Winter skin care guide: Tips for a healthy and glowing complexion by Dr. Eliz

KATHMANDU: As soon as we say “skin care,” the immediate association is often with beauty, but it extends beyond aesthetics to address various skin-related challenges, particularly during the winter months.

Winter necessitates special attention to prevent issues such as skin tearing, cracking, bleeding, itching, and even finger swelling and discoloration.

The colder months are prone to skin problems, leaving skin dry, itchy, and tender.

These concerns are notably prevalent among children and the elderly.

Exploring the age-specific skin issues during winter, their root causes, and effective preventive measures, we engaged in a conversation with Dr. Eliz Aryal, a specialist in venereal diseases, to shed light on the importance of comprehensive “skin care.”

Children’s skin problems in winter

• dry skin
• skin tearing
• cracking and bleeding
• swelling and bruising of the fingers
• and there may be other infections due to the above.

Skin problems in women in winter

• exposure to too much sun can lead to sun allergy
• blisters on the skin
• problems of dandruff & melasma
• dry skin
• skin tearing
• cracking and bleeding
• swelling and bruising of the fingers
• roots of hair dry, itchy
• other infections may also occur.

Men’s skin problems in winter

• little dandruff growth in hair
• roots of hair dry, itchy
• dry skin
• skin tearing
• cracking and bleeding
• swelling and bruising of the fingers
• other infections may also occur.

Why do skin problems appear in the cold?

• when the amount of fat and water in the body is low, the body becomes itchy and cracked
• turning on heaters and running hot air conditioners dry out the skin
• the skin is composed of water and sebum
• with age, the amount of water and fat in the body decreases

How to do skincare?

• use less amount of face wash cream when washing face
• use soap sparingly, do not use harsh soaps on bodies
• apply a smooth cream (moisturizer) to the dry skin of children and the elderly
• women should apply sun block cream before sun exposure
• apply any smooth cream, moisturizer cream before going to bed in the evening
• pay attention to cleanliness

What foods to eat to avoid skin problems?

To mitigate various skin-related issues during the winter months, it is recommended to consume fruits abundant in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, and amla. Additionally, the cold weather tends to reduce our water intake, leading to decreased hydration levels in the body. Therefore, it is essential to ensure an ample intake of water during this season.

Dr. Eliz is working at KMC Hospital in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.

-Tenzing Dolma Tamang