How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Delhi’s Dry Climate

What Is Skin Hydration, And Why Is It Essential?

The skin barrier is a frontline defence system protecting the skin against pollutants and toxins. It is made of cells, lipids, proteins, and fats. Adverse weather conditions can disrupt this skin barrier and dehydrate the skin, making hydration a critical step in your skincare as well as your daily nutrition intake. It is necessary to replenish the skin barrier with ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol to keep your skin nourished and hydrated to unlock baby-like supple skin.

Impact Of Delhi’s Climate On Skin

Delhi is infamous for its nasty summers, extreme winters, and immeasurable levels of pollution. In the summer, excessive sweating and exposure to harmful UV rays dehydrate the skin. This moisture loss from the skin’s surface is called Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which disrupts the skin’s natural barrier. Further, the heat, which forces us to use air conditioners during summer, sucks out the moisture in our skin, making it irritable and flaky.

Meanwhile, in winter, the atmosphere holds less moisture, causing the skin’s natural moisture to evaporate quickly. In addition, the indoor heating system decreases humidity while significantly drying out the skin.

The alarmingly high pollution levels in Delhi further contribute to skin dehydration, disrupting its natural barrier and pushing essential moisture to escape.

Daily Skincare Routine For Hydrated Skin For Delhi’s Dry Climate

The following skincare steps can help maintain your skin hydration:

• Cleansing: Look for cleansers enriched with the goodness of ceramides and glycerine. Cleansers containing salicylic acid, retinol and Vitamin C are also good for hydration.
• Toning: Ensure your toner is infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. You can also go for toners with naturally hydrating and calming ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, rose water, chamomile etc.
• Moisturising: Make sure your moisturiser is formulated with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. You can also select a moisturiser enriched with natural ingredients such as seaweed extract, gotu kola extract, hemp seed oil, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, primrose oil, shea butter, cocoa butter etc.
• Sunscreen: Look for water or gel-based sunscreen that leaves no while cast and does not make the skin greasy. During peak summer, use SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen.

Home Remedies For Skin Hydration

There are many home remedies that can help with skin hydration. Here is a list, but remember that there is no scientific evidence proving their efficacy. It is best to consult a dermatologist to avoid any side effects or damage to your skin:

• Aloe Vera: Apply a thin layer of freshly extracted aloe vera gel directly on your skin. You can also prepare a hydrating aloe vera face mask by mixing aloe vera gel with honey and yoghurt.
• Coconut Oil: Take a coin-sized amount of cold-pressed, unrefined virgin coconut oil on your palm and apply it on your face and body.
• Honey: For soft and plump skin, apply a thin layer of raw, unprocessed honey on your skin and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. You can also make honey body scrub with sugar and sea salt.
• Oatmeal: Mix ground oatmeal with yoghurt and honey to make an exfoliating and hydrating face mask. Mixing oatmeal with rose water is also a great way to hydrate your skin.
• Drink Water: Water is the ultimate elixir for skin hydration. For healthy skin, drink at least 10-12 glasses of water a day.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil contains squalene and vitamin E, which support the skin’s moisture retention. You can apply a coin-sized amount of olive oil on your face and massage well. You can also mix olive oil with egg white, honey and ground oats to form a nourishing face pack.
• Avocado Mask: Blend mashed avocado, coconut oil, honey and water into a fine paste. Use this mask once or twice a week for soothing moisturisation.
• Milk: The lactic acid in milk helps exfoliate the skin and lend it a soft and smooth texture. You can apply a thin layer of raw milk on your face for 10-12 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water for flawless skin.
• Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is a powerhouse of hydration as it prevents trans-epidermal water loss of the skin. Apply a pea-sized amount of jelly on a clean and dry face and massage well.
• Banana: Bananas contain potassium and water, which make the skin plump and soft. You can rub a banana peel on your face to revive dehydrated skin. You can also make a hydrating banana mask by adding lemon juice, honey and yoghurt to mashed bananas.
• Cucumber: Cucumber is the elixir for skin hydration. You can spray cucumber water on your face a few times a day to keep your skin hydrated. Or you can blend cucumber juice with honey and yoghurt to make the ultimate hydrating face pack.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

You might think about skipping moisturisation in your skincare routine if you have oily skin. Don’t commit this mistake, as hydration is equally important for oily skin and dry skin. Avoid over-exfoliating your skin as it can strip it of its natural oils. Also, washing your face with hot water can cause dehydration, so use cold or lukewarm water.

Takeaway

Delhi’s weather can be pretty challenging for your skin, but if you follow a dedicated skincare routine, drink enough water, consume a balanced diet, and pamper your skin with the goodness of natural ingredients, you can maintain soft and dewy skin.