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Image credit: Mariya Borisova/Getty ImagesCold temperatures can take a toll on your skin. Reduced humidity levels both outdoors and indoors—thanks to home heating systems that dry out the air—can leave skin feeling parched, flaky, and irritated. For those with existing skin conditions, winter weather can make matters worse.
As winter sets in, it's crucial to tweak your skincare routine to cope with these drier conditions. Here are expert dermatologist recommendations to keep your skin nourished and glowing throughout the colder months.
Update Your Skincare Routine for the New Season
“Consider switching up your skincare products as the seasons change,” advises Carmen Castilla, MD, board-certified dermatologist. This might involve replacing your lightweight moisturizer with one that has a richer, creamier texture.
Furthermore, reconsider your face-washing habits: Castilla suggests that those with particularly sensitive, dry skin should opt for cream- or oil-based cleansers rather than gel formulas to avoid stripping the skin's natural oils. For some, reducing cleanser use altogether can be beneficial. You might choose to save cleansing for the evening and simply wash your face with water in the morning, according to Castilla.
Discover the Best Hydrating Ingredients for Winter Skincare
When selecting winter-appropriate skincare products, Castilla recommends fortifying your skin with “ceramides or fatty acids, which help bond skin cells and maintain the skin barrier.” Humectants—substances that draw moisture from the air and deeper layers of skin—are renowned for their hydrating benefits. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Meanwhile, occlusive agents can help skin retain moisture by forming a protective physical barrier—think petroleum jelly and shea butter. “In general, during the winter months, your moisturizer should be a thicker cream with more occlusive properties to help seal in moisture than what is needed during the hot, humid summer months,” Castilla says.
Those with sensitive skin should also stick to fragrance-free formulas, according to Castilla. “Limiting ingredients can be particularly helpful for eczema or sensitive skin types, as they are more prone to allergic reactions,” she says.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Maintaining a hydrated complexion goes beyond which products we slather on. Small lifestyle adjustments during the wintertime can help fight skin irritation, too. Wear gloves outside in the cold. A pair of rubber gloves will insulate your hands when you're doing the dishes. And every time you wash your hands, moisturize them afterward—this can ward off dry, cracked skin. In the shower, avoid using water that’s too hot or too cold. After you bathe, while your skin is still damp, moisturize to preserve that hydration.
Since indoor heating systems dry out our homes, Castilla suggests getting a humidifier for your space to mitigate the impact. And if you find that your skin is feeling agitated, even if cold weather hasn’t set you off in years past, don’t panic. It’s natural for our skin barriers to weaken as we age, which makes us more vulnerable to irritation, according to Castilla. “These seasonal skincare changes can be particularly helpful in mature skin types,” she says. “It is not uncommon for people who never had any issues to develop dry skin or ‘winter itch’ later in life.”
