Common Winter Skin Problems and Their Solutions

When the temperature drops and winter chills settle in, your skin may feel it's losing a battle against the winter winds and starts showing signs - dryness, irritation, chafing, dullness; all hard to shake off. But fear not, nature has its own set of remedies.

Winter is a beautiful season that brings about scenic changes in the surroundings but for many, it is a season that also wreaks havoc on their skin. As the season is dawning upon us, many might have started noticing the changes in their skin. The cold and dry air in the season strips away your skin's natural moisture and dries it out layer by layer. Practically, this is the key factor that causes numerous skin problems that affect your skin's overall health.

In this blog, we will discuss common skin problems and share some natural remedies that will help you deal with your respective concerns.

Understanding the Winter Wrath

Winter brings about a noticeable switch in the weather conditions as well as how our skin looks and feels throughout the season. The cold air and dropping humidity leave your skin parched by stripping it of its natural moisture. Here's what happens to your skin throughout the season:

Compromised Skin Barrier: Cold and harsh winds and a temperature drop alter the skin's protective barriers, making it more sensitive.

Dehydration: The dry winds during the winter season dry out the moisture from your skin, leaving your skin parched, flaky, and tight.

Excess Sebum Production: In response to the dryness, your skin starts releasing excess oil, leading to congested and clogged pores.

Now that we know what's causing our skin to dry out and appear cracked and patched, we can better prepare ourselves to handle them naturally.

Common Skin Concerns During Winter Season and Ways to Deal With Them

Dry Skin

The cold winter air has no mercy on your skin; it strips away your skin's natural moisture, making it appear flaky, tight, and not-so-healthy. But your hands usually take a deep plunge. While frequently washing your hands is important to keep the germs and bacteria at bay, it also increases your skin's dryness.

Acne

Did you know acne is caused by sebum’s overproduction, commonly known as oil under your skin? This excess oil is also one of the reasons behind clogged pores. But how is it related to acne during the winter season? Well, sometimes your skin may overproduce oil as compensation for the dryness, which clogs the pores, causes breakouts and your skin may also appear oily. The balance between hydration and oil control becomes critical during this season.

Solution: Clay Mask & Tea Tree Oil

• Clay Masks: A clay mask helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil that causes acne breakouts. Natural clays also help unclog and cleanse pores, shrinking them. It is advisable to moisturize your skin after using a clay mask.
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that kill acne-causing bacteria. It also prevents your skin from drying up and flaking because of acne.

Itchy Skin

Itching is caused because of dryness. It might not sound as serious, but it can be irritating and cause skin shedding and other skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and other allergies. Itching can occur in areas that are overexposed to cold, like the face, hands, and legs.

Solution: Neem & Calendula Oils

Dull Skin

The cold weather dehydrates your skin, making it look tired and dull because of poor blood circulation and dehydration.

Solution: Ubtan & Rose Water

Chapped Lips

Lips and the skin around them are delicate and usually the first ones to suffer from the cold weather. Chapped, red, and cracked lips don't just look unpleasant, they are extremely painful and sore due to constant exposure to the cold harsh air.

Solution: Honey & Coconut Oil

How to Use Natural Ingredients to Deal with Common Winter Skin Concerns

• For Dry Skin: Add a few drops of coconut oil to aloe vera gel and mix them well. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face after cleansing. You can also use it as a night cream and keep it overnight.
• For Acne-Prone Skin: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and rose water with 2 tsp of clay mask (you can use bentonite clay or kaolin clay powders for acne-prone skin) to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your face and wash it off after 10 minutes. Make sure you moisturize your skin after the mask.
• For Dull Skin: Make an ubtan face pack mixed with rose water or milk to brighten the skin and remove blemishes. It will also improve your skin's texture and tone it.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned are a few remedies to combat common skin problems during the winter season. While they will help you treat these concerns, it is only rational to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated, moisturize your skin regularly, and mainly adjust your skincare routine to adapt to the climate. It will help you maintain healthy skin throughout the season.

FAQs

1. How often should I moisturize my skin in winter? 

While you should keep your skin moisturized throughout the day, you can moisturize your skin at least twice a day after cleansing. 

2. Should I use sunscreen in the winter season? 

Yes, no matter what weather it is, UV rays can still harm your skin. You should always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.

3. Which face wash should I use in winter?