Winter Skin Care Tips

Winters can mean wonderfully warm homes, clothing, and food, but they can also mean rough and dry skin. If you’ve wondered why skin is dry in winter, then the answer is that the drop in temperature also affects the humidity in the air. Furthermore, the indoor heat we use to combat the cold can aggravate the dryness of your skin. 

Here are 10 dermatologist-recommended tips to help you perfect your winter skincare routine:

1. Eat well and stay hydrated

Drinking more water can increase your skin’s hydration levels. So, consider hydrating from the inside out by increasing your fluid intake by around 2 liters more than usual. Start small and slowly build up your capacity.¹

Another way to stay healthy is to avoid processed foods and eat whole grains as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to increase your nutrient intake. This not only provides all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin and body healthy but also boosts your immunity to protect you from viral infections and other illnesses.²

You can also take health supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to enhance your skin health.³

2. Wear suitable protective clothing

Fabrics such as wool, which are used to prepare winter clothing, can irritate your skin. Experts recommend avoiding direct contact with such fabrics. Instead, it might be a better idea to wear soft, lighter, and breathable fabrics like cotton as the innermost layer against your skin.⁴ 

You can then follow this up with heavier and warmer winter gear like coats, jackets, and sweaters. Always use gloves, scarves, and hats before stepping out to protect your extremities from the cold and prevent frostbite. But make sure that your gloves or mittens aren’t made from any irritating fabrics. You could even opt for soft leather ones as a precaution.⁵

3. Avoid excessive heat exposure

In cold weather, it’s tempting to turn on the central heat or spend hours near the fireplace or radiator. But excess heat can dry out all the moisture, making both the air and your skin even drier.⁶ 

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the ideal room temperature to prevent your skin from drying is around 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.⁷

4. Use a humidifier

Winter air is usually quite dry. Humidifiers reintroduce moisture into the air. They help the outer layer of your skin stay hydrated. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can always place a bowl of water on the radiator. As the bowl heats up, the water will vaporize and humidify the air, thus protecting your skin from dryness when indoors.⁸

Keep humidity levels between 30% to 50% in your home. You can also run the humidifier overnight if necessary. If you’d like precise measurements of the humidity levels, you can purchase a humidity meter.⁹

5. Use gentle skincare products

Soaps can be quite harsh on your skin as they strip out the natural oils and destroy the skin flora (microbiota). Most dermatologists recommend gentle body washes and cleansers to avoid these harmful effects.¹⁰

Many cleansers are designed for winter or dry and sensitive skin types. These contain specialized ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and oils to hydrate your skin and protect against dryness.¹¹

You should also consider using fragrance-free products as added fragrances can sometimes irritate or dry out the skin.¹² 

6. Customize your skincare routine

You might need to modify your skincare products and routine to match the season. For example, you should avoid excess heat and exfoliation during winter. So, cut back on scrubs, face masks, and steam treatments in this season.¹³ 

Instead, opt for a more protective moisturizer. Use more oil-based products in place of alcohol-based ones that could dry out your skin.¹⁴ 

7. Monitor your skin regularly

If you’ve altered your skincare routine or are trying new products during the winter, observe your skin carefully in the first few days after making the switch. If you notice any harmful changes in your skin quality like increased dryness, redness, or roughness, stop using the product and seek medical advice.¹⁵ 

Try not to make too many changes or use too many products at the same time, making it hard for your skin to adapt. Introduce changes and products gradually and be consistent in your skincare routine for the best results.¹⁶

8. Moisturize often

Handwashing has become increasingly frequent since the pandemic. The frequency of the common cold, the flu, and other viral infections also increases during the winter, emphasizing the importance of hygiene.¹⁷ 

However, frequent handwashing can damage your skin. Experts recommend using hand cream or moisturizer every time you wash your hands and even your face. To let the moisturizer be better absorbed, you could wear cotton gloves after applying the cream.¹⁸

Another way to protect your hands is to use waterproof latex gloves while performing household chores like cleaning and washing dishes.¹⁹

9. Don’t skip the sunscreen

The winter sun may not seem as bright and strong as the summer sun. In fact, basking in the sun may even feel great on a cold day. But even on overcast days, the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching you from the sun remains almost the same.²⁰ 

This is because up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause damage to your skin. UV rays have been linked to increased frequency of skin cancer. In fact, snow can even increase your UV exposure by reflecting the sun’s rays onto you.²¹

Therefore, it’s critical to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher before stepping out, even on dark and dreary winter days. Water-resistant and moisturizing sunscreens might be even more effective in protecting your exposed skin from the winter sun.²²

You should also avoid tanning beds in winter to protect against skin cancer.²³

10. Use lukewarm water and pat yourself dry

Steaming showers can be a great comfort on a freezing winter’s day. But water that’s too hot can dry out. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a lukewarm shower lasting for 5 to 10 minutes is better for your skin than a hot one.²⁴

One obvious way to tell if your bath water is too hot is if it makes your skin turn red. You should also avoid using hot water to wash your hands, especially if they’re prone to dryness, itching, and redness. Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cool water is just as effective at cleansing and removing germs, so hot water isn’t a necessity.²⁵

Very hot water and cool winter air can also trigger eczema. Similarly, using rough towels or wiping your body roughly can increase friction and irritate your skin. Dry skin is also more sensitive to injury. So, gently pat dry your body after washing to prevent damaging your skin.²⁶

When to see a dermatologist 

While home remedies are effective for dry skin in general, they may not be able to resolve serious cases of eczema, psoriasis, or infections. Don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance if you notice that your symptoms aren’t improving or are worsening.

To learn more about skincare and other beauty tips and tricks, continue reading My Skincare Routine today.

SOURCES:

1. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology: “Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics.”
2. Everyday Health: “The Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin.”
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4. Healthline: “11 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin.”
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7. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Dry Skin.”
8. Cleveland Clinic: “How Dry Winter Air Can Cause Respiratory Problems— From Bronchitis to Nosebleeds.”
9. Cleveland Clinic: “How Dry Winter Air Can Cause Respiratory Problems— From Bronchitis to Nosebleeds.
10. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “Your Winter Skin Survival Kit.”
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15. New York Presbyterian: “10 tips for protecting your skin in the cold weather.”
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18. Healthline: “11 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin.”
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