Every winter, as temperatures drop and dry, chilly winds take over, the battle to keep skin smooth and hydrated becomes all too real. From dealing with unexpected patches of dryness to choosing the right products that actually work, winter skincare often feels like a puzzle. Even when we think we’re doing the best for our skin, common misconceptions can lead us astray.

Common Skincare Issues During Winters

Winter's cold and dry air can strip skin of its natural moisture, often leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Sensitive skin may also become red or inflamed in colder months.

• Dryness: Low humidity and cold air pull moisture from the skin, causing dryness and tightness.
• Flakiness: Dead skin cells accumulate, resulting in a flaky, rough texture.
• Irritation: Sensitive skin becomes easily irritated and red, particularly in windy or cold conditions.
• Chapped Lips: Lips lack oil glands, making them prone to cracking and discomfort.
• Itchy Skin: Dry skin can trigger itching, particularly on exposed areas like hands and face.

Winter can be tough on your skin, but it’s easier to handle when you separate myths from facts. Rather than getting swept up in popular advice, focus on what your skin truly needs. Opt for a daily routine that includes gentle cleansing, sufficient moisturizing, and year-round sun protection. Understanding your skin type and choosing products that suit it can make all the difference, ensuring that your skin stays healthy, comfortable, and radiant, no matter how chilly the season gets.

Misconceptions About Winter Skincare

Here, we debunk some popular winter skincare myths to help you make informed choices and keep your skin glowing all season long.

Myth: Natural Skincare Products Are Always Better

Fact: The word “natural” on a skincare label can be misleading. While natural ingredients may seem gentle and safe, they’re not always better for your skin. In fact, certain natural components, like essential oils or fruit extracts, can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin. On the other hand, synthetic ingredients, developed in controlled environments, are often tested for safety and can be highly effective. The key is to choose products based on your skin’s specific needs, not just on whether they’re natural or synthetic.

Myth: Higher SPF Means Longer Sun Protection, and Sunscreen Isn’t Needed in Winter

Fact: SPF measures the level of protection against UVB rays, but it doesn’t indicate the length of time sunscreen protects your skin. Regardless of the SPF number, all sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours to remain effective. Additionally, winter skies might look cloudy, but UV rays can penetrate through clouds, making sunscreen a year-round necessity. Remember, UVA rays, which cause premature aging, are always present, so protect your skin by wearing sunscreen every day—even in winter.

Myth: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer During Winter

Fact: Oily skin may feel less dry than other skin types, but that doesn’t mean it can skip moisturizer in winter. In fact, depriving oily skin of moisture can lead to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate. To keep oily skin balanced, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract moisture to the skin without adding extra oil.

Myth: Splashing Cold Water on Your Face Closes Pores

Fact: This age-old myth has led many to believe that a splash of cold water can shrink pores, but here’s the truth: pores do not have muscles, so they can’t open or close. Cold water may temporarily tighten the skin, giving a fleeting illusion of smaller pores, but it doesn’t actually change their size. For more effective pore care, use gentle exfoliators to clear out dirt and oil buildup, and consider products with niacinamide to improve the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

Myth: Petroleum Jelly Is the Ultimate Moisturizer

Fact: While petroleum jelly is often praised for its ability to lock in moisture, it doesn’t actively hydrate the skin. Instead, it forms a barrier that prevents water loss, which can be helpful as the final layer in your winter skincare routine. However, for deep hydration, look for moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and fatty acids. These elements nourish the skin, strengthen its protective barrier, and combat the harsh effects of cold, dry weather, providing lasting comfort and moisture.

Being in the military means you may witness things or be involved in combat or missions that are life-threatening and horrible to deal with. There are accidents, training injuries, or difficult situations that place them under immense stress. All of these things lead to PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the US National Center for PTSD, at some point in their lives, 7 out of 100 veterans will have PTSD. This number increases to 13 for the female veterans. Dealing with this can take a lifetime, with them experiencing symptoms for years.

Combat veterans also often struggle with anxiety, and depression after experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These struggles can leave them feeling hopeless and even suicidal. However, a surprising new treatment might offer hope: a psychedelic drug called ibogaine.

How Ibogaine Might Help

Ibogaine comes from the roots of an African shrub. A recent study, published in Nature Mental Health, suggests that this drug can safely and effectively treat the long-term effects of TBI in veterans. Thirty veterans took part in the study, traveling to Mexico for the treatment because ibogaine is not legal in the U.S.

Researchers discovered that ibogaine changes brain activity in ways that can reduce stress and help veterans better deal with their past trauma. A lead researcher from Stanford Medicine noted that no other drug has been able to ease the brain and mental health symptoms of TBI in this way. He called the results "dramatic" and plans to study the compound further.

