Cozy blankets, a warm mug of coffee, and your glowing, radiant skin can winters get any better? Moisturization is the key to achieving healthy and balanced skin. From ensuring water retention in your skin to adding an additional layer of protection in the form of creams, serums and moisturizers. The whole winter skincare routine has to get switched up a little in order to maintain a healthy and radiant skin texture. From cracks, peels, and dry skin to red frostbites; it is never an easy job to find out just the correct product for your skin type at one go.
However, with serums entering the Indian market, we now have more than one type of product for almost every skin type and concern. When chosen correctly according to the weather it can help in keeping your skin healthy, nourished, and glowing. Mindlessly piling on lotions and other “tempting” fancy launches will not work out in the long run as they will only stay on your skin for a short amount of time. A long-term remedy for soft and supple skin in winters includes understanding the product type and what is it exactly used for, along with your skin type.
Hyaluronic Acid is an Excellent Humectant
Not all serums are the same! Depending upon their formulation, serums have various purposes for every skin type. Most of the creams/lotions/serums are majorly made up of three elements which are – Humectants, emollients, and occlusive. A Humectant is one of the best ingredients which helps in retaining the moisture of your skin. They have a unique hydrophilic quality which brings in moisture from the environment into the dermal cells of your skin. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent humectant for the winter season. Use a few drops of the product before going to bed and wake up with fresh, plump skin. Hyaluronic acid can reduce wrinkles and fine lines while making your skin appear youthful and plump by increasing its water content. This serum also helps in rapid wound healing by regulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
Squalane (Emollient) – Best Winter Serum
Emollients cannot bring in moisture on their own. However, they can spread on the skin’s surface and trap in the already existing moisture and prevent it from drying out. They help to soothe, soften and plump up the skin. Largely, there are two types of emollients- oil and water-based. The oil-based emollients are good for extremely dry, dehydrated, and parched skin as the texture is a bit on the heavier side, whereas the water-based one is lighter and gel-based which makes it a perfect product for oily to combination skin types. Squalane has gained huge popularity in recent times due to its mild and lightweight texture serums for winter.
This makes it a perfect addition to your winter skincare pamper kit. Squalane makes the skin firm and healthier. It also has an antioxidant property, which helps in fighting the free radicals present in the skin, while slowing down the aging process.
Vitamin – C for Brighter and Glowing skin
If you are a skincare fanatic, then you have probably heard about the vitamin-C serum range. It is one of the best hydrating, anti-aging products in current times. Also known for reducing acne scars, hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. In winters, even after liberal sunscreen application, the harsh ultra-violet rays can cause external damage lead to long-term issues like rosacea, allergies, and more. Add a bottle of vitamin-c serum to your daily skincare routine and watch the magic happen.
AHA-BHA for that Extra Care
Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) are a group of animal and plant-derived acids. With multiple use in skincare and beauty products. Mostly found in creams, toners, moisturizers, serums for winter as well as concentrated treatments such as chemical peels.
There are seven types of AHA’s which are most commonly used in the skincare and beauty industry
- Glycolic acid (sugar cane)
- Hydroxycaprylic acid (animals)
- Lactic acid (from lactose and carbohydrates)
- Tartaric acid (grapes)
- Citric acid (citrus)
- Hydroxycaproic acid (royal jelly)
- Malic acid (fruits)
Used to exfoliate, boost collagen and promote blood flow, improve fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, spots, scars, and prevent acne. It also brightens your skin and increases product absorption.
Beta-Hydroxy-Acid (BHA) – a derivative of Salicylic acid used in the skincare market. Salicylic acid is excellent for oily skin. It helps in exfoliation, unclogging pores, removing excess oil and bacteria from the surface, and repairing discoloration from ultraviolet rays. Due to it’s gentle nature, recommended for sensitive skin types. Make your season happy with serums for winter according to your skin and see the difference.
Retinol to the Rescue
While some people say that retinol has destroyed their skin, others have sworn upon how magically transformative the usage of this product has been. So what exactly is retinol? To answer it simply, retinol is a derivative of Vitamin-A, known as retinoid, which is suitable for applying topically on the skin.
While low-strength retinoid can be found in serums and creams which are available over the counter in any drugstore, other stronger versions like “Tretinoin” can be prescribed by a doctor. Retinol has multiple uses and when applied carefully, it can work wonders for the skin. As one ages, the cell turnover and collagen production turn low.
When retinol serums are applied, it brings your skin cells and functions back to a more youthful state. Retinol serums also keep your pores unclogged to prevent any random zit pop-ups. Maintaining the skin’s elasticity is also a huge concern, especially in winters and Retinol can undoubtedly fix it up through timely usage and application.
Hope this winter season, your skin will be as flawless and smooth as your perfectly curated skincare kit which comprises all these essential serums. Which one of these are your favorites? We would absolutely love to know!
