It’s time to update more than just your clothing when winter approaches and the weather drops. A seasonal change is also necessary for your skincare routine. The dry, windy, and cold weather of winter can irritate and dry up your skin. When combined with indoor warmth, the moisture content of your skin can rapidly diminish, making it more susceptible than before.
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo claims that the amount of moisture in the air significantly decreases during cold weather, often known as low humidity. A certain amount of water is stored on the skin’s surface. The phenomena sometimes referred to as “winter skin,” “winter dryness,” or “winter itch” occur when the air becomes less moist, causing the skin to become dehydrated, irritated, itchy, and painful. She notes that while 30–40% humidity is optimal for skin hydration, furnace-heated air can lower humidity levels to 10% or lower. Our skin, hair, and the air can all get dehydrated due to this low humidity. Even though they may feel soothing, long, hot showers can further dry your skin, making it more unpleasant and irritable. Skin can become itchy and irritated due to overheating, perspiration, and contact with triggers like wool.
So, what are your options? We asked two skincare professionals for their best advice on how to modify your skincare routine for the winter. Eight dermatologist-recommended techniques for maintaining calm, hydrated skin throughout the season are listed below.
Please, please, please moisturize.
“Keep your skin well-lubricated with lotions and creams, especially during outdoor activities in the winter,” says Dr. LoGerfo. Use a moisturizer every day, or twice a day if necessary. Specifically for the body, she advises utilizing moisturizers that contain occlusive ingredients. These occlusives, like petroleum jelly, squalane, shea butter, beeswax, and dimethicone, help trap moisture within the skin. Humectants, such as glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid, are also beneficial as they pull moisture from the environment into the skin, boosting hydration levels.
Apply a Denser Moisturizer
As the weather changes in the fall and winter, Dr. Kate Edwards advises changing your moisturizer. “While lightweight moisturizers are great in the summer heat to avoid feeling greasy and sweaty, they often don’t cut it when changing weather leads to dry, sensitive skin,” says Dr. Edwards. She advises using creams rather than lotions and searching for components that support the restoration of the skin barrier, such as ceramides. Fragrance-free formulations are always the best for people with highly sensitive skin.
Make the Switch to Gentler Products
“While your skin may tolerate stronger exfoliating acids and retinoids in summer, you might need to dial it back as fall weather sets in to avoid unhappy skin,” explains Dr. Edwards. She warns that since the skin barrier is more vulnerable because of the dry, chilly air, utilizing too many active chemicals in your routine can be unduly harsh. Consider using a lower-strength retinoid and limit exfoliating to a couple times per week. Alternatively, consider using a hyaluronic acid serum or hydrating face masks.
Apply Moisturizer Right After Bathing
“It’s beneficial to lubricate the skin right after bathing—especially when your skin is still damp from the shower,” advises Dr. LoGerfo when applying moisturizer to the body. Here’s how: Use a towel to pat your skin until it’s damp, and then apply a moisturizer right away. This method successfully locks in moisture to preserve your skin by trapping water in it.
Keep wearing sunscreen.
It’s a common misperception that UV radiation drops throughout the winter months. According to Dr. LoGerfo, snow actually reflects up to 80% of UV rays, making people more susceptible to sunburn and photoaging, particularly when they are outside. “Even though it may seem less sunny, you should still wear sunscreen daily throughout the fall and winter,” advises Dr. Edwards. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands, face, and neck every morning that has at least SPF 30.
Increase the Humidity in Your Bedroom
“In fall and winter, humidity levels are much lower, leading to increased transepidermal water loss in the skin,” explains Dr. Edwards. In order to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed rather than tight and dry while you sleep, she suggests installing a humidifier in your bedroom at night. “This is especially helpful for eczema-prone skin, which loses water more quickly than normal skin.”
Have a Bath with Oats
Dr. LoGerfo claims that oatmeal is a wonderful addition to bath time because it contains skin-soothing qualities. An effective product is Aveeno’s Oatmeal Bath Treatment. “If your skin is very dry, taking a bath with the Oatmeal Bath Treatment two to three times a week can be soothing and help rehydrate the skin.” Because it is colloidal, the oatmeal is broken into a thin powder that floats in water.
Dress comfortably and breathable.
Depending on the situation, Dr. LoGerfo advises adding extra layers after starting with a solid base layer. While your base layer should keep perspiration from irritating your skin, your outer layers should shield you from winter weather conditions like wind and cold. “The base layer ought to be cozy and draw perspiration away from the skin. “Avoid items like wool that could cause excessive friction,” she suggests.
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