Dry winter skin can be a bothersome issue, but there are ways to keep your skin soft, smooth, and vibrant even during the colder months. By making some changes to your skincare regimen and adopting the right habits, you can boost the health of your skin and combat dryness. Here are 11 tried-and-true tips to help you prevent dry winter skin:
1. Moisturize right after washing
Every time you wash your face, hands, or body, you strip your skin of its natural oils. It’s crucial to replace them by using a moisturizer immediately after washing. In winter, this step becomes even more important. Keep a bottle of moisturizer near your sink as a reminder, and carry a travel-size moisturizer with you on the go. Recommended moisturizers for dry winter skin include:
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion: Developed by dermatologists, this moisturizer contains essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and protect your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: Formulated with glacial glycoprotein and olive-derived squalane, this lightweight facial moisturizer is designed to withstand cold, dry conditions.
- Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme: This nourishing hand and body cream contains vitamin E and jojoba oil and absorbs quickly into the skin.
2. Apply sunscreen daily
Even during winter, harmful UV light can stress your skin’s moisture barrier and affect its health and hydration. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 each morning after moisturizing. Protecting your skin from UV damage is an essential step in maintaining healthy and moisturized skin.
3. Use overnight treatments
Overnight treatments are a fantastic way to revitalize or prevent dry skin. Emollients, which are heavier creams, provide deep moisturization. Applying an emollient overnight allows your skin to absorb the treatment fully and replenish its moisture and oils. To avoid spreading the emollient on your bedding, consider wrapping your hands or feet with a plastic bag or gloves. Some recommended overnight treatments include:
- Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream: This thick moisturizer can be used on the face, hands, feet, or any rough and dry areas.
- Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream: Formulated with oat flour, oat oil, ceramides, and emollients, this moisturizer provides deep hydration to the skin.
- Cutemol Emollient Skin Cream: This moisturizing cream contains beeswax and rich emollients, making it especially helpful for healing skin damaged by frequent handwashing.
4. Adjust your skincare routine
If your face becomes sensitive or irritated due to the dry winter air, consider simplifying your skincare routine for the time being. A healthy moisture barrier is essential for your skin to respond well to treatments, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Products with fragrance and alcohol may irritate sensitive skin, so using a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, and a gentle cleanser with a moisturizer at night, can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Once your skin is more balanced, you can gradually reintroduce other treatments and ingredients into your routine.
5. Use a humidifier
During the winter months, indoor heating can deplete the moisture in the air, leading to dry skin. Using a humidifier can help replenish moisture and prevent skin dryness. Aim for a humidity level of around 60 percent to keep the top layer of your skin hydrated. Humidifiers act as a natural moisturizing agent and can make a significant difference in maintaining skin health.
6. Dial down the temperature
While a hot shower or bath may be tempting on a cold winter’s day, hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils and cause damage. Keep the water temperature lukewarm (around 98.6°F/37°C) to retain moisture in your skin. After bathing or showering, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously to allow some moisture to remain on the skin.
7. Go easy on exfoliants and scrubs
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and keeps your skin smooth and vibrant. However, overexfoliating or using harsh scrubs can damage your skin’s moisture barrier. If your skin looks dry or flaky, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant rather than a physical scrub. Harsh scrubs with large particles can break down your skin’s moisture barrier and cause further damage. If your skin is cracked, raw, or irritated, it’s best to avoid exfoliation until it has healed.
8. Try adding occlusives to your routine
If moisturizers and emollients alone don’t provide enough relief for your dry skin, incorporating occlusive ingredients into your skincare routine can help. Occlusive ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and petroleum jelly-based products create a physical barrier that locks in moisture. Apply these products once or twice a day after moisturizing for optimal hydration.
9. Hydrate from the inside
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day is crucial for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Ensure you drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, which can affect your skin’s appearance and make it more prone to dryness. Additionally, focus on consuming foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as they contribute to cell protection and healthy cell formation, including skin cells.
10. Opt for non-irritating fabrics
Wearing harsh materials can aggravate dry skin. If your body’s skin is extra dry, choose loose, comfortable, natural fabrics to minimize physical irritation. Additionally, opt for detergents specifically formulated for sensitive skin when washing your clothes. These detergents are usually free of harsh chemicals and fragrances that can further irritate the skin.
11. Wear gloves
To protect your hands from the drying effects of environmental factors, such as cold weather, always wear warm gloves when venturing outside. When washing dishes, consider using a pair of silicone gloves to shield your hands from the drying effects of hot water and harsh detergents. Limiting exposure to dry air and hot water will help maintain smooth and well-hydrated hands.
These 11 tips will go a long way in preventing dry winter skin and ensuring that your skin remains healthy and moisturized throughout the colder months. Remember to prioritize keeping your skin hydrated and protected to achieve soft, smooth, and vibrant skin even during winter.
FAQs
Q: Can sunscreen protect my skin in winter?
A: Absolutely! Even during winter, harmful UV light can stress your skin’s moisture barrier. Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily helps maintain skin health and hydration.
Q: How can a humidifier help with dry skin?
A: Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, which is especially helpful when indoor heating depletes the natural moisture. A humidity level of around 60 percent can replenish moisture in the top layer of your skin.
Q: What fabrics should I wear to prevent dry skin?
A: To reduce the risk of physical irritation, opt for loose, comfortable, natural fabrics. Avoid harsh materials that can aggravate dry skin and consider using detergents formulated for sensitive skin when washing your clothes.
Conclusion
Don’t let dry winter skin dampen your glow. By following these 11 effective tips, you can maintain soft, smooth, and vibrant skin all winter long. Prioritize moisturizing, protecting your skin from the sun, and adopting healthy habits such as using a humidifier and wearing gloves. With these simple adjustments to your skincare routine, you’ll be ready to tackle the winter season with healthy and moisturized skin.