Oily skin needs more care in dry winter

The colder months raise concerns about dry and flaky skin, but what about oily skin?

While the focus often leans towards combating dry skin issues in winter, oily skin comes with challenges.

The cold air and reduced humidity combined with heated indoor environments can strip the skin of its moisture, leading to excess oil production, clogged pores, breakouts and an uneven complexion.

This leads to the frustrating cycle of having both dryness and oiliness. Managing oily skin in winter requires a careful hydration balance without making your skin feel greasy.

A few adjustments in your skincare routine will leave you with better skin during the colder months.

Wash your face twice

Wash your face twice daily in the morning and evening with a mild and gentle facewash to remove dirt and oil without over-stripping your skin.

Always use cool water as hot water strips off natural skin oils and reduces oil density and viscosity. Gently scrubbing the face also reduces skin oiliness. Face washes rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid will help retain moisture in your skin while keeping it feeling hydrated without adding any extra oil.

Look for cleansers that are sulphate-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or glycerine to maintain the skin’s hydration levels.

Cleansers for oily skin as a part of their winter skin care must be non-comedogenic to prevent clogging of pores.

Avoid hot showers

Hot showers might be soothing in the winter but it dries your skin out over the top and leaves it looking dull potentially leading to increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the dryness, resulting in a worsening of your oily complexion.

Hot showers and the effects of indoor heating and cooling can deplete your skin with natural oils, which can cause dryness and other problems. Never rub your skin dry; pat it with a towel. Scouring your face can disturb your touchy pores and lead to an abundance of oil discharge. Stick to lukewarm water that will help wash off the dirt without leaving your skin dry and stretchy.

Limit the length of your shower to 10-15 minutes. Follow with a moisturiser containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to replenish and lock in moisture. And don’t forget about proteins like keratin — they help your skin stay strong and keep the hydration locked in.

Stay hydrated

What can be the best way to increase skin hydration during winter than drinking water? Water is essential to keep your body hydrated from within and it helps skin maintain moisture and keep fine lines at bay.

Drink at least 2 litres of water a day to keep your body hydrated. No moisturiser, serum or face oil has the power to replace water.

Keep hydrated with green tea, coconut water, seasonal vegetables and natural product juices. Include Vitamin C in your diet which would help you elevate the hydration level in the skin and combat dryness.

Balance the diet

Though topical applications play their part, true skin hydration begins with your diet and daily habits. Drinking plenty of water is vital, but your diet makes a difference.

Incorporate fibre-rich vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, cucumber and bell peppers, alongside lean protein sources like fish, chicken breast, lentils and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa in your diet that can help regulate your skin’s oil production.

Foods rich in Omega-3s, like sardines and flaxseeds can help enhance the skin’s moisture retention and elasticity. Our Vitamin D levels are often lower in the winter due to short days and long nights.

Take a cup of hot milk before going to bed at night. Milk is a good source of Vitamin D.