5 Simple Winter Skincare Habits For Healthy And Glowing Skin

Winter Skincare Habits: Winter is all about cosy sweaters, hot chai and coffee and the joy of snuggling under a blanket while watching your favourite series. Although people wait for this season, the dryness and dullness of the season take a toll on the skin. Between dry indoor air, cold winds and long hot showers, it often strips off the natural body oils, leaving the skin rough, taut and flaky. Thus, adopting a few winter skincare habits can make all the difference in this season. Hydration, careful cleansing and protection keep your skin adapted to harsh temperatures. These little changes in the skincare routine can give you healthy and glowing skin this winter.

It is important to build a personalised, easy winter skincare routine that is easy to practice and does not include expensive products. Simple, consistent habits are required for sustaining skin health. The skincare routine in winter helps to protect the skin and avoid dryness, flakiness and dehydration of the skin. Here are five easy, affordable and doable winter skincare habits for healthy and glowing Indian skin.

Easy Skincare Routine For Indian Winter Months

Use Creamy Cleansers Instead Of Foamy Ones

In summer, foaming face washes feel refreshing and perfect for removing sweat and oil. However, in winter, they can strip off the skin's natural oils, making it tight and flaky. Switch to a mild, creamy cleanser for the winter months that hydrates the skin while cleaning it. Look for products that contain honey, aloe vera or rose water as they are gentle and effective. You can also use a DIY homemade creamy cleanser by mixing a spoon of raw milk with gram flour (besan).

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Layer Moisturiser

Don’t stick to a single thick cream to “lock in” moisture. For nourishing and moisturising winter skin, start with a hydrating toner or essence (rose water) and follow with a lightweight serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or niacinamide. Then seal it with a nourishing moisturiser or face oil.

For North Indian winters, which are dry and the air is crisp, a few drops of almond oil or ghee at night can transform your skin by morning. They are natural emollients that repair dryness and add a soft glow. Drink enough water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Opt for herbal teas, coconut water or plain warm water throughout the day.

Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

With the drop in temperature, people ditch sunscreen. Winter sun can be more damaging, especially if you’re spending more time outdoors. Opt for a moisturising sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that feels more comfortable under makeup or even on bare skin. Look for formulas that include vitamin E or shea butter for extra nourishment.

Winter Skincare Habits For Glowing Skin (Image Credits: Canva)

Overnight Skincare

Winter is the best time to repair the skin while you’re asleep. At night, after cleansing your face, apply a hydrating serum and follow up with a night cream or sleeping mask. These products work wonders when the skin is resting. For DIY Indian skincare, apply a thin layer of malai (milk cream) or aloe vera gel before bedtime. It soothes, nourishes and gives your face that soft texture and glow by morning. Finish it by scrubbing your lips by mixing ghee and sugar and follow up with pure ghee or a hydrating lip balm.

Nourish From Within

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy warm, skin-loving foods that boost overall health. Include seasonal produce like carrots, amla, oranges, guavas, and leafy greens, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that repair your skin from the inside out. Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats that improve your skin’s elasticity. You can also indulge in a spoonful of ghee, as it is rich in good fats and hydrates the skin naturally. Even haldi doodh (turmeric milk) before bed can calm inflammation and give a golden glow to the skin.

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Avoid Long, Hot Showers

Winter is the time when people tend to take long, hot showers. However, those hot showers can strip skin’s protective oils and worsen dryness. Keep showers short and lukewarm and use a gentle body wash or soap with natural oils.

Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It is all about being gentle - giving the moisture, nourishment and protection it needs. With conscious and consistent effort, you can aim at keeping the skin smooth and radiant even in the harsh winter conditions.