The winter season not only calls for a wardrobe change but also a modification of the skincare routine. If not serious about skincare, different skin concerns can appear, or existing concerns like pigmentation can worsen. In the cold, dry winter weather, everyone with pigmented skin needs to be extra careful and follow the dermatologist's recommendations. This guide by Dr. Rasya Dixit, a leading skin doctor in Bangalore provides simple yet effective winter skincare tips and steps to lighten pigmentation and brighten skin. The routine and tips are even discussed for every skin type.
General Winter Skincare Tips to Brighten Skin
Every individual, irrespective of their skin condition and skin type, must follow these winter skincare tips:
- Avoid hot showers or baths; use lukewarm water instead.
- Don’t over-exfoliate the skin, or skip exfoliation altogether.
- Use an air humidifier in heated rooms for long periods.
- Provide skin with hydration from within by drinking enough water daily.
- Gently cleanse the skin with a mild, hydrating cleanser twice a day.
- Be consistent with a dermatologist-inspired morning and evening winter skincare routine.
- Protect the skin from UV damage by applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunblock every morning on sun-exposed areas, even if no sun is out.
- Protect the skin barrier by applying a suitable moisturizer daily, especially after cleansing, on still-damp skin.
Skin-Type Specific Winter Skincare Routine to Combat Pigmentation
For Dry Skin
- Morning Winter Skincare Routine- First, use a creamy or hydrating cleanser with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. Then, if required, use a rose water or aloe vera-based toner. Follow this with a skin-hydrating and brightening serum containing Vitamin C or niacinamide. Then, a rich moisturizing cream with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane. Lastly, apply a hydrating sunscreen cream or lotion, even if you're indoors during the day.
- Evening Winter Skincare Routine - Before going to bed, gently cleanse skin with a mild, hydrating cleanser, then apply a hydrating serum and a skin-repair night cream.
For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
- Morning Winter Skincare Routine- First, use a gel-based cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to get rid of extra oil and impurities without drying the skin. Then, if required to balance the skin’s natural oil, use a witch hazel or green tea toner. Follow this with application of serum containing 5-10% niacinamide to control sebum production and brighten skin. Then, an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Lastly, apply a non-comedogenic, matte-finish sunscreen, even indoors during daytime.
- Evening Winter Skincare Routine - Before going to bed, gently cleanse the skin as you do in the morning. Then apply a light serum containing azelaic acid or lactic acid for only 2-3 nights a week to help fade pigmentation, followed by an oil-free moisturizer.
For Combination Skin
- Morning Winter Skincare Routine- First, use a skin oil and pH-balancing cleanser with ingredients like aloe vera or green tea. Then, to refresh and evenly tone skin, use a rose water or niacinamide-based toner. Follow this with the application of a skin-hydrating and brightening serum containing Vitamin C or niacinamide. Then, a light moisturizing cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Lastly, apply a gel-based sunscreen, even if indoors during the day.
- Evening Winter Skincare Routine - Before going to bed, gently cleanse the skin as you do in the morning. Treat skin with hydrating serums (containing hyaluronic acid) and gentle exfoliants (containing lactic acid), then apply a medium-weight moisturizer serum or gel to hydrate and balance dry, oily skin.
For Sensitive Skin
- Morning Winter Skincare Routine- First, use a fragrance-free, mild, hypoallergenic cleanser with ingredients like oats or chamomile. Then, if required, use a rose water or aloe vera-based toner. Follow this with application of skin-calming and brightening serum containing 2 to 5% niacinamide. Then, a barrier-repair moisturizer cream with ceramides, shea butter, and panthe-nol. Lastly, apply a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, even indoors during the daytime.
- Evening Winter Skincare Routine - Before going to bed, gently cleanse the skin as you do in the morning, then apply an aloe vera gel or a mild hydrating serum, and a thick, unscented night cream.
When Home Remedies and Self Care Tips Fail
Then one can take help from a dermatologist. They offers following treatments that are effective in pigmentation management:
- Laser Toning
- Carbon Peel
- IPL
- Medifacials
- Chemical peel
- Microneedling with P-RP.
The Key Takeaway
It’s crucial to follow the proper skincare routine in every season, tailored to the unique skin type and condition. In case of pigmentation, a winter skincare routine that will work the best can be decided only by a dermatologist after the skin is assessed for its type and condition. Dermatologists, along with the proper skincare routine, can even recommend the best professional treatment for severe, persistent pigmentation.
FAQs on Skin Pigmentation in Winters
Why does pigmented skin need special care during winter?
The drier, colder weather during winter can weaken the skin’s barrier, reduce sebum production, and lead people to neglect sun protection. Overall, the skin can become more prone to dryness, irritation, and uneven tone. Thus, the existing pigmentation could worsen, and even new dark spots/patches could appear.
How to take care of my pigmented skin during winter?
Be consistent with gentle, daily cleansing, deep moisturization, sunscreen application, and skin treatment with skin-brightening and repair ingredients, using products best-suited to the skin type.
What mistakes should you avoid during winter skincare for pigmentation?
Refrain from using harsh skin exfoliators, alcohol-based toners, hot water, or anything that could irritate the skin and worsen pigmentation. Also, don’t neglect sun protection, skin barrier repair/strengthening, inside-out hydration, and night care.
What are the best natural remedies to use for pigmented skin during winter?
Focus on skin hydration, brightening, and protection by using aloe vera gel, honey and lemon, a milk or yogurt mask, turmeric and milk, coconut oil, potato juice, rose water/glycerin, or papaya pulp.
What can make skin glow during winter?
A good dermatologist can recommend a winter skincare routine, along with a healthy lifestyle, to help
one restore and maintain the winter glow.
For detailed guidance and tailored recommendations on a winter skincare routine for pigmentation or for the best pigmentation treatment, consider scheduling a consultation with the best skin specialist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. She is a well known skin doctor for pigmentation management and treatment and also for managing several skin issues with care!
Book a consultation today.
