If you’re prone to dry, flaky skin in winters and looking for simple steps to prevent it, you’ve landed on the right page. The skin tends to become dry in colder months even if you have oily or combination skin type. If your skin type is dry, the dip in temperature can make it drier as the cold air in winter strips away the skin’s moisture leaving it dry, dull, and flaky. Even those with sensitive skin type may experience increased sensitivity and flakiness due to lack of moisture and humidity in winter. Therefore, you need a skincare routine that not only gives extra hydration to the skin but also locks in the moisture. Here’s what you need to do: 

Start with a Gentle Cleanser 

Let’s accept it, we love our foamy, soapy cleansers because in our grooming dictionary, till it doesn’t, it doesn’t work. However, it’s time to give your leathery, foamy cleansers a break and replace them with a gentle one, something that doesn’t strip the skin off its natural oils. The best parameter to check this is that your skin shouldn’t feel tight or stretchy after the face wash.  

MW Recommends: Asaya Moisture Splash Face Cleanser 

Go for a Rich, Hydrating Moisturiser 

The next step is fairly simple, choose the right moisturiser and in winter, it should be rich, hydrating and something that keeps the skin moisturised for long hours. It’s time to give those thick creams a try while keeping in mind your skin concerns. If you have acne-prone skin, make sure to use a hydrating but non-comedogenic product that doesn’t block the pores. If you have sensitive skin, read the ingredient label carefully to avoid ingredients that can trigger the skin. 

MW Recommends: The Derma Co. 5% Nia-Ceramide Deep Moisturizing Cream 

Include a Hydrating Serum or Face Oil 

You might not be a skincare junkie and want to avoid using more products just like how we avoid talking to that extra chatty colleague. But like how you can get gossip from that colleague, this extra step can give you extra hydration and glow. Using a face oil at night as the last step can seal in the moisture resulting in plump, well-hydrated skin in the morning and a face serum can prep the skin to absorb hydration from all products that you use. It’s a win-win situation. 

MW Recommends: Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum 

Choose a Hydrating Sunscreen 

Sunscreen for oily skin, or ones with matte finish can cause further dryness. Replace it with a hydrating one, something that gives benefits of moisturiser and sun protection in one. Anything with ceramides and rich texture and dewy finish is ideal. Don’t worry, it gets absorbed and doesn’t leave the skin looking glazed if that’s what you want to avoid. Needless to say, sunscreen is a must even in winter when you might not see the sun for days together. 

MW Recommends: Grass Whipped Sunscreen with SPF 50+ 

Don’t Forget the Lips 

The skin on lips is more sensitive and prone to dryness. Therefore, there’s no shame in keeping a chapstick handy because dry lips are not gender biassed. Using a lip balm is much better than appearing with dry, chapped lips. It’s an instant turn off. Even if it’s a petroleum jelly that you’re comfortable carrying, go for it. Also, we have a recommendation that you can consider. 

MW Recommends:  Laniege Lip Glow Balm