There’s something magical about winter – the crisp air, cosy layers, and warm cups of chai. But while the season feels refreshing, it’s often harsh on your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating
can sap away moisture, leaving your complexion feeling tight, flaky, and dull. The good news? You don’t have to accept dry skin as inevitable. With the right routine, a few mindful swaps, and dermatologist-approved ingredients, your skin can stay radiant all winter long.
Rethinking Skincare For The Winter Season
“Winter can make skincare a real challenge. It’s not just about fighting dryness but about preserving your skin’s natural glow. As humidity drops, your skin’s barrier weakens, calling for richer, deeply hydrating products,” says Dr. Milli Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique and Expert at Oteria. She recommends adding nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, polypeptides, vitamins A and E, and encapsulated retinol to help lock in moisture and restore radiance.
Agreeing with the need for hydration, Dr. Pravin Banodkar, Co-Founder and Lead Dermatologist at Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB), adds, “Cold weather strips away natural moisture, leaving the skin dull and fragile. A ceramide-based cleanser and moisturizer can help rebuild the barrier, while hydrating masks overnight ensure continuous moisture replenishment.” He also stresses the importance of staying hydrated from within through omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin-rich foods.
Echoing this, Dr. Jyoti Aneja, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Expert, highlights how cold air and indoor heating weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dehydration. Her go-to formula for luminous skin? “A hyaluronic acid serum applied to damp skin, sealed with a ceramide-rich moisturizer, and always, always sunscreen – even in winter,” she shares.
5 Expert-Approved Winter Skincare Hacks
1. Gentle Cleansing: Ditch harsh, foaming cleansers. Instead, choose mild, hydrating formulas with white tea, aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to maintain your skin’s natural oils.
2. Boost with a Hydrating Serum: Serums rich in hyaluronic acid or polypeptides are game-changers for winter. They attract water to the skin and keep it looking plump and supple.
3. Lock in Moisture: Opt for a thicker ceramide or vitamin E-infused cream that creates a protective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss.
4. Shield with Sunscreen: UV rays don’t hibernate in winter. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ or a suncare gel with antioxidants like aloe vera or vegetable pear to prevent premature ageing.
5. Care for Dry Spots: The lips, under-eyes, and hands need extra care. Keep a lip balm and hand cream handy, and use under-eye formulas with sweet orange and brown algae to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Winter doesn’t have to dull your radiance. By focusing on hydration, barrier repair, and consistent care, you can maintain a healthy glow no matter how chilly it gets. Swap stripping cleansers for creamy ones, layer your serums and moisturisers, and don’t underestimate sunscreen. When you feed your skin the right ingredients, inside and out, luminosity becomes a year-round affair.
