Winter Skincare Routine for Indian Weather

When the weather turns cool and dry, many people notice their skin feels tight after washing, looks dull, and their lips start to crack. Winter does not need a whole new routine, just a few changes.

What changes in winter

  • Cooler, drier air leaves skin feeling tight.
  • Hot showers feel great but can dry skin out.
  • Heaters and air conditioning dry indoor air further.
  • Lips, hands and heels are often the first to crack.

Change 1: Cleanse more gently

Switch to a mild, creamy cleanser if your face wash leaves skin squeaky. Use lukewarm water, not hot. If your skin is dry, a splash of water may be enough in the morning.

Change 2: Moisturise on damp skin

Apply serum and moisturiser within a minute of washing, while skin is still slightly damp. This helps the moisture stay.

Change 3: Use a richer night step

A richer night cream helps when skin feels tight. Theraglam Night Repair Cream with hyaluronic acid and retinol is made for dryness, applied nightly after cleansing with upward strokes. On very dry nights, add the HydraRenew Collagen Overnight Mask as the last step and rinse it off in the morning.

Change 4: Do not skip sunscreen

Winter sun is softer but still there, especially on clear days and outdoors.

Change 5: Care for your lips

Apply a lip balm through the day and a thicker layer at night. Theraglam Lip Therapy Balm is made with wheat germ oil, cocoa butter, olive oil and almond oil. Avoid licking your lips; it makes dryness worse.

A simple winter routine

Morning

  1. Mild cleanser or water.
  2. Hydrating serum on damp skin.
  3. Moisturiser.
  4. Sunscreen.
  5. Lip balm.

Night

  1. Cleanse gently.
  2. Serum.
  3. Night cream.
  4. Overnight mask on very dry nights.
  5. Thick layer of lip balm.

Habits for dry air

  • Shorter, warm (not hot) showers.
  • Moisturise your body right after bathing.
  • Drink water even when you do not feel thirsty; many people drink less in winter.
  • Use a bowl of water near the heater or a humidifier if your room is very dry.
  • Cotton layers next to the skin if wool feels itchy.
  • Oil or cream your heels at night and wear socks.

Exfoliate less

Dry winter skin is easily irritated. Cut back on scrubs and exfoliating products to once a week or less.

Quick questions

Does oily skin need a richer cream in winter? Often not. A slightly richer gel or a thin layer of cream at night is usually enough.

Is coconut oil good for the face in winter? It suits some people's body skin, but it can feel heavy on the face. Try it on a small area first.

When to see a dermatologist

If your skin becomes very itchy, red, cracked or bleeding, or if you have eczema that flares in winter, see a dermatologist.

A routine for your skin, this season

The Theraglam Glow Scan uses three photos and a short quiz to build a personal skincare routine, diet and water plan, exercise plan, face massage and face yoga guides, and a 28-day tracker.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos, a short quiz, and your personal plan by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

Related reading: for a full lip routine this season, see Winter Lip Care: How to Keep Lips Soft Through the Cold, Dry Months.

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