’Tis the season… to eat a whole lot, get no sleep, and say goodbye to your beauty routine. Yikes! Winter is here, and so are the skin woes. But don’t worry, we get how hard it is to look after your skin when the temperature drops and the air gets drier. Here’s help!
So, what exactly does your skin need to look soft and supple during winter? Connector spoke to an expert Dermatologist in Dubai to break it down clearly. Here’s your complete guide to keeping your skin smooth, supple, and glowing all winter long.
How Dubai’s Winter Affects The Skin
During winter, the air in Dubai is cool and dry. This can strip away moisture from the skin, gradually weakening the barrier. This is also the season when humidity drops significantly, leading to more rapid evaporation of water from the skin. The skin, therefore, tends to become tight, irritated, and dull.
According to Dr. Tahreem Kashif, an Aesthetics and Anti-aging Physician at Aster Beauty Clinic, Dubai’s winter is extremely dry. In addition, the constant exposure to air conditioning (AC) can strip the skin of its protective barrier.
“Dubai’s cool, dry winter and constant AC can remove moisture and weaken the skin barrier. I usually recommend switching to creamier moisturisers, using gentler cleansers, and adding a humidifier at home to keep the skin balanced.”
Dr. Kashif further added that one of the most effective changes is switching to richer, creamier moisturisers. These formulas typically contain occlusive and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, Shea butter, and fatty acids that help lock in moisture and strengthen the lipid layer. They act as a protective shield, keeping hydration in and environmental stressors out.
Dr. Kashif also said that foaming or harsh gel cleansers can strip away natural oils that your skin desperately needs during the winter months. Opting for a hydrating cream or milk cleanser will help maintain the skin’s balance. Lastly, using a humidifier at home will restore moisture in the air, which will prevent excess water loss from the skin.
Smart Skincare Ingredients For Winter
Knowing which ingredients to look for in winter skincare can make all the difference in keeping your skin soft, smooth, and radiant. Whether you’re battling dryness, sensitivity, or winter dullness, the right ingredients can help your skin thrive even in the harshest conditions.
Dr. Kashif recommends adding hyaluronic acid and ceramides. “While hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated, ceramides strengthen your skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Vitamin C and niacinamide can brighten your complexion and even out skin tone. Additionally, glycerine is a great choice for maintaining skin hydration.”
For sensitive skin, ingredients like centella asiatica, panthenol, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal offer soothing relief from irritation triggered by dry air and temperature shifts.
Lastly, don’t forget body care. Your arms and legs often suffer the most in winter. Apply moisturiser to damp skin after showering, avoid long hot showers, and look for body creams rich in lipids and butters, adds Dr. Kashif.
Importance Of Sunscreen In Winter
According to the US-based Skin Cancer Foundation, Ultraviolet (UV) rays can travel through clouds. So, no matter how thick those clouds are, your skin will be exposed to up to 80% of UV rays, which can eventually damage it. Two kinds of UV rays reach the Earth’s surface. These include Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays or long waves make up 95 per cent of the rays that hit the Earth’s surface. These rays can penetrate the skin much deeper, causing ageing, wrinkles, fine lines, and even cancer. UVB rays dwindle in the colder months and do not penetrate the skin. However, they can cause redness, irritation, and sunburn.
Tackling Acne And Pigmentation
Winter can cause excessive drying of the skin, triggering the body to overproduce sebum (oil) to compensate for moisture loss. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Dr. Kashif stresses on a simple routine to tackle acne during winter. “To begin with, gently cleansing the skin, and using a hydrating serum is the best. A rich moisturiser and a good sunscreen are an absolute must to complete the routine and keep skin under check. Using a mild exfoliant once a week is good enough to remove dead skin.”
Pigmentation is a huge concern for many people, adds Dr. Kashif. Wearing a good sunscreen prevents premature ageing and hyperpigmentation, particularly of the face, neck, and back of the hands.
“During winter, patients can tolerate brightening agents better. Tretinoin is the best of all. For ageing concerns, I often combine retinoids with deeper hydration. Besides, winter is also a great time for PRP sessions, as skin tends to heal beautifully in the cooler months.”
Taking care of your skin during winter is all about understanding your skin, knowing what to look for, and using it regularly and correctly. With just a bit of attention and the right products in hand, skincare will not feel like a chore, but a daily habit that supports healthier, stronger, and better-looking skin for years to come.