What Ibogaine Is?

People who take ibogaine often say the experience is like a "waking dream," where they think about memories and see strong images. This compound is used in African religious ceremonies and has also been looked at as a possible treatment for depression and to help people overcome drug addiction.

Journey to Mexico and Positive Outcomes

For this study, researchers worked with a small group of 30 special operations veterans. These veterans had lasting symptoms from TBIs and had been exposed to many explosions. The veterans chose to receive ibogaine treatment at a clinic in Mexico on their own. The clinic gave them ibogaine by mouth, with medical supervision. They also received a dose of magnesium, which helps prevent heart problems sometimes linked to the drug.

Before the treatment, doctors from Stanford checked the veterans. Many had PTSD, anxiety, or issues with alcohol. About half had thought about suicide at some point, and some had even attempted it. Within just one month of ibogaine treatment, the improvements were significant:

• PTSD symptoms dropped by 88%
• Depression symptoms dropped by 87%
• Anxiety symptoms dropped by 81%

The veterans also reported less disability and better focus, thinking skills, memory, and impulse control. Another veteran in the study, who served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, shared that his thinking abilities were "fully restored" after ibogaine, which helped him at work and improved his family life.

How Ibogaine Changes the Brain

Brain scans helped researchers understand why the drug might be effective. Veterans whose planning and organizing skills improved after treatment showed an increase in certain brain waves called theta rhythms. Stronger theta rhythms might help the brain adapt and be more flexible. Similarly, those with fewer PTSD symptoms showed less complicated brain activity, suggesting the drug helps calm the intense stress response associated with PTSD. These brain scans might also help doctors find out which patients would benefit most from ibogaine.

The study reported no serious side effects, and no heart problems occurred. Veterans did mention typical symptoms like headaches and nausea during treatment.

Partly because of these positive findings, Texas recently approved a $50 million plan to fund more studies of ibogaine. This program will help match private money for ibogaine trials, which could lead to the drug being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Researchers believe ibogaine could become a broader drug for brain recovery. They think it works on unique brain pathways and could help us better understand how to treat other forms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression that aren't necessarily connected to TBI.

The liver is one of the largest and hardest-working organs in the human body. It plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy by filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion, storing energy, and performing hundreds of other vital tasks. When this powerhouse organ becomes damaged or starts to underperform, your body often gives off warning signs, and some of the earliest clues can show up on your skin.

Liver disease is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver failure. The good news is that catching it early makes a big difference. According to experts, there are visible skin changes you can notice yourself that might hint at underlying liver trouble.

Here are four skin-related signs that could point to liver disease and why they happen, as per Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford.

Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)

This is perhaps the most well-known sign of liver issues. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the body. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and flushes it out. But when the liver is damaged or inflamed, this process is disrupted, leading to yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. If you or someone you know notices this change, it’s a strong signal to get checked.

Spider Angiomas (Spider-like Blood Vessels)

These are small, web-like clusters of dilated blood vessels that often appear on the face, neck, upper chest, or arms. They get their name because they resemble tiny red spiders just under the surface of the skin. In liver disease, they tend to appear due to increased estrogen levels in the body, which the liver normally helps regulate. Their presence could be more than just a cosmetic concern—it may be a sign of liver dysfunction.

Palmar Erythema (Red Palms)

Palmar erythema refers to redness and sometimes swelling of the palms, particularly around the base of the thumb and little finger. This condition is also linked to elevated estrogen levels in the bloodstream and increased blood flow, both of which may result from impaired liver function. It can be a subtle symptom that’s easy to miss, but it’s worth noting if it persists without another explanation.

Unexplained Itching, Especially at Night

If you're experiencing persistent itching that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, and particularly if it gets worse at night, it could be linked to liver disease. This type of itching often stems from the buildup of bile salts under the skin, which happens when the liver struggles to eliminate waste properly. Unlike typical skin conditions, liver-related itching usually doesn't come with a rash, which makes it even trickier to identify.

Understanding Liver Disease and Its Stages

Chronic liver disease doesn’t develop overnight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it typically progresses through four key stages: hepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis (mild scarring), cirrhosis (advanced scarring), and eventually liver failure if left untreated.

Globally, liver disease is responsible for around 2 million deaths each year, roughly 4 percent of all deaths. In the U.S., it affects about 4.5 million adults, with men being diagnosed almost twice as often as women.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many symptoms of liver disease can be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to changes in your body, especially your skin. If you notice any of these signs, consider speaking to a healthcare provider. Early detection and proper management can help prevent the disease from progressing and protect your long-term health.

