Dr. Vanita Rattan, an award-winning dermatologist with more than three-million followers, is renowned for her science-backed expertise. She is a cosmetic formulator and a doctor in Medicine (MBBS) and Physiology/Pharmacology (BSc). She has treated 40,000 cases of hyperpigmentation globally with a 95 percent success rate. Here, she shares her thoughts on how to keep the skin healthy and supple, even during the most damaging months of winter.
What essential skincare steps do people often overlook in winter?
Rattan: As temperatures drop, the harsh winds and dry air can strip our skin of its natural moisturizing oils, leading to dryness and flakiness. Additionally, we turn our indoor heating up high during the winter, which reduces humidity and affects how much moisture is available to the skin. This can further dry out the skin and cause damage to its barrier, resulting in increased sensitivity and redness. To combat this, I recommend a micellar gel wash with gentle surfactants, humectants, and anti-inflammatories. This will help revive dull skin and keep it hydrated throughout winter.
Another common issue is that certain fabrics, such as wool and synthetic materials, can cause friction and exacerbate irritation on dry skin. Opting for softer, breathable fabrics like 100 percent cotton or silk can help prevent unnecessary irritation. These fabrics are gentle on the skin, reducing friction and allowing moisture to stay locked in, which is essential for maintaining comfort during the colder months. Remember to always apply your zinc oxide broad-spectrum SPF50+ all year round to protect your skin from UV damage, which can further irritate the skin and exacerbate winter itch.
How can sauna or hot tub use improve skin health, especially during colder months?
Rattan: Saunas can help to improve circulation, warm up the body, and boost skin health during colder months. The heat from saunas encourages circulation and opens pores, promoting detoxification through sweat. This can help cleanse the skin by expelling impurities and toxins.
However, time in the sauna should not replace using skincare products. Saunas can complement a good skincare routine, enhancing product absorption post-session when the skin is warm and hydrated. For best results, spending time in a sauna two to three times per week is enough to experience these benefits, but it’s essential to avoid overdoing it to prevent skin dehydration.
What are the unexpected benefits of winter for your skin?
Rattan: Winter can provide several unexpected benefits to your skin, starting with a better night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep allows your skin to go into its regenerative state, where it repairs and heals itself.
In the warmer months, high nighttime temperatures can disturb sleep patterns, leading to tossing and turning. However, cooler temperatures during winter mimic the body’s natural drop in internal temperature, helping you sleep more soundly. Cold weather also acts as a natural tonic for your skin. Cooler temperatures reduce the secretion of sebum, keeping your skin less oily. This helps to prevent clogged pores, which can minimize breakouts, especially if you have combination skin.
In winter, it’s recommended to use rich, fatty moisturizers with nourishing ingredients that can strengthen the skin’s barrier. Using moisturizers packed with ceramides and peptides, plus hydrating ingredients like glycerin can make the skin barrier more resilient and better equipped to handle future environmental stressors.
How does indoor heating affect our skin, and are there ways to mitigate its drying effects?
Rattan: Harsh winds and cold weather in winter can deplete the skin of its natural moisture. However, indoor factors can also contribute to skin dehydration. During the winter months, central heating systems and space heaters drastically lower indoor humidity levels, stripping the skin of its moisture.
Taking hot baths and showers to warm up can further strip away the skin’s protective oils. To mitigate dry skin, the focus should be on “NAFE SAFE” (no denatured alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils) skincare products that repair and strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resilient to changing environmental conditions.
Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after showering to lock in moisture. Look for formulas that contain skin-restoring ingredients like ceramides or peptides. For those with eczema, a non-fragranced fatty balm will gently occlude the affected skin barrier to reduce trans-epidermal water loss and calm inflammation.
Also, I would recommend investing in a humidifier to increase the moisture levels in the air and help alleviate dry skin.