The sudden dip in mercury levels has brought with it endless chai-and-warm-blanket posts on social media as well as dryness that affects your skin. “In winter months, the air is less humid and your skin loses a lot of moisture to the environment. As a result, it may feel drier than usual. Additionally, your skin may exhibit signs of distress such as dullness, dryness and irritation,” explains Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics. To soothe this dryness, use a combination of humectants and emollients, which draw in and retain moisture, she adds. As a basic guideline, she suggests swapping lighter moisturisers for richer formulas, limiting exfoliation, and using a calming cleanser.

Cleaning balm

This is the first and most important step in your skincare routine. When scrubbing away make-up, dirt, and oils, choose a formula that’s gentle on your skin and does not strip away moisture. Washing your skin too vigorously can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier and cause drying. Skip the salicylic acid cleanser in favour of milder cleansing balms and creams to dissolve the day’s grime and hydrate your skin, Dr Sonavane suggests.