On World Hepatitis Day today, the spotlight is on one of the most misunderstood but critical public health challenges, viral hepatitis. Observed annually on July 28, this global awareness day focuses on liver inflammation that can silently progress into liver cirrhosis or cancer.

This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” urges dismantling financial, social, and systemic barriers that prevent people from seeking testing, vaccination, and treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to call for unified action to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Also Read: 5 Surprisingly Easy Things You Can Do Daily to Start Reversing Fatty Liver

But how far have we come in achieving that goal? A look at the data and expert insights reveals a mixed picture.

Hepatitis A on the Rise Among Adults

Traditionally associated with childhood jaundice, hepatitis A is now emerging as a more serious threat, especially in urban adults. Doctors in Mumbai report a rise in severe adult hepatitis A cases, including complications like liver failure. As hygiene standards improved in metros, fewer people were exposed to the virus in early childhood, leaving them without natural immunity. This means adults now face more aggressive symptoms when exposed through contaminated food or water, often during the monsoon season.

Pregnant women, too, are being impacted. In one case, a woman admitted for what appeared to be morning sickness was found to have hepatitis A. Doctors emphasize that hepatitis A can affect both mother and baby, and early diagnosis is crucial.

Hepatitis C Cases Drop Thanks to Free Treatment

There is, however, good news when it comes to hepatitis C. Since 2018, India’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme has made direct-acting antiviral treatments freely available. These drugs offer a full cure in just three months. As a result, new hepatitis C infections have declined significantly in both public and private hospitals.

In Maharashtra alone, over 28 lakh people were tested for hepatitis C in 2024-2025, out of which 9,476 tested positive. More than 2,000 people were started on treatment. Compared to 1,339 reported cases in 2021-2022, this rise in diagnosis doesn’t necessarily indicate more infections — instead, it reflects better testing and surveillance. Experts credit this progress to improved blood screening protocols and increased awareness around the dangers of needle sharing.

Hepatitis B Still a Serious Threat

Despite medical advancements, hepatitis B remains a major concern. Often referred to as one of the most infectious viruses, it affects millions and is known for its ability to stay dormant and reactivate. While it isn’t curable yet, it is manageable with long-term antiviral therapy. Unfortunately, lack of early symptoms means many people are diagnosed only when serious liver damage has already occurred.

Data from Maharashtra shows an alarming increase in hepatitis B cases, from 9,000 in 2021-2022 to 65,000 last year. This includes 23,000 pregnant women, highlighting the virus’s continued prevalence and risk of mother-to-child transmission. In some cases, patients have even required liver transplants due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Testing and Vaccination Are the Need of the Hour

Advances in diagnostics are changing the game. Portable machines like Truenat are making it easier to test for hepatitis viruses in remote areas. Maharashtra saw a 150% rise in hepatitis B testing and a fivefold increase in hepatitis C testing from 2023-24 to 2024-25. The central government is reportedly planning to install Truenat machines in all 40,000 primary health centres across the country in the next two years.

Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and effective, yet coverage remains uneven. Experts strongly advise vaccination for high-risk individuals and routine screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. These simple blood tests can be lifesaving when followed up with further tests to assess viral load.

Dr. Somnath Mukherjee, gastroenterologist at CMRI Kolkata, points out that hepatitis continues to be “one of the least understood global health challenges”, despite being preventable, treatable, and in some cases, curable.

He emphasizes the need to dismantle ignorance and stigma around testing and treatment. “World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to simplify awareness and dismantle barriers to infection awareness and elimination,” he says. His message is clear: Get tested. Get treated. Get protected.

Hepatitis 101

Hepatitis, caused by viruses labeled A through E, can often go unnoticed until significant liver damage has occurred. “Hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous,” explains Dr. Somnath Mukherjee, noting that these infections can silently progress to liver failure, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer if untreated.

While Hepatitis A and E typically spread through contaminated food or water—often in areas with poor sanitation—B and C are more commonly transmitted via unsafe blood transfusions, shared needles, or unprotected sex.

Symptoms, if they appear at all, might include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal swelling, or itching. “Waiting for symptoms is pointless,” he stresses, as most infections are asymptomatic.

The good news, however, is that hepatitis is preventable and treatable. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B, and Hepatitis C is now curable with a three-month oral medication.

Though Hepatitis B isn’t curable yet, it is manageable with antiviral drugs. “Screening is crucial,” says Dr. Mukherjee, recommending simple blood tests like the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Anti-HCV antibody, especially for those at higher risk.