5 Ways to Keep Your Skin Rejuvenated in Winters

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New Ashoka Surgical Works
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Winter weather presents unique challenges for your skin. Low ambient humidity, cold winds and indoor heating all conspire to impair your skin’s protective barrier, accelerate water loss and increase irritation. Research clearly shows that during cold, dry seasons the skin’s barrier function weakens, increasing vulnerability to flares of dry skin conditions.


Here are five clinically-informed strategies to keep your skin rejuvenated this winter.

1. Hydrate from Within

As a physician, I routinely emphasise that internal hydration is a first line of defence for skin health—not just superficial care. Studies show that in winter the outermost skin layer (the stratum corneum) has lower moisture and fewer lipids, contributing to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and barrier disruption.
What to do:

  • Aim for at least ~2–2.5 litres (about 8–10 glasses) of water or equivalent fluids per day (adjust for your body size, activity and climate).
  • Include water-rich foods (for example, cucumbers, melons, oranges, leafy greens) which help also with micro-nutrients relevant to skin repair.
  • Avoid excessive caffeinated or alcoholic drinks which can be mildly dehydrating.
  • If indoor heating is strong, consider using a humidifier to raise ambient humidity and help reduce water loss from skin. Research supports this: low humidity plus low temperature impairs barrier, making skin more susceptible to mechanical stress.

2. Switch to a Rich Moisturizer

When the skin’s barrier is compromised, external support is critical. Studies note fewer lipids in the skin barrier during winter, making moisturisers containing humectants (eg. glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and occlusives/emollients (eg. ceramides, shea butter) especially useful.

  • Choose a cream or ointment rather than a lightweight lotion (especially on dry areas). This is aligned with dermatology guidance: “Petroleum or cream-based moisturisers are better than lotions for normal to dry skin” in the cold weather.
  • Apply moisturizer within 3 to 5 minutes of bathing while skin is still slightly damp—this helps trap surface moisture before TEWL increases.
  • Look for products with key ingredients: ceramides (to replenish lipids), glycerin (humectant), panthenol (emollient) among others.
  • Overnight treatments: Since the skin repairs itself during sleep, using a richer “night” cream especially on hands, feet, ankles, elbows helps “lock in” moisture while you rest.

3. Avoid Long Hot Showers

While a hot shower may feel good in cold weather, it is typically harmful to your skin barrier. The evidence is clear: prolonged hot water and harsh soaps can strip essential oils, increase TEWL and exacerbate dryness and irritation.
Guidance:

  • Use lukewarm water (not scalding hot). Limit shower/bath time to about 5–10 minutes.
  • Use gentle, pH-balanced, soap-free cleansers or mild cleansers (especially for face and sensitive areas). Over-cleansing or using strong alkaline soap worsens barrier damage.
  • After showering, pat your skin dry gently (don’t rub vigorously) and apply moisturizer immediately while skin is still slightly damp.
  • Keep indoor heaters at moderate levels; avoid sitting directly in front of strong heat which can further dry the skin.

4. Exfoliate Gently and Strategically

Exfoliation aids in removal of dead cell build-up and enhances absorption of moisturisers—but during winter, aggressive exfoliation can be counter-productive because your skin barrier is already stressed. Research indicates that exposed skin in winter has impaired barrier function and increased turnover rate of stratum corneum cells.

  • Limit exfoliation once or twice a week rather than frequent scrubs.
  • Choose gentle exfoliants (for example fine granules, lactic acid, oat-based scrubs) instead of coarse scrubs or strong physical exfoliants.
  • Avoid exfoliating immediately before going out into cold weather or strong wind, since this may increase skin sensitivity.
  • After exfoliating, promptly apply a richer moisturiser or barrier-repair cream to protect the skin.
    This approach supports barrier repair rather than further weakening it.

5. Care for Your Ankles (and Feet) Using Footscrapers

In colder months, we often overlook the skin around the ankles and feet—but this is precisely where dryness, rough patches and cracks frequently develop. This specific step is recommended because the skin on ankles and heels is prone to friction, reduced circulation (especially if covered by layers or socks) and impaired moisture retention.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Once a week, soak your feet (including ankles) in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften the skin.
  • Use a quality footscraper or pumice stone (ensuring it’s clean and sanitary) to gently remove hardened dead skin/calluses around the ankles and heels.
  • Rinse and pat dry the area.
  • Immediately apply a thick emollient cream or petroleum-based ointment to the ankles and lower legs; you may even put on cotton socks overnight to enhance absorption.
  • This helps prevent cracking, promotes better skin texture, and supports rejuvenation of the lower skin areas which are often neglected yet vital for overall skin health.

Cracked ankles or heels are not just cosmetic—they can lead to discomfort, fissures, even risk of infection in older or immunocompromised individuals. So, incorporating a footscraper step is a preventive measure aligning with sound dermatologic advice.

Final Thoughts

Winter skin rejuvenation is about protection, repair, and prevention as much as it is about beauty. The data is consistent: low humidity + cold temperature = reduced barrier integrity, increased TEWL and higher risk for dry skin flares.


By following the five steps above—hydration, rich moisturisation, moderated cleansing, gentle exfoliation and targeted ankle/foot care—you are giving your skin the best chance to remain smooth, supple and resilient through the colder months.

If you notice persistent dryness, cracking, redness, or scaling that doesn’t respond to these measures, please consult a dermatologist—you may have an underlying condition such as Xerotic eczema (winter eczema) or another dermatologic disorder.

Wishing you clear, healthy skin this winter season!

As a leading manufacturer of precision steel grooming instruments, New Ashoka Surgical Works offers a comprehensive range of high-quality Footscrapers, Nail Filers, Tweezers, and Wax Knives designed to support superior hygiene and effortless maintenance. We welcome bulk enquiries and look forward to building long-term business partnerships based on reliability and excellence.