Winter is the time of the year when  your skin needs extra care and nourishment. This is because the skin  becomes more sensitive as a result of the chilly winds and freezing  weather. Also fluctuations in the temperature, humidity of the air,  chilly winds and improper functioning of sebaceous glands cause  problems in the skin. Because of this, the skin becomes dry and itchy  and begins to flake.
  However, once you understand the mechanism  of your skin, it is not difficult to take care of it.
 
  Skin  Behavior in the Winter
  Your skin type can change during the  winter, at least marginally. If you have oily skin, you would notice  that it becomes less oilier and shifts towards the normal side. If  you have normal skin, it tends to become dry. Likewise, dry skin  becomes excessively dry and prone to irritation. This necessitates a  revision of your skin care routine as well because your regular skin  care products may fail to be effective on the drier skin  texture.
 
  Tips for Skin Care During Winter
 
    Avoid Hot  Water
  Nothing feels better on the skin than hot water in the  chilling winter. However, hot water harms the skin as much as it  comforts it. Hot water enlarges the skin pores and washes away all  the natural oils of the skin. When the skin gets stripped of its  intrinsic moisture, it becomes drier and prone to irritation.  Therefore, strictly avoid hot water showers.
 
  Bathe and wash  your face with lukewarm or cold water instead. Use a mild, preferably  creamy cleanser that cleanses your face and rids it off all dirt,  debris and impurities without drying the skin.
 
  Obagi Nu  Derm Foaming Gel -It is an gentle cleansing formula that contains  a blend of Aloe Vera, natural herbs and natural cleansers. It removes  all the pollutants and excessive oil residues accumulated in the skin  without disturbing the natural moisture levels. It is suitable for  all skin types and makes the skin soft and supple.
 
  Obagi  Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser – This mild cleanser especially caters  to dry skin types. It cleans the skin pores efficiently and removes  all the dirt, debris, pollutants and make-up residues.
 
  Avoid  Scrubs, Peels and Exfoliants
  Exfoliation is a key process in a  skin care regimen. However, you can afford to cut it loose during the  winter months. Your skin is always vulnerable to peeling and flaking  during winters and excessive use of exfoliants might aggravate the  condition. People with oily skin can continue exfoliating their skin  about once a week. But those with dry skin should restrict themselves  and exfoliate, only if needed, once a month.
 
  During winter,  you should rather use a gentle exfoliating lotion that removes the  dead skin cells but doesn't strip off the natural moisture.
  Obagi  Nu-Derm Exfoderm – It is an amazing exfoliating lotion that  contains phytic acid to make the skin smooth and supple and also  tones the skin texture. It scrapes off dead skin cells from the skim  surface and helps treatment ingredients to penetrate through the skin  more efficiently. It works very well for normal and dry skin  types.
 
  Use Creamy Skin Care Products
  The skin  needs intensive hydration during the winter months in order to  compensate for the loss of moisture. Therefore, shift to heavier and  creamier skin care formulations that provide intensive moisture to  the parched skin. Use creams and lotions that have moisturizing  ingredients that help replenish the hydration levels of the  skin.
 
  Obagi Action – It is an amazing moisturizing  lotion that immediately hydrates excessively dry skin and relieves  chapping, redness and soreness. It can be safely used by all skin  types.
 
NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex – It is a  rich cream that moisturizes the skin intensely and boosts its  regenerative powers. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and more  courtesy active ingredients like ceramides, liposomes and peptides in  it. It locks in the multi-level moisture and minimizes transepidermal  water loss (TEWL) in the skin. With regular use, the skin becomes  fuller and firmer.

Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has a keen interest in studying the use and effectiveness of skin care products and acne treatments.