Effective skincare tips for winter: Home remedies for healthy skin

KATHMANDU: With the change in seasons, winter often brings a drastic drop in temperature, making the atmosphere extremely cold.

Along with the change in weather, various health issues emerge in the human body as it adapts to the environment.

Among these, skin-related problems are more prominent during the winter months. This is why winter is considered a challenging time for the skin.

During this time, the skin tends to become dry and flaky. But why does this happen? How can we protect the skin? Dr. Elij Aryal, a dermatologist from Kathmandu Medical College, discusses skin care and offers some home remedies in a conversation with Makalu Khabar journalist Bishnumaya Shrestha.

Why does skin become dry and rough in winter?

In the winter months, the environment tends to be dry, and our body produces less sweat, which causes the skin to become dry and rough. As a result, the skin can crack or become flaky. The dry air in the environment contributes to this condition, making the skin lose moisture and become more prone to dryness. In winter, since sweat production is low, the skin doesn’t stay as hydrated as it normally would, leading to dryness and irritation.

How to protect skin in winter?

To protect your skin during the winter, it is recommended to use mild soaps while bathing. Ideally, it’s better to avoid soap altogether, but if you do use it, choose a soap with lower concentrations of chemicals, such as a glycerin-based soap. After using soap, avoid using hot water to bathe, as hot water dries out the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for a bath or shower. After bathing, always apply some kind of oil or cream to your face, hands, and body immediately to lock in moisture. It is advisable to apply a good moisturizer or oil both before bed and after waking up. Choose creams or oils that are suited to your skin type and avoid any products that might cause allergies. Additionally, in winter, many people tend to spend time in the sun. Extended exposure to the sun can cause dark spots or tanning on the skin. To prevent this, avoid prolonged sun exposure, or use sunscreen with adequate SPF and reapply it every few hours.

Home remedies to protect skin in winter:

For natural skin care at home, you can use coconut oil or almond oil. In rural areas, people often use ghee (clarified butter) with a pinch of salt to moisturize the skin. If ghee is unavailable, you can also use edible oils like mustard or olive oil. The key is to keep your skin well-moisturized with oils or creams that are easily available.

Skin-related issues in winter:

During the winter, common skin problems include dryness, cracking, and the appearance of rough patches. Many people also experience tanning, dark spots, or freckles due to exposure to the sun. Dryness can also affect the hair, making it rough and prone to dandruff. Furthermore, the incidence of skin conditions like eczema tends to increase in winter. To prevent these issues, it’s important to bathe regularly, use moisturizers, and avoid letting your skin become excessively dry. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to maintain skin hydration. In winter, since we often spend time in the sun, it can lead to dehydration, which further contributes to dry skin. To keep your skin healthy, eat seasonal fruits like oranges, amla, and lemon, which are rich in vitamin C and help combat skin problems.

Should we also pay attention to the food we eat to avoid various problems?

While food does play a role, the environment has a greater impact on our skin. However, foods like lemons (kagati) help boost immunity. When immunity is strong, many diseases are prevented. It’s important to eat the right amount, not too much or too little, at the right time, and drink plenty of water. Even in winter, we should increase our water intake. In cold weather, we often don’t drink enough water, but when we sit in the sun, our skin tends to become dry. Therefore, in winter, it’s necessary to eat warm foods like leafy vegetables and drink plenty of water to protect our skin and avoid the cold.

How suitable is taking a hot water bath for the skin in winter?

Taking a hot water bath can dry out the skin. Since it’s difficult to bathe with cold water in winter, using lukewarm water is ideal. After bathing, it’s important to apply your preferred oil, lotion, or cream. Hot water can strip moisture from the skin, making it more prone to dryness. In the past, older people used to apply oil after sunbathing, which also helped keep the skin nourished. Similarly, using natural oils, lotions, or creams available at home, such as ghee or homemade oils, can make a difference in keeping the skin healthy.

Why hair shedding increase during winter & how to prevent it?

In the winter months, hair loss tends to increase due to several factors. One primary reason is the dryness of the scalp, which occurs when the weather is cold and dry, causing the skin and hair to become dehydrated. Additionally, wind can exacerbate the dryness of the scalp, leading to hair fall.

To prevent hair loss during winter, it is important to take a few steps:

Use oils and serums: Applying hair oils and moisturizers can help keep the scalp hydrated. There are many serums available in the market that are specifically designed to nourish the scalp and prevent dryness.

Maintain a nutritious diet: In winter, people tend to eat warm foods, but may not consume enough nutritious food that supports healthy hair growth. It’s essential to include protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Foods like citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), papayas, and other seasonal fruits should be included to maintain overall health and support hair strength.

Use appropriate hair care products: Choose shampoos that are suitable for dry scalp and provide nourishment to the hair follicles. Moisturizing and gentle shampoos can help to prevent hair breakage.

Add variety to your meals: Include grains, pulses, and other nutrient-dense foods in your diet. Winter is a time when the body needs extra nourishment, so make sure to eat balanced meals.

Any final suggestions?

In winter months, it’s not advisable to sit in the sun for too long. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles to appear on your face and dark spots to form. Therefore, always use sunscreen regularly when out in the sun. To protect yourself from the cold, wear warm clothes and make sure to pay attention to your diet as well.