How to prevent and treat dry winter skin: expert tips against moisture

There’s a lot I like about winter: the fresh air, the cozy wardrobe (sweatpants), relaxing weekends at home, and the magic of watching the first snowflakes fall to the ground. Unfortunately, my skin doesn’t always enjoy the magic of winter as much as I do – and with those snowflakes comes my dry skin flakes.

I’m not the only one – a questionnaire of 2,000 people found that 83 percent of Americans say their skin feels different in the winter than the rest of the year, and 60 percent consider their skin to be “unhealthy” in the winter (with dryness, itching, and redness among the most important factors). complaints).

While, yes, I’m in good company with people who struggle with sandpaper-like skin when winter arrives, it doesn’t get any more fun. So to get an edge on it, I asked board-certified dermatologists Anna ChaconMD, van Miami Dermand Tess Mauricio, MD, and CEO of M Beauty Clinicto tell us all about what causes dry skin in winter – and how to prevent it.

Signs of dry winter skin

You would think this is a short list. Isn’t it a sign of dry skin…dry skin? Yes, but that’s not all. Lucky us!

“Other signs of dry skin, in addition to the obvious rough and flaky feel and appearance, include itching, tightness and increased sensitivity. Dry skin is often more susceptible to irritation from both products and the environment, causing inflammation and redness,” says Dr . Chacon. If you experience a mild burn when applying your skin care products, that’s another possible sign of dry skin, adds Dr. Mauricio.

What causes dry skin in winter?

A few things that happen during the winter months can take away your shine. The most important is that lovely fresh winter air, which means less humidity, which in turn means that your skin can retain less moisture. “Exposure to cold air can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness,” says Dr. Mauricio.

Your daily habits also play a role, she explains, meaning things won’t necessarily improve when you go inside. “When it is cold, people take hot showers and baths, which can further dry out and irritate the skin. Additionally, indoor heaters can drastically reduce humidity, leading to dry skin.”

How to prevent and treat dry skin

Don’t worry; You don’t have to turn off the indoor heating to avoid dry winter skin. Whether you’re entering the season or already suffering from dry winter skin, you have options.

Don’t linger in the shower

Cut off your showers to five or 10 minutes, says Dr. Mauricio—and keep the temperature lukewarm, not sizzling hot (even though we know how cozy they feel). “We all want to take hot showers when it’s cold, but hot showers and baths can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness.”

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

In addition to avoiding scorching hot water, Dr. Chacon that you should not neglect your water bottle. “Drinking water hydrates your skin from within and helps fight the signs of dry skin,” says Dr. Chacon.

Switch out your moisturizer

“Where in the summer the use of lightweight or gel-based moisturizers that allow the skin to breathe is common, thick and ultra-emollient ointments and creams are better suited to provide a barrier of protection for the skin,” explains Dr. Chacon out. Moisturizing ingredients like urea, ceramides, or shea butter can also help, says Dr. Mauricio, adding don’t forget about your lips, she says. “Use a moisturizing facial balm with petroleum jelly or beeswax to prevent cracking.”

Moisturize immediately after cleansing

After you get out of the shower or wash your face, keep that moisture there. “Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of cleansing to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier,” says Dr. Mauricio. A nice option for this? Rhode is new Barrier butter ($38), which we recently tested and can confirm: it’s thick, hydrating, and packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, murumuru butter, and ceramides to keep skin plump.

Hydrate as you clean too

Be suspicious of your skincare favorites, not just your face creams. “Harder, more chemically loaded washes will strip the skin of those good oils, leaving your skin dry and dull,” says Dr. Chacon. “Reach for gentle cleansers and products that leave the natural oils in your skin,” she recommends. We love the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Moisturizing gentle gel cleanser ($30), with a creamy gel texture packed with ectoin and chamomile to hydrate and soothe.

Exfoliate, but don’t overdo it

“Gentle exfoliation can help dry skin when followed by moisturizing serums and creams,” says Dr. Mauricio. But you can have too much of a good thing, she warns: Over-exfoliating can worsen dry skin and irritate the skin by stripping natural oils. “Do not exfoliate more than once a week with a gentle product.”

Use a humidifier

You have no control over the humidity outside, but you can do something about it at home. Adding some extra moisture to the air in your home can help counteract the effects of extreme weather and provide some extra moisture for dry skin to absorb,” says Dr. Chacon. Make it part of your bedtime routine. “A portable humidifier helps maintain moisture in the air, which can prevent your skin from drying out, especially at night while you sleep,” says Dr. Mauricio.

Hydrate on the go

You don’t have to lock yourself inside all winter with your face next to the humidifier. If you’re on the go, you can supplement your skincare routine morning and night. “Wear one atomizer or a pull-out spray that provides a dose of moisture to quench your skin’s thirst while you’re on the go,” suggests Dr. Chacon.

Accessories

“Protect your skin with gloves and scarves to minimize exposure to cold winds,” says Dr. Mauricio. That sounds like permission to treat yourself to a cashmere scarf this holiday season, right?

The bottom line

Winter is coming (for your skin). But some adjustments to your skin care routine and daily habits can go a long way in keeping dryness, flaking, itching, and redness to a minimum. Don’t put too much emphasis on it: look for gentle, moisturizing ingredients in your cleansers and moisturizers, keep the air in your home moist with a humidifier if possible, and protect your skin from the bitter cold, and dry, flaky skin could be on the way. should be .