Defy the cold: Here's how to avoid dry skin in winter with moisturiser, lip balm, foot cream, face masks

Moisturisers form a protective layer for the skin, locking the moisture inside (Image: Canva)

Winter can be tough on your skin, but you don't have to suffer from dryness and dullness. If you want to know how to avoid dry, itchy skin in winter, the solution is right there on your dressing table. Moisturisers, shower gels, lip balms, foot creams, and face masks are your go-to remedies to combat the effects of biting cold.

First, it is important to understand how weather conditions can adversely impact the skin. Studies suggests that the combination of low humidity and frigid temperatures can compromise the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to mechanical stress. This, in turn, triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cortisol by keratinocytes while also increasing the population of dermal mast cells, rendering the skin more sensitive to irritants and allergens.

Beauty products serve as more than just cosmetics. Hemang Jain and Pulkit Jain, co-founders of The Love Co., say beauty products aid in combating seasonal challenges, particularly the harsh winter weather. "Just as sunscreens are essential for summer, skin moisturisers are vital for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during winter. Products like foot creams and lip balms are vital for protecting the skin in this season," they say.

Here are a few go-to products you can rely on to effectively combat winter woes and keep your skin feeling its best:

Moisturisers: In the cold, low humidity of winter, the skin's natural barrier becomes compromised, leading to a loss of moisture. This can result in dryness, flakiness, and an added risk of irritation. It is good to depend on moisturisers in this season since they form a protective layer and  lock the moisture inside, preventing the evaporation that can strip your skin of essential hydration.

Hydrating shower gels: Harsh soaps can give rise to more skin issues during winter. Hydrating shower gels help in  maintaining your skin's moisture balance. They help your skin stay soft and hydrated even after your warm shower.

Lip balms: The first indication of winter's onset is often seen on the lips. It's skin is thin and lacks oil glands, making it prone to drying and cracking in cold weather. Lip balms, enriched with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and beeswax, keep your lips supple and shielded from the cold, protecting them from painful chapping.

Foot creams: How many times have you winced in discomfort as your feet bore the brunt of winter's cruelty? The season exposes your feet to the harsh cold and forces them into unforgiving, airless winter footwear. However, foot creams, enriched with ingredients like urea, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, can act as life savers. They don't just moisturise; they pamper your weary feet.

Face masks: Want to skip taking shower once in a while? Its perfectly fine. Just pay a little more attention to your face. The winter air has a way of leaving your skin feeling dry, even inviting the onset of fine lines. This is the time when you should let a good face mask do the job. Use face masks that contain hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.