Winter season is all about being cozy and warm, when you wrap up in comfy blankets and sweaters and snuggle with a hot cup of cocoa. However, it is also the season where your skin goes bad.

The low temperature, low humidity and dry air will for sure leave your skin thirsty, itchy and flaky. You need to step up your skincare game in the winter season to help protect it from drying out. A good idea would be to visit a dermatologist at the start of the season.

We spoke to Dr. Inas Musa, a specialist in dermatology and aesthetics and an expert in treating various skin conditions with modern cosmetic procedures at Obagi Medispa in Dubai, to learn more about the skin and its needs during this season.

Why does the skin get dehydrated during the cold season?

Many factors cause dehydration of the skin in winter. Strong wind and decreased humidity dry out the natural oils found in our skin. Central heating systems increase the dryness, and cause extra damage.

What are the best practices to keep our skin hydrated during winter?

We should hydrate our skin continuously. Drink plenty of water as well as allow your body to receive water from food, especially vegetables. Keep in mind that some drinks do not help in hydrating our skin and bodies. Soft drinks actually increase dehydration by moving water out of the cells.

Moisturize the skin by applying moisturizers regularly, and in sufficient amount. The type of moisturizer depends on our skin texture. When the skin gets drier, we need to apply the moisturizer frequently. Using ointments rather than creams to keep the skin hydrated and to avoid irritation.

What are some bad practices for skin in winter?

There are some huge mistakes many people do during cold weather. The biggest one is they do not apply sunblock during cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, because they think the sun is blocked by clouds. The truth is the clouds only block the sun rays minimally, and most of the harmful rays still reach the surface of the earth. Moreover, the damage is doubled because of the reflected rays from snow and wet surfaces. Another huge mistake is some people sit very close to chimneys and heating devices in order to feel warmer. Most of these people will notice redness in their skin, then the formation of lace network-like erythema. It can lead to harmful diseases if not treated.

Most people concentrate on the face and neglect the hands and feet, what would you advice them?

Actually, dryness affects the entire body. Hands are always in touch with chemicals, detergents, and irritants; that’s why we notice severe manifestations of dryness during cold weather on our hands. Besides dryness, flaking, fissuring and oozing could happen. Moreover, it is well known that peripheral blood flow is compromised during cold weather, since the hands and feet are the most distal parts of the body, this makes them in danger of decreased blood flow features, such as pallor, numbness, which lead to some annoying or even dangerous skin problems, especially if we do not protect them from getting cold. Staying outside in cold temperature, wearing wet gloves and socks may cause pernio, frostbite, or trench foot.

What is the skin ritual you recommend people to follow to hydrate their skin?

There are many instructions to follow during winter to keep our skin hydrated. First of all, avoid irritation, which is caused by harsh soaps, wearing wool clothes on skin directly, or sitting close to heating devices. We still can use gentle foam to wash our faces. Apply moisturizer and sunblock regularly. Eat a balanced diet that gives energy and hydrates the body.

What products would you recommend people to use during winter?

There are many daily care products available for dry and sensitive skin. Even if we have oily skin, we still need the moisturizer for our skin. Gentle rejuvenation system from Obagi, which contains growth factors, gives a moisturizing and anti-aging effect. This system can be used even with sensitive skin. For people who want to lighten their skin, using vitamin C products is safe and effective. C clarifying serum (which contains 10 percent vitamin C, besides 4 percent hydroquinone) works as antioxidant, anti-aging, and lightening therapy, with no irritation or dryness. If you use Retinol products to exfoliate the skin, you may notice extra irritation and skin peeling during winter. In this case, you can switch to less irritating but still effective treatment, such as retinyl aldahide ( Retivance) which gives your skin the same advantages without the side effects.

Are there any innovative medical facials or treatments to help with hydrating skin?

There are many treatments that help to increase skin hydration like Platelet rich plasma (PRP), a glowing session with non cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and mesotherapy.

What are your tips and tricks to keep skin healthy in the winter?

• Use a gentle soap-free cleanser.

• Do not use hot water when washing your face and body because it increases dehydration.

• Dry your skin gently after washing it because rubbing the skin violently increases irritation

• Apply moisturizer immediately after drying your face.

• Wear cotton clothes directly over your skin, and avoid wooly or nylon clothes in contact with your skin.

• Use a moisturizing sunblock like Hydrafactor 30, to avoid applying multiple products when you are outdoors.

• Do not forget to moisturize your lips and hands.

• If you are using peeling or acne treatments that cause more irritation in winter, manage your treatments according to your skin reactions. You can either minimize the frequency of application (every other day instead of daily), or switch to a less irritating system after consulting your dermatologist.

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