Winter skincare myths busted: What works for dry, dull skin? Dermatologists explain

As the winter season sets in, you can start noticing significant changes in your skin. Your skin tends to become rough and dry during the winter season. Taking utmost care of your skin is essential during the winter.

Similarly, our hair is structurally made up of protein; it has a protective outer cover that protects it from dehydration, but during winters, when the weather gets harsh, it shows on the scalp and the skin in general. ¡°Winter strips out the protective layers of the skin by bringing about an exfoliation. This tends to bring about a lot of dryness on the skin; similarly, on the hair, you can get excessive dryness of the skin,¡± explains Dr. Pravin Banodkar, MBBS, DNB (Dermatology), Co-Founder of Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB).

Expert debunks myths around skin care in winter

During winter, taking care of the skin and hair is extremely crucial, but along with taking care of it, there are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding hair and skincare. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist, & dermato-surgeon, at The Aesthetic Clinics, says, ¡°One of the common myths is that one does not need to apply sunscreen as the sunlight isn¡¯t that bright during the winter. One needs to understand that sunscreen is a must irrespective of the season.¡±

Here are some common myths about skin and hair care in winters

Myth: No need to use sunscreen

Fact: You are supposed to apply sunscreen in every season, be it summer, rainy season, or winter. Just because you can¡¯t see the sun that often doesn¡¯t mean it can¡¯t harm you. According to Dr. Kapoor, ¡°The harmful UV rays are still present and can cause severe harm to your skin. Do not forget to apply a generous layer of sunscreen all over your body, right from your face, neck, elbows, hands, palms, chest, and legs. Use a sunscreen that contains SPF 50 or more for better coverage and protection.¡±

Myth: People with dry skin need thick creams

Fact: Another myth is that people with dry skin need thick creams or moisturisers for optimal results. Thick creams are not that effective for dry skin. ¡°People with dry skin should look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerine while purchasing a moisturizer. These ingredients are not only hydrating, but they provide moisture to your dry skin, making it soft,¡± adds Dr. Kapoor.

Myth: Shampoo your hair every day

Fact: If you use a frequent shampoo on the hair, it will cause a lot of dryness on the hair. So you need to limit the use of frequent and overuse of shampooing; bring on the conditioner; that's what's going to help in conditioning the hair.

Myth: Warm water bath in winter

Fact: Using more hot water strips out the natural moisturisers of the hair and causes extreme dryness in the hair, which can result in brittle, frizzy, and dry hair that can break easily and fall out. So please note these are how winter care needs to be modified, explains Dr. Banodkar.

Also Read: Winter hair woes? Experts list common hair care blunders and ways to fix them, check here
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