If you thought the heatwave was creating havoc on your skin, think again. Because, soon, the cold air and icy temperatures will be here to say hello. And beware, this won’t be a friendly one. Transitioning from summer to winter can profoundly impact your skin due to changes in temperature, humidity, and air quality. The cold, dry air outside combined with heated indoor environments can lead to skin dryness, flakiness, and irritation. As the seasons shift, your skincare routine must also ensure that your skin remains nourished, hydrated, and radiant. Here are five essential tips to help you make this seasonal transition smoothly:
Table of contents
Switch to a richer moisturizer
Protect your skin from the sun
Switch to a richer moisturizer
As temperatures drop, your skin loses its ability to retain moisture due to cold air and indoor heating, which both pull hydration from the skin. To overcome this, switching from a lightweight summer moisturizer to a richer, more emollient formula is essential. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture, and ceramides, which help create a protective barrier. These ingredients will keep your skin hydrated, soft, and protected from winter's harsh conditions. Applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin can also help lock in moisture, ensuring long-lasting hydration.
Protect your skin from the sun
No, we’re not joking. Believe it or not, the sun’s UV rays are as harmful in winter as they are in summer. It's easy to assume that sunscreen is only necessary during the sunny days of summer, but UV rays are a year-round concern. Even in winter, harmful UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through cloud cover and reflect off surfaces, intensifying their effects on your skin. Exposure to these rays can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even long-term damage, regardless of the season. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day is essential to protect your skin from these risks. Whether it's bright and sunny or overcast, sunscreen acts as your skin's daily defense.
Exfoliate
During winter, the skin often becomes dry and flaky, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that can dull your complexion and leave your skin feeling rough. Exfoliation is essential for removing this layer of dead cells and revealing the fresh, radiant skin underneath. However, over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness and increasing sensitivity.
Wisdom lies in choosing gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based products, which dissolve dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Harsh scrubs can be too abrasive for winter skin, so it's best to exfoliate only once or twice a week to maintain smoothness while preserving your skin's natural moisture barrier. This approach will keep your skin glowing without risking further dryness or damage.
Hydrate from within
It’s very natural to consume less water during winter due to the drop in temperature. However, just like in summer, your skin needs hydration from both the inside and outside to maintain its natural glow. Drinking enough water—at least 8 cups a day—is vital to keeping your skin plump and radiant. Incorporating hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges can further boost your skin’s moisture levels, as these foods are rich in water content and essential nutrients that nourish your skin from within. If cold water doesn't appeal during winter, opt for herbal teas and warm soups to stay hydrated while staying cozy. These beverages help with fluid intake and provide warmth and comfort, making it easier to meet your hydration needs and keep your skin looking healthy throughout the season.
Add a Humidifier
Indoor heating provides warmth and comfort during winter, but it also dries out the air, leading to dehydrated skin. This results in tightness, flakiness, and discomfort, especially around areas like the nose, mouth, and hands. Adding a humidifier to your living/work space helps restore moisture to the air, keeping your skin hydrated.
The season of hot hot chocolate and cake can be tough for your skin. But not if you spring into action quickly and take all the necessary steps to defend yourself.
Captain Winter - Oteria
Winter brings beautiful days perfect for picnics and afternoons in the gentle sun. However, it’s hard to enjoy the season if you're concerned about your skin. That’s why you need a skincare brand you can trust completely—like Oteria. Designed for all skin types and genders, Oteria’s products work in harmony with your body’s circadian rhythm, delivering the care your skin needs at any time of day. Let's explore some of their products that promise to protect your skin from the harsh winter conditions.
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion
Oteria’s Velvet Dew Skin Lotion delivers 72-hour hydration, plumps skin, and combats age-induced dryness for a radiant, youthful complexion. Clinically proven to boost hydration, it restores moisture balance and keeps skin supple and nourished.
Benefits
- Plumps the skin
- 72 hours moisturizing effect
- Clinically proven to increase hydration
- Prevents age-induced skin dryness
Key ingredients
Aloe Vera: Soothes, hydrates, and heals the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration.
Natural Sugars: Help retain moisture, enhance skin hydration, and support a smoother, more supple complexion.
How to use
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Voluminous Hair Lotion
Oteria’s Voluminous Hair Lotion is a luxurious, nutrient-rich scalp treatment with Sage, Amla, Fenugreek, and Curry Leaf that nourishes, hydrates, and repairs damage. It controls hair loss, strengthens strands, and promotes thicker, resilient, and lustrous hair.
Benefits
- Nourishes, hydrates and moisturizes the hair
- Repairs damage and controls hair loss
- Promotes hair growth and prevents premature graying
- Strengthens hair follicles and protects the scalp
- Results in thick and stronger hair
Key Ingredients
Sage Extract: Strengthens hair follicles, reduces scalp irritation, and helps prevent hair thinning.
Amla Extract: Rich in Vitamin C, it promotes hair growth, prevents hair loss, and enhances shine and thickness.
Fenugreek Extract: Nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair roots, and helps reduce hair loss while promoting growth.
Curry Leaf Extract: Rich in antioxidants, it prevents premature graying, strengthens hair follicles, and supports healthy, shiny hair.
Check out our entire range of products here.
Your spirits should not drop with the drop in temperatures. We want you and your skin to be as radiant as ever irrespective of the season!
Takeaway
This blog gives you five tips to prepare your skin for the winter. There might even be fifty if you search the internet. But what matters most is how you feel on the inside. Skincare is much more than applying products. A happy body and soul will beat any product hands down. We urge you to take care of your mind and soul while you put your trust in us. If you do this, we promise, the results will be magical!
FAQs
1) Why should I switch to a richer moisturizer in winter?
As temperatures drop and indoor heating increases, your skin loses moisture more quickly. A richer moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps retain hydration and creates a protective barrier against harsh conditions.
2) Is sunscreen still necessary in winter?
Yes, UV rays are present year-round and can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like snow. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 helps protect your skin from premature aging and sun damage, even in winter.
3) How often should I exfoliate in the winter?
Exfoliate once or twice a week with gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based products. This helps remove dead skin cells and maintain a smooth complexion without causing additional dryness or irritation.
4) How can I stay hydrated during the winter months?
Drink at least 8 cups of water daily and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges into your diet. Herbal teas and warm soups can also help maintain your fluid intake and keep your skin healthy.
5) What role does a humidifier play in winter skincare?
A humidifier adds moisture to the dry indoor air caused by heating, helping to prevent skin from becoming tight and flaky. It keeps your skin hydrated and comfortable, especially in areas prone to dryness.
6) How does Oteria’s Whipped Body Yogurt benefit my skin?
Oteria’s Whipped Body Yogurt provides intense hydration, smooths skin, and revitalizes it with Red Algae Extract. It absorbs quickly and helps maintain a healthy, radiant glow even in harsh winter conditions.
7) What are the benefits of Green Coffee Extract in skincare?
Green Coffee Extract hydrates and revitalizes the skin, enhancing its natural radiance and improving texture. It helps maintain a youthful appearance by locking in moisture and repairing damaged skin cells.
8) What does Oteria’s Sun-Kissed Suncare Gel do for my skin?
The Sun-Kissed Suncare Gel protects against UVA damage, reduces wrinkles, and soothes the skin. Enriched with aloe vera and Vegetable Pear, it helps prevent photo-aging and provides instant relief from sunburn.