Top Ingredients to Nourish and Protect Your Skin This Season

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Last Updated:January 16, 2025, 11:06 IST

Healthy, glowing skin begins with a tailored skincare routine that meets the specific needs of your skin during changing seasons

Incorporating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, exosomes, cybright G, willow bark extract, cica, and tranexamic acid will nourish and protect your skin against the winter elements

As the seasons shift, so do the needs of our skin. During the colder months, skin often faces increased dryness, sensitivity, and irritation due to environmental changes such as low humidity, indoor heating, and cold winds. To combat these seasonal skin challenges, it’s essential to incorporate nourishing and protective ingredients into your skincare routine. Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-founder of Fixderma India Pvt Ltd, says, “As a skin specialist, I always emphasize the importance of choosing ingredients that support the skin’s natural barrier, hydrate, and soothe."

Here are some key ingredients to look out for this season:

Ceramides – The ProtectorCeramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up a large portion of the skin’s outer layer. They play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s protective barrier, which locks in moisture and shields the skin from environmental stressors. As the skin’s barrier weakens in winter, ceramides help restore and replenish it. Shaily Mehrotra emphasizes their importance, stating, “Using products enriched with ceramides can restore natural hydration and protect the skin from irritants and dryness." This makes ceramides a must-have to fortify the skin’s natural defense during the harsh winter months.
Hyaluronic Acid – The Ultimate HydratorKnown for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is an exceptional humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. “During the winter months, when the skin is most prone to dehydration, hyaluronic acid helps restore moisture balance, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple," says Shaily Mehrotra. Hyaluronic acid works well in serums and moisturizers, providing deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. For the best results, apply hyaluronic acid-based products on damp skin to lock in moisture.
Exosomes – The Skin RegeneratorExosomes are tiny vesicles that contain growth factors, proteins, and lipids, supporting skin regeneration. Recent skincare advancements have highlighted their effectiveness, especially for skin exposed to harsh environmental conditions or showing signs of aging. Dr. Anuradha Sharma, Medical Advisor and Skin Expert at FCL Skincare, explains that exosomes “ensure increased absorption and penetration of ingredients, making products with exosomes highly potent and effective." This ability to increase ingredient absorption makes exosome-infused products ideal for improving skin health and delivering fast, visible results.
Cybright G – The BrightenerCybright G is a revolutionary ingredient designed to target skin pigmentation and even out the complexion. It works by inhibiting melanin production, reducing the appearance of dark spots caused by photodamage, environmental stressors, and aging. Dr. Sharma notes, “Cybright G is a potent antioxidant that not only brightens the skin but also protects it from oxidative stress and environmental damage." It helps restore a healthy, radiant complexion, especially during the winter months when many experience dullness.
Willow Bark Extract – The Gentle ExfoliatorExfoliating the skin during winter can be tricky, as excessive exfoliation can further dry out the skin. Willow bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid, provides gentle exfoliation while also offering anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Shaily Mehrotra explains, “It’s an excellent choice for acne-prone skin, as it helps calm irritation, reduce redness, and prevent flare-ups." This gentle exfoliant ensures clear, balanced skin while avoiding irritation caused by harsh scrubs.
Cica – The Healing HerbCica, or Centella Asiatica, is a powerful herb known for its healing and skin-soothing properties. Rich in antioxidants and amino acids, cica promotes skin regeneration and calms inflammation. Dr. Sharma adds, “Cica offers natural antioxidants that fight free radicals and help maintain a youthful look, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin." Whether in creams, serums, or masks, Cica helps repair the skin barrier and soothes dry, inflamed skin, making it an all-season staple.
Tranexamic Acid – The Pigmentation FighterTranexamic acid is a remarkable ingredient known for reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting melanin production, helping to even out skin tone and brighten the complexion. Dr. Anuradha Sharma highlights that “unlike some more aggressive brightening agents, tranexamic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types and can be used both day and night." It gradually fades dark spots, ensuring an even and glowing complexion throughout the season.

Additional Skincare Tips for the Season

Dr. Sharma also emphasizes the importance of exfoliation and hydration. “Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your skin to better absorb nutrients and boosting cell turnover for a radiant glow." After exfoliating, ensure you replenish moisture with a hydrating serum to restore the skin’s moisture balance.