Winter Skin Care Essentials

Does the thought of winter make your skin feel dry and itchy? Understanding how your skin reacts to the cold and adjusting your skincare routine will help you avoid Jack Frost's icy touch — both on your nose and the rest of your body.

Winter weather can impact your skin in various ways. The most common result is dry skin. The cold winter air, which lacks humidity, strips natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and dehydrated [source: Casey]. Strong winter winds contribute to chapping and windburn, leaving skin rough, cracked, and uncomfortable. The solution might seem simple—stay indoors—but central heating systems dry out indoor air, too. So, even inside, you’re still likely to face that drying effect.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your skin. By choosing the right soap, selecting appropriate laundry products, covering up when you're outside, and adding moisture to the air inside your home, you can help prevent damage. As you plan your winter skincare routine, be mindful of any existing skin conditions. Winter can aggravate not only healthy skin but also existing issues. If you suffer from conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or eczema, winter weather could cause flare-ups [source: Casey].

If you're uncertain about how to protect your skin during the winter or if you notice signs of infection, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. Meanwhile, check out the next page for some helpful tips on keeping your skin in good shape until spring arrives.

Everyday Winter Skin Care

While you can't control the weather, you can take proactive steps to keep it from affecting your day. Once you check the local forecast, head to your closets and cupboards to gather the right materials.

If your skin feels dry and itchy during winter, take a closer look at your soap. Switch to a gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly body soap. For your laundry, opt for a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free detergent, and avoid using fabric softener sheets, as some can leave irritating fibers on your clothes.

It's common knowledge that wearing warm clothing and shoes is essential in cold weather. But did you know that how you layer your clothes can also impact your skin? Avoid putting itchy materials like wool directly on your skin. Instead, opt for softer fabrics like cotton closest to your body, allowing your skin to breathe. Additionally, remember that wet clothes can irritate your skin, so change into dry clothes as soon as possible if you get wet [source: American Academy of Dermatology].

Do you know what's in the beauty and grooming products you use daily? Even products that work well throughout the year might irritate your skin during winter. For instance, many common anti-aging ingredients can lead to redness and irritation, which is often aggravated by the cold weather. If your usual skincare routine causes problems in winter, consider switching to mild, fragrance-free products that are gentler on your skin [source: American Academy of Dermatology].

No matter how much we prepare, we can't always predict a cold front. If you find yourself already battling dry skin, keep reading for tips on how to treat it this winter.

Managing Dry Skin in Winter

If you've ever struggled with dry skin, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. These three remedies can help relieve and heal cracked, dry skin. They also work well as preventive measures when combined with the tips shared earlier.

On cold days, the temptation to soak in a hot bath may be strong, but this can aggravate irritated skin. Hot water strips away natural oils, which can make dry skin worse. While you don't have to skip bath time, keeping your showers and baths short and using lukewarm water instead of hot will help your skin retain moisture and promote healing.

While you can't control the cold outside, you do have some influence over your indoor climate. Dry skin thrives on moisture, so using a humidifier in your home helps replace the moisture lost due to heating. Your skin will thank you, and so will your sinuses.

To lock in moisture, it's essential to apply moisturizer regularly. Moisturizers come in oils, creams, and lotions. Your choice depends on how dry your skin is and how much you mind a greasy texture. Oils are the most slippery but work best at sealing in moisture. Creams are less greasy, absorb well, and also trap moisture effectively. Lotions, while quick to absorb, tend to offer the least moisture and may contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin, so opt for alcohol-free options [source: University of Iowa Health Care].

Now that you know how to tackle dry skin, what about other winter skin challenges, like windburn? Keep reading to learn how to protect your skin from these additional hazards.

Shielding Your Skin from Windburn

Have you ever been out in a biting winter wind and noticed your skin feeling sore or irritated? The harsh cold can cause a condition known as windburn.

When the wind constantly rubs against your skin, it creates friction like sandpaper, which leads to windburn. Similar to sunburn, windburn can cause redness, rawness, and even blisters. In severe cases, it might peel just like a sunburn.

The best way to handle windburn is to prevent it in the first place. Here are three tips to help protect your skin from the damaging effects of windburn:

Most cold-related skin issues are minor and will heal over time. However, some can be more serious and require specific treatment. If you develop windburn, make sure to apply a good moisturizer or aloe vera regularly to help soothe and heal the affected skin [source: WebMD].

Now that you've learned how to handle winter winds and cold air, it's time to understand how to protect yourself from the winter sun. Keep reading to find out more.

Winter Sun Protection Every Day

Sun protection is just as vital in the winter as it is in the warmer months. The cold weather might fool you into thinking you're safe from the sun’s harmful rays, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The strength of UV rays doesn't depend on the temperature. While many people associate heat with sunburn, it's actually a myth. You can still get sunburned no matter how chilly it is outside. It’s important to understand some basic preventative steps you can take.

Always apply sunscreen. Even in winter, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher. Make sure to reapply it periodically, as cold weather tends to dry it out and wipe it away from your skin.

Don’t forget to protect your lips. Too much sun exposure can dry out and crack your lips, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Just like sunscreen for the rest of your skin, use a lip balm with SPF 15 or greater. Be sure to reapply it throughout the day [source: American Academy of Dermatology].

To avoid sunburn, you need to minimize your sun exposure, which means covering up. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat that shields your entire head, including your ears and neck. Also, wear sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your sensitive eye area [source: WebMD]. Whether it’s winter or summer, be mindful of the UV index. When levels are high, very high, or extreme, try to limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A good way to tell if you're getting too much sun is by checking your shadow—if it’s shorter than you, which is typical during midday, find some shade [source: Environmental Protection Agency].

Winter brings unique skin care challenges, from preventing sunburn and windburn to dealing with dry skin. But with a little planning and attention, you can enjoy your winter adventures without worrying about Jack Frost ruining your fun.