggered breakouts. Dr Santhanam emphasises that the solution lies not in reducing moisture but in choosing the right kind of hydration, one that understands Indian skin’s biology. A vitamin-E-infused body serum becomes a powerful ally, helping oily skin stay balanced, comfortable, and healthy throughout winter without any added greasiness.
