The unseasonal showers notwithstanding, the lower temperatures and drier air that are typical of this time of the year can take a toll on your skin. To compound this further, the dry, cold environment of air-conditioned workspaces and homes can leave your face feeling taut and dehydrated. Additionally, Dr Greeshma Nair, an ayurvedic expert, highlights the fact that higher air pollution in the winter months adversely affects your skin. “The cold air is denser and traps more atmospheric pollutants than any other time of the year. Winter mornings in the city are often synonymous with smog. These pollutants can affect the skin’s structural integrity. They can also enter through the pores of your skin, causing oxidative stress. This results in premature ageing, freckles and black spots,” she points out.

Add moisture

“Since the dry air around us tends to pull out moisture from our skin, it will be ideal to have a humidifier around us, at home and in the office, to maintain moisture levels in the air. This can prevent dryness. If you don’t want to invest in a humidifier, keep a big bowl of water next to you — this will act as a water reservoir, safeguarding your skin’s moisture,” shares Dr Chytra Anand, a dermatologist and founder of KosmoDerma Clinics.