1. How does extreme cold affect our skin? Is it the same for men and women?
As the weather gets cooler and showers get hotter, the epidermal barrier may be in need of boosting. Cold air and wind constrict blood vessels and can result in decreased moisture on the surface of the skin. Cold weather also has less humidity. Hot showers and indoor heating evaporate water from the skin faster, resulting in drier skin that can crack and become inflamed. Adjusting your routine may entail small changes such as exfoliating less often and moisturizing more often.
2. What about “climate jet lag” — the constant switch between warm indoors and cold outdoors?
When the skin barrier gets disrupted, it can lead to skin sensitivity and dryness. The best way to prevent barrier disruption is to moisturize damp skin with a thick emollient — like Visha Face2Feet. This decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and keeps moisture in the skin. Eating healthy and drinking enough water (6–8 glasses a day) helps as well. Water quality can vary when traveling — hard or soft water may make skincare products act differently. Consider using bottled water for your facial routine if you notice a change.
3. What is a sustainable and easy-to-follow skincare routine for colder destinations?
You don’t need to change everything — just tweak what you have. Some products can be used during all seasons, such as serums like Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum. SPF protection of >30 is always a must, even in colder weather. In cold destinations, decrease the temperature of the water you use to wash your skin — hot water evaporates faster and disrupts the skin barrier.
4. Should people use sunscreen in the winter? Is winter sunburn real?
Yes, winter sunburn is real. UV radiation bounces off surfaces like snow and water, so even though it’s cold, the sun is still out — requiring SPF protection. In cooler months, with more clothing for protection, apply a quarter-size amount of sunscreen to your face, hands, and other sun-exposed areas. SPF protection of >30 is always a must.
5. How should we alter our diet in the winter to keep skin and hair healthy?
Drink about 6 glasses of water daily and add fruits and vegetables to your diet for a dewy complexion. Stay on a multivitamin and a probiotic, and decrease inflammatory foods such as sugar, dairy, and gluten.
6. Does sleep deprivation affect the skin more during winter?
Sleep deprivation increases cortisol, the stress hormone. This creates inflammation in the skin, worsening conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Increased cortisol can also increase oil production, resulting in breakouts.
7. What products do you always carry in your winter self-care kit?
Eye cream: Visha Skincare Advanced Eye Booster provides a 17% reduction of fine lines and eye bags in under 6 minutes. It doubles as a primer and comes in a travel size.
8. What are three things travelers should do to avoid winter skin and hair damage?
- Avoid peels, strong scrubs, or prescription retinoids while traveling — they exfoliate the skin, increase trauma, and results are unpredictable in new climates or with increased sun exposure.
- Avoid inflammatory foods. Take your supplements with you and continue your multivitamin and probiotic daily.
- Use a thick moisturizer to trap water in the skin after bathing.
