Celebrate National Healthy Skin Month: Your winter skincare guide to glowing, radiant and protected skin this winter

November isn’t just about turning leaves and wearing cozy sweaters but it is also a National Healthy Skin Month when you can renew your skin and have a commitment to a healthy skin this winter. Follow a healthy lifestyle for skin at a younger age and your skin will thank you all your life.
Whether you are in India or abroad if you are adopting a proper skincare routine can pay off many years down the lane. 

Why Healthy Skin matters

Your skin serves as your body's largest organ, a barrier of defence and an indicator of your general well-being. It is more than just a cosmetic surface. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that this month serves as a reminder of the significance of developing deliberate routines to take care of our skin, hair and nails, robust, healthy skin:

• Helps shield you from skin cancer and sun damage.
• Strengthens your immune system
• Keeps you feeling and looking your best.

In light of this, let's discuss how to celebrate this month and create a regimen that promotes skin health all year long, even in the winter.

Skincare Essentials to be kept in mind during this winter

Here is how you can take care of your skin by following a simple skincare routine with the following skincare tips that will cover cleansing, moisturizing, protecting and treating.

1. Gentle Cleaning

Radiant, clear, resilient skin that smiles back no matter how long of a time has a great foundation of good skincare. According to a dermatologist advice in order to clean and detoxify your skin use a gentle cleanser whilst preserving your skin's beneficial oils for a shine without spots, wrinkles or freckles.  Apply a creamy moisturiser after taking a shower. Should your skin look normal at all times and protect it from the harshest temperatures?  Using moisturizer on damp skin helps retain a natural moisture level.  Try adding serum cream or serum gel to give your skin a gentle, long-term overall or other treatments if need be, moisturizing or rejuvenating your face including repairing your skin.  The use of sunscreens is a good thing to include in your daily weather routine. 

For the sun protection in winter make sure you are following a broad-spectrum sunscreen use with an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is also referred to as skin barrier protection in summer and winter both which protects our skin against the harmful UV rays of the skin which can make the skin prone to dangerous tanning and also hazardous diseases like cancer.
 

Every morning, apply it to all exposed skin, including the hands, neck and face. If you spend a lot of time outside then re-apply. Don't skip it in the winter because UVA rays are strong all year round and exposure can be increased by snow or reflecting surfaces.

sunscreen use
 

Why even in Winter Sun Protection Matters

Why even in winters you need a SPF. So SPF is something you need all year long. SPF year-round is the basic concept through which we can protect our skin from the harsh UV rays coming out of the sunlight. 

There is a widespread misconception that sun protection becomes less crucial when the temperature drops or clouds form. Dermatologists, however, say the exact opposite.

What you should know is as follows:

Regardless of the climate, UVA radiation is present all year round and causes deeper damage and ageing of the skin.

• Reflectivity raises your UV exposure in ice or snowy conditions.
• Wintertime sunscreen neglect can result in cumulative damage, such as early wrinkles, discolouration or even a higher risk of skin cancer.

Even if there isn't much snow in many parts of India, UV exposure still occurs. You still need to use sunscreen when there are cloudy skies, pollution haze or just regular outside activities. Even when it doesn't feel "sunny," keep your SPF close at reach.

Healthy skin from inside out 

1. Hydration and Nutrition

• Drinking enough water contributes to healthy skin elasticity and functioning.
• Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein into your diet. These foods provide antioxidants, vitamins and building blocks your skin needs to repair itself.
• Apply body lotion of your choice again and again to prevent dry skin
   
• Limit tobacco use, excessive drinking and foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates as they can enhance skin aging and damage.

1. Sleep and Stress  

• Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night. Lack of sleep causes dull, tired skin and impairs your skin's healing systems. 
• Control stress: having chronic elevated levels of stress hormones can aggravate skin issues, including acne, psoriasis or eczema.

1. Environmental and Behavioral Practices 

• Avoid long, hot showers or baths, particularly during the winter as hot shower can remove natural oils and dry your skin.
• Using a humidifier in dry interiors can help keep the humidity at optimal levels.
• Gentle with your skin: avoid aggressive scrubs, tight clothing or harsh cleansers.
• Have your skin evaluated: If you see new or changing moles/spots (or any persistent skin issues), you should see a dermatologist. Early identification of skin cancer matters.

Some of the testified and most important tips for Indian skin Type and Indian climate 

If you are in India or under Asian climate areas with similar climates, consider the following local considerations as well as some general principles of protection:

• Because of colder air combined with indoor heating in the winters of North India, drink plenty of water.
• Even in winters application of suncress with at least SPF 50 is still important despite perhaps lower UV rays during winter months (driving errands, morning walks) because exposure to sunlight, even limited, is detrimental to the skin.
• Choose non-comedogenic sunscreens and moisturizers for your skin type (i.e. sensitive, combination, oily). The radical variation in humidity means breakouts can occur over time.
• One way to combat the omnipresent pollution and dust in many Indian cities is to wash your skin at night, to cleanse away particulate matter and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.
• If you are going to be outdoors for long periods of time (markets, festivals or travel), cover your skin that is exposed and reapply sunscreen every couple to few hours out in the sun.

Some of the very common mistakes one should avoid during winters 

• Not using sunscreen because it is "cloudy" or "winter." 
• Exfoliating too much when the weather is dry or cold can harm the skin barrier. 
• Strong soaps or really hot showers can strip oils from skin and result in excess sensitivity. 
• Lips, hands, neck and feet as these areas also need care but often get neglected. 
• Taking care of your skin proactively every day is much better than correcting something reactively when there is a "problem."

Plan of action for the National healthy Skin month

1. This week mostly: Apply a broad-spectrum with at least SPF 30 and make a routine to apply the chosen sunscreen at least twice a day.
2. Follow up with a healthy lifestyle for skin- Test your cleanser and moisturizer for sometime and if need to move to something more gentle or hydrating or in which your skin feels the most comfortable. 
3. Make a habit to follow the daily skincare routine especially for winter which will include washing your face with a mild cleanser, then apply a thin layer of serum followed by a thick layer of moisturizer and then double layer of sunscreen. 
4. Try to follow the routine in the evening before bedtime which is washing your face with the cleanser then moisturizing your face with the mild gel based moisturizer and then application of any nighttime treatment if you wish.
5. Take care of your lifestyle like making a habit of drinking enough water, get enough sleep and eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods and manage your stress.
6. Once a week make a habit to gently exfoliate your skin (if your skin is comfortable with it), inspect new or changing spots and check for environmental stressors (pollution, heating, time spent outside).
7. Document and look when your skin is changing- At the end of the month or sometime after check in with how your skin is feeling like if it is there less dryness, less sensitivities, more even tone. According to that, adjust the cycle again if needed.

Final thought on this

Celebrating National Healthy Skin Month is about more than just putting on a new face mask—it's about establishing sustainable skin health habits that protect and nurture your skin through every season of the year. The combination of consistent skin care includes cleansing, following moisturising tips and treating your skin with care.  Skincare also includes feeding your skin from the inside out like with proper nutrition, keeping yourself hydrated and taking rest is an investment in skin health for the years to come. 

This November, take some time to look in the mirror, commit to your skin health and let your skin thank you all year round.