How to Repair Winter-Damaged Skin: Dermatologist-Approved Treatments

How to Repair Winter-Damaged Skin: Dermatologist-Approved Treatments

Dry, sensitive, red, irritated, and flaky skin is common in winter. For those with sensitive skin, the winter season can worsen conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. These winter damages are a result of low air humidity, strong cold winds, long, hot showers, the use of aggressive skincare products, limited UV exposure, and reduced water intake.
Are you suffering from winter skin damage? Here’s the good news: Proper winter skincare, some lifestyle changes, and dermatologist-approved skin treatments in Bangalore can help you sustain healthy, vibrant, youthful, and comfortable skin all season long!

Explore more about dermatologist-recommended ways to repair or prevent winter skin damage. Understanding how to repair winter-damaged skin with dermatologist-approved treatments is the first step towards safe, effective restoration of healthy, appealing skin.

Most Popular Dermatologist-Approved Treatments for Winter-Damaged Skin

This winter, steal the skin's healthy glow and hydration, leaving it without dryness, dullness, or tightness. Dermatologist-approved procedures help restore skin moisture, repair the barrier, and revitalize the skin's ability to retain and reflect moisture, even in extreme conditions.

  1. HydraFacial- It is a multi-step, minimally invasive treatment that uses patented vortex fusion technology, along with skin-nourishing and hydrating serums, to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, extract, infuse, and protect the skin in a single sitting. It provides instant hydration and a youthful glow, with no downtime, for individuals with dull, dry, and congested skin.      
  2. Skin Booster treatment- It is an injectable containing skin hydrating/nourishing ingredients- hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It helps improve skin tone, hydration, quality, elasticity, and overall appearance in individuals with extremely dry, tired, and aging skin.
  3. Mild Chemical Peel- Lactic acid, glycolic acid, or mandelic acid are some low-strength exfoliating acids that can help get rid of dead skin cells that build up during winter and help boost cell renewal. They can provide smoother, brighter skin in individuals with rough, dry skin and uneven skin tone.
  4. Microneedling with PR-P or Hydrating/Nourishing Serums - It is a combination approach in which the microneedling technique creates multiple micro-channels in the skin to help serums or platelet-rich plasma penetrate deeper and reveal a firmer, smoother, healthier complexion. It is best for dullness, dry patches, and early signs of skin aging.
  5. Laser treatment- The heat of a suitable laser helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, thus leaving skin rejuvenated and brighter. Laser toning can address sun damage, pigmentation, and redness, thereby improving skin clarity and quality.
  6. MediFacial- This dermatologist-curated, customised facial is best for winter-stressed, sensitive, and inflamed skin. Based on the condition of the skin and its concerns, a dermatologist repairs the damaged skin barrier using active ingredients such as ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides.

Common Signs of Winter-Damaged Skin

Harsh winter effects are seen on skin areas mostly exposed to dry, cold air and indoor heating or hot water, as well as areas subjected to friction by winter clothing. Usually, one’s face, hands, and neck show up following signs of winter damage:

  • Chapped lips
  • Cracks on the skin that may bleed
  • Dry and tight skin
  • Patches of red, inflamed skin
  • Coarse/rough skin
  • Noticeable white scales, dry patches, or peeling of skin
  • Persistent itchy, irritated skin that aggravates at night or following a wash
  • Increased sensitivity of skin to topicals and variation in indoor and outdoor temperatures.

With treatments and tips recommended by a dermatologist, one can achieve healthy, moisturized skin.

Essential At-Home Dermatologist-Recommended Care to Support Professional Treatments for Winter-Damaged Skin

To naturally heal your winter-damaged skin and get skin inside-out hydrated, consider doing these:

  • At night, apply hydrating masks or skin barrier-repair creams
  • Shield the skin from direct UV light by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Wear soft fabric first and then a layer of warm clothing to avoid irritating skin
  • Drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals that contain omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and antioxidants to support the healing and health of the skin
  • Establish a consistent sleep schedule and use healthy stress-management strategies to support the natural repair of damaged skin
  • Clean skin twice daily with a gentle, hydrating, fragrance-free, less foamy cleanser. Steer clear of harsh, alcohol-based products
  • In case of excessively dry skin, use occlusives like petroleum-based ointments, mineral oils, and shea butter to prevent trans epidermal water loss and support healing of the skin
  • Avoid taking prolonged hot showers or baths. Use lukewarm water to wash your skin, and immediately apply a suitable moisturiser.

Why Moisturizers Alone are Not Enough in Winter?

Cold, dry air and indoor heating cause trans-epidermal water loss and pull natural oils from the skin. As the skin’s lipid barrier gets compromised, lightweight moisturisers are not enough. The skin needs a layered approach: humectants to draw moisture into the skin, emollients to repair the protective lipid layer, and occlusives to seal in moisture and prevent water loss.

When to See a Dermatologist for Winter-Damaged Skin?

A dermatologist visit is a must without delay, if there is:

  • Extreme pain with deep-seated cracks and intense bleeding
  • Signs of skin infection- warmth, swelling, and pus
  • Unusual rashes or considerable changes in skin tone and texture
  • No relief from over-the-counter products, change of skincare routine, and lifestyle modifications.

Visit Dr. Rasya Dixit, a Top-Rated Dermatologist, for the Best Winter Skin Repair.

If your skin is persistently dry, irritated, inflamed, and sensitive this winter, don’t let the damage be permanent. Consult our expert dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit, at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic and receive the best-tailored, professional, and comprehensive skincare treatments.