#INTERVIEW: Winter Skin Wellness Tips for Radiant Skin with Dr. Parul Thakur

Winter in the Middle East are the most beautiful months of the year. The cool breeze and lowering temperatures allow us to get outdoors more often. However, the weather does have an extreme side too, as it can leave your skin susceptible to a range of issues, from acne breakouts to dry, flaky skin and chapped lips. Being mindful of effective skincare strategies is essential for navigating these challenges and ensuring your skin stays healthy and well-nourished during the colder months.

Delna Mistry Anand speaks to Dr Parul Thakur of Athena Dermatology Clinic about the importance of maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, especially during the colder months.

Delna Mistry Anand: What are the primary factors that contribute to dry skin during the winter months, especially in this region?

Dr Parul Thakur: Several factors contribute to drying skin in this region: the cooler temperatures come with some cool drier winds, the humidity tends to be lower. In their homes, people tend to go for hot showers which can also be very drying. Another factor is that even in winter we still tend to continue using air conditioning in the UAE, which also makes the skin drier.

Many of us are not as hydrated as we should be; how does hydration or lack of it, impact our skin health?

Hydration plays a crucial role in skin health. When you're well-hydrated, your skin retains elasticity, appears plumper, and has a natural glow. Lack of hydration, on the other hand, can lead to dry, flaky, and dull skin. Dehydration weakens the skin's protective barrier, making it more prone to irritation, fine lines, and breakouts. The moisture balance also supports skin cell function and promotes a healthier complexion. This is the most common issue we tend to see in the UAE as the weather outside tends to be humid, while the AC inside makes it drier, and this fluctuation affects the skin barrier a lot.

Apart from hydration, what are the common mistakes we make in our winter skincare routines?

The most significant is the prolonged hot showers, which can lead to a decrease in the skin barrier and increased dryness, even resulting in itching in some cases. Skipping sunscreen since the sun is not as harsh as in summer is another common mistake. Especially in the UAE, we tend to be out and about a lot more in winter, which makes SPF crucial. Other noteworthy tips would be to switch to a gentle cleanser, avoid over-exfoliation, use a richer moisturizer, and not neglect your hand lotion.

Would you recommend changing our products as the seasons change?

You don't need to change your entire routine constantly. Seasonal adjustments—about twice a year—are generally enough, though you should also evaluate your skin's needs periodically, as factors like age, environment, and lifestyle can affect its condition.  Switching to a richer moisturizer in winter and a lighter water-based one in summer is the most effective change, especially in this region.  Even acne-prone skin tends to be less oily in winter, so it's important not to overuse mattifying products and exfoliants.

What are your Pro Tips for better skin?

It is a good idea to invest in good hydration and sun protection. These are the two basic things that make a world of difference. Remember even oily skin does need a moisturizer. Retinols which help regulate skin regeneration and induce collagen production also help. When exposed to the sun, use an antioxidant like vitamin C. Skin care doesn't have to be complicated, it can be simple and basic, but it does have to be a very regular routine. To further enhance your skincare routine, invest in treatments like microneedling that induce collagen, skin boosters that improve hydration, and IPL/ lasers to reduce sun damage in the long run.