Winter skincare routine: Expert-approved tips to keep your skin glowing, get festive ready

As winter dawns in India, it brings with it a unique set of skincare challenges. From the biting cold winds of the North to the milder conditions in the South, the season can wreak havoc on your skin. You may notice a subtle tightness on your cheeks after a brisk walk, or perhaps a hint of flakiness on your forehead when you look in the mirror. These signs, often dismissed as mere discomfort, signal a shift in your skin's behaviour as winter settles in.

During the onset of winter months, dryness creeps in, leaving skin feeling parched and dull, while irritation lurks just beneath the surface, ready to make itself known, says Oscar Pereira, Founder & Skincare Formulator of CodeSkin. “Winter skincare demands a thoughtful approach,  specifically the art of layering, to maintain moisture, nourishment, and a robust skin barrier” he says.

Also read | Skincare tips: Here's why you need a sunscreen to protect your skin in winter as well

Pereira shares the following tips to effectively care for your skin in winter:

• Gentle cleansing: Start your winter skincare routine by switching to hydrating cleansers infused with ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients will cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Steer clear of sulfate-based cleansers, which can exacerbate dryness. For those who wear heavy makeup, consider a double cleansing method: begin with a cleansing oil followed by a gentle foaming gel cleanser to ensure a thorough yet gentle cleanse.

• Hydrating toner: Replace harsh, astringent toners with hydrating alternatives containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. These toners lock in moisture and prepare your skin for the next layers of your routine. For better absorption, gently pat the toner into your skin instead of rubbing it in.

• Serums: Add serums into your winter regimen, focusing on those rich in hyaluronic acid for moisture retention or vitamin C for brightening. Apply your serum while your skin is still damp to maximize hydration and ensure your skin drinks it in effectively.

• Moisturise: Choose moisturisers based on your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight formulations will work best, while sensitive or dry skin types will benefit from richer, barrier-repair creams that provide an extra layer of protection.

• Barrier repair: Strengthen your skin’s defenses against winter dryness by using a barrier cream, particularly after treatments that may have compromised your skin's natural defenses, such as peels or topical irritants.

• Eye care: Don’t neglect the delicate skin around your eyes. Opt for eye creams containing peptides, ceramides, and caffeine to hydrate the area, reducing dryness and puffiness. The winter season can exacerbate these concerns, making proper eye care essential.

• Seal with face oil: Lock in moisture with lightweight oils like rosehip or argan. If you live in a humid area, consider mixing a few drops of oil into your moisturizer to maintain hydration without feeling heavy on your skin.

• Sunscreen: Never skip sunscreen, even in winter. Choose a hydrating, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays that can still inflict damage, even on overcast days.

• Night repair: Include retinol or bakuchiol into your nighttime routine to promote skin renewal. Pair these active ingredients with a rich moisturiser to prevent dryness overnight, allowing your skin to recover while you sleep.