Signs of poor skin health in Bangalore
You might already know that your skin responds to temperature changes. The dry indoor heat, harsh outside cold, and low humidity levels in Bangalore can all extract your skin’s moisture. The impact will be felt not only on your face but also on your hands, legs, and the rest of your body. Here are some common signs that highlight that your skin is getting negatively impacted in Bangalore weather –
- Scaliness
- Rough texture
- Irritated and raw skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Cracks in the skin
Skincare Tips for Bangalore Weather
Here are some essential skincare tips for Bangalore weather –
Wash skin thoroughly
Washing your skin thoroughly is important to keeping your skin healthy, especially in cold weather. However, you must make sure you’re washing your skin effectively, and that too without causing any major damage. For starters, you must always use lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky. It is also important to choose the right cleanser. Look for a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Avoid harsh, drying soaps that can further dry out your skin. Lastly, don’t over-wash. While it’s important to wash your skin thoroughly, you don’t want to overdo it. Washing your skin too frequently or too aggressively can irritate it and cause further dryness.
Moisturize after washing
After washing, make sure to moisturize your skin right away while it’s still slightly damp. Gently pat your skin dry before applying moisturizer, as rubbing it with a towel can cause irritation and dryness. Washing your face will strip away all the natural oils and leave your skin tight and dry. Moisturizer will help in replacing the moisture levels and keep it hydrated.
Again, it is important to pick a moisturizer that suits your skin type. It will be ideal if the moisturizer contains hydrating agents like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. You may also want to consider using a thicker, more emollient moisturizer during Bangalore winters if your skin is particularly dry.
Follow a healthy diet
It is important to follow a healthy diet at all times to keep both your skin and body healthy. Make sure to follow a season-specific healthy diet to nourish your skin with the care it needs. A good diet would boost your skin’s water content and sebum production, giving your body and skin all the required nutrients and vitamins. Make sure to consume foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E to have healthy skin. Here are some recommended fruits that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins:
- Gooseberry
- Avocado
- Banana
- Papaya
- Pineapple
Apply sunscreen regularly
Many Bangaloreans avoid sunscreen thinking it is not needed in the cold Bangalore weather. They think the sun is less harsh here when compared to other Indian cities. This is a big blunder. Sunscreen is important even during the winter seasons of Bangalore. Why? Because the UV radiation still penetrates the earth and the skin irrespective of the sun’s visibility and will disturb your skin’s moisture barrier. It is recommended that you apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Don’t exfoliate your skin excessively
Exfoliating your skin helps in removing dead skin cells from the skin. However, it also damages your skin barrier. It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin only once a week. This will give your skin enough energy to boost skin regeneration properties and absorb skincare products more easily. It is also important to know your skin type before exfoliating your skin. People with dry skin should exfoliate their skin lightly. If you have mixed or oily skin, then exfoliating once a week should be sufficient.
Alter your skincare routine if required
If you feel that your skin is getting more sensitive or prone to irritation, you should consider simplifying your skincare routine. Cold weather tends to make your skin more sensitive, particularly from beauty products containing alcohol or fragrance. So if you have shifted to Bangalore recently, you will find that many of your skincare products containing the above ingredients cause irritation. So stay away from the above ingredients. Keep your skincare routine simple. Use moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning and a gentle cleanser with a moisturizer at night. You can shift back to a regular routine once your skin is accustomed completely to the cold weather.
Change your shower gel
A shower gel is a great way to feel refreshed at any time of the year. However, in Bangalore, you might want to pick your shower gel carefully and show some extra love to your skin. Try to choose shower gels that have super-hydrating ingredients like goat milk, coconut, oatmeal, and rice. These ingredients will provide much-needed moisture to your skin.
Include occlusive ingredients in your skincare routine
Occlusive ingredients are those that help in creating a physical barrier on top of your skin to keep it moist and hydrated. Here are a few occlusive ingredients you must include in your skincare regime –
- Shea butter
- Rosehip oil
- Vaseline
- Cocoa butter
- Acqaphor
- Jojoba oil
The best way to include them is by applying products that contain these ingredients after moisturizing your skin every day.
Use serums
One other concern with Bangalore is its pollution levels. If you are someone who ventures out regularly, your skin is going to face the brunt of the harsh pollutants in the air. To protect your skin from these pollutants, you must use deep nourishing serums. Serums are lightweight, highly concentrated formulas that penetrate deep into the skin and provide intense hydration. It also has other beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides. Together they help strengthen your skin’s barrier function, improve its texture and radiance, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer to seal the hydration.
Hydrate from inside
It’s important to stay hydrated the whole day to keep the skin glowing and healthy. In Bangalore, people don’t feel the same thirst for water as we do in other hot cities. Hence people consume less water. Unfortunately, not consuming enough water in Bangalore weather might make your skin more susceptible to drying out. So always consume a healthy amount of water every day, irrespective of whether you feel thirsty or not.
Some more skincare tips for Bangalore weather
- If you have dry skin, use coconut oil regularly as a natural moisturizer. Another great natural moisturizer is aloe vera. It will also enrich your skin with antioxidants and improve its texture.
- Wear loose clothes. This will help reduce skin irritation and make you comfortable throughout the day.
- Avoid bathing in hot water for a long time.
- Consider purchasing a humidifier. It will generate moisture in the air and help your skin retain its moisture.
- Drink pomegranate juice. It has antioxidant properties and protects the skin from oxidation.
- Apply yogurt to your skin. It will act as both a moisturizer and an exfoliator.
- Never miss sunscreen while venturing out. It is the best protector against the sun, irrespective of the weather outside.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin in Bangalore weather requires a few adjustments to your daily skincare routine, but it is definitely worth it. By following the tips mentioned in this blog, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing even in the cold and dry weather of Bangalore. Also, it is important to pay attention to your skin’s unique needs and adjust your routine accordingly. With a little extra care and attention, you can maintain beautiful, healthy skin regardless of the weather conditions. And if you need further help in taking care of your skin, consult Dr. Renu Nair, who is one of the best dermatologists in Bangalore. To book an appointment with her, click here.
