BEST MOISTURIZER FOR WINTER (2023)

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR WINTER?

Moisturizers are very commonly prescribed in dermatological practice. Moisturizer in winter is a generic term which compasses the best moisturizer for winter to repair a skin barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss or esthetic improvement of dry skin.

The best moisturizer for winter is just a part of routine Skin care regimen or may be used therapeutically for various dry skin conditions like Xerosis, Ichthyosis, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, etc. Although the causes, symptoms and severity of dry skin vary widely. With the advent of molecular biology and the vast development in the field of medical science, we have gained a lot of knowledge regarding the moisturizer for the winter milieu of the skin. This has led to the development of numerous formulations to combat the deficiency in the Pathophysiology of Xerosis.

Winter Moisturizer contains Sodium Lactate and urea which provides 24 hours of moisturizer to replenish, strengthen and protect skin. Winter Moisturizer contains Ceramides, which restore the barrier properties of the skin. Winter Moisturizer contains Sodium, Potassium and Ammonium Lactates. The Winter Moisturizer for dry skin is well formulated and suitable for rough, flaky and dry skin.

Moisturizer for dry skin impedes the patient’s quality of life and with dry conditions often present in generic patients. The Winter Moisturizer for dry skin is the only way of preventing and treating dry skin and its complication in the elderly.

Usually Physicians advise Acne prone patient’s to keep the skin dry by washing the face twice a day and by avoiding the use of moisturizing Agents. However, some recent evidence has shown that Acne by itself and certain medications prescribed for its treatment may cause disinfection of epidermal barrier with increase in transepidermal water loss and lead to the symptoms of Dryness, Redness, Subjective Irritation, etc.

Oily skin is a common problem that most people experience to varying degrees at some stages of life. This may be due to environmental factors like seasons, climate, excessive of Junk food, and the use of unknown products. The best Moisturizer lotion for oily skin contains Ceramides which restore the barrier property of the skin.

There are several treatments for all types of skins like Dry, Oily and combination. Some laser treatments used on the dry skin to reduce the pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, texture improvement and also tighten up the Elasticity and some Laser treatments are used on Acne prone skin to disinflument the barrier of the Acnes. Some Lasers are also used on the combination skin just to maintain the Firmness, tightness, glowingness, texture improvement and the elasticity.

IMPORTANCE OF MOISTURIZING YOUR SKIN-

There are a number of general measures that reduce the propensity of dry skin in the elderly. Advise patients to drink sufficient water (but preventing fluid overload in patients with Cardiac Dysfunction) and a balanced diet (with predominance of hydrated fruits and vegetables such as melons) to ensure the essential nutritional intake required to maintain epidermal homeostasis. Physical exercise (appropriate for the age) stimulates blood circulation, thereby increasing collagen production. Advice about cessation of smoking and alcohol, and minimizing exposure to sunlight should be given. Instead of irritating soaps, they should use soaps or shower gels without overzealous use of a loofah or any rubbing or sponging. Addition of a pinch of baking soda in their bathing water may also be helpful. Availability of bath oils has made bathing protocols for the elderly more convenient and effective prevention against Xerosis.

SOME COMMON MYTHS BUSTED:-

Oily skin does not need moisturizing.
All moisturizers are essentially the same.
Same moisturizer can be used for different body parts.
Creams are more efficacious moisturizers than lotions.
If moisturizer contains sunscreen, you do not need any other protection.
All cases of facial dryness need to be moisturized.
A topical medicine serves as both an active drug and a moisturizer.
Only Ceramides can repair a disrupted skin barrier.
The ratio of ceramides within a moisturizer is important.
Prescription barrier creams have superior efficacy to over the counter therapeutic moisturizers.
Natural “ products are better.
Older, more common ingredients are not efficacious.
The myth of lanolin allergy.
Expensive moisturizers containing collagen can replace the collagen lost during the aging process.
Creams containing hyaluronic acid (HA) prolong the effect of HA fillers and have some anti wrinkle effect.
Moisturizers are safe and do not have any side effects.

WHICH MOISTURIZER IS BEST FOR WINTER IN INDIA?

There are a multitude of moisturizers available with different types of ingredients, purposes and outcomes. Humectants such as Glycerin and lactic acid, attract water and help skin retain moisture. Emollients, such as fatty acids and Ceramides, Soften and Soothe. Occlusives such as petroleum, dimethicone or lanolin, leave a film on the surface of the skin and seal in moisture. Most products contain a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives. Moisturizer is chosen based on the skin type-oily or acne prone skin, sensitive skin, dry skin and climate-warm, dry or cold. Occlusives tend to be heavy while lotions are light and creams are a little more substantial for dry or extra dry skin, it is better to use a cream which tends to protect skin better than lotion. Skin tends to be dryer in colder months, so a cream should be used in winter, and a lotion in warmer weather.

CAN WE USE MOISTURIZER AT WINTER?

Yes, it’s mandatory to use moisturizer in winter to protect our skin from dryness, dullness, anti-ageing process and dehydration.

HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU MOISTURIZE YOUR FACE IN WINTER?

Atleast, twice in a day is required to moisturize our face in winter.

HOW CAN I HYDRATE MY FACE IN WINTER?

With a Good moisturizer, we can hydrate our face which contains Glycerin, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc gluconate, Silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate.