Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
1. Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture
“In the cooler winter months, the outdoor air typically holds onto less water and is drier and colder,” says Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California. A humidifier in your home or office will restore moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Run a humidifier in your entire home or in rooms you spend the most time in, and aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. One option is to turn it on overnight while you’re sleeping. If you’re unsure of your home’s humidity levels, you can purchase a humidity meter, such as the highly rated Goabroa unit ($4.90, Amazon.com).
2. Keep Thermostat Temperatures Cool and Comfortable
If you’re looking to escape dry, chilly outdoor air, you may be tempted to crank up the heat as soon as you get home. But high central heat can make the air in your house even drier, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Try a cool yet comfortable setting to prevent your skin from drying further — the AOCD recommends 68 to 75 degrees F.
3. Lower Water Temperatures for Showering and Hand-Washing
Long, steamy showers may sound like a great idea when it’s cold and blustery, but very hot water can dry out the skin, says Marie Hayag, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics in New York City. A 5- to 10-minute warm shower (or bath) is less likely to worsen dry skin than a hot one, suggests the AAD.
4. Opt for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers
Bar soap can worsen dryness by stripping the skin’s natural oils and disrupting the microbiome, Dr. Wesley says.
“For those with dry skin, I recommend using body wash,” Dr. Hayag says. “Look for washes that are labeled ‘for sensitive skin’ or ‘dye free’ and ‘fragrance free.’ Oftentimes they contain fewer drying ingredients and more moisturizing ones like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oils, shea butter, and oats.”
Also, look for products labeled “fragrance-free,” advises the AAD. "Unscented" products may actually contain chemicals that neutralize scent and can cause irritation.
5. Modify Your Skin-Care Regimen for the Season
If your skin is dry and itchy, Hayag recommends you scale back on the use of skin-care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids on the face, as these can cause the issue to worsen and may even be a sign of an irritant dermatitis (a skin reaction that occurs after prolonged exposure to an irritating substance). “Once the skin is healed, you can restart the retinoid and alpha-hydroxy acids slowly,” she says.
In addition to skipping AHAs and retinoids when the skin on your face is dry, the AAD recommends steering clear of products that contain alcohol and fragrances, as this will help skin retain its natural oils.
Instead, choose oils and creams for your skin-care routine, and consider applying a moisturizer on top of your toner if the latter is causing dryness, Wesley says.
At night, use a richer moisturizer on your body, including your arms, legs, and midsection. “Look for occlusives, such as petrolatum, squalene, and shea butter,” Hayag says. “These are ingredients that seal in moisture by forming a protective seal over the skin.” Hayag also recommends seeking out a product with moisturizing humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These are great ingredients for the face, as they allow the skin to breathe and are unlikely to contribute to acne.
And don’t forget to moisturize the rest of your body, either. “For the body during the winter, I recommend using a thicker cream that comes out of a jar or tube as opposed to a pump,” Wesley says. “Lotions that come out of a pump tend to be thinner and more watery, so they can often just evaporate from the skin's surface after application and are not thick and moisturizing enough.”
As for your lips, a moisturizing balm (such as petroleum jelly or another ointment) can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped, according to the AAD.
RELATED: How to Tweak Your Skin-Care Routine for Winter, Depending on Your Skin Type
6. Moisturize Hands Frequently, Especially After Washing
Hand-washing, as the CDC notes, is vital, especially when the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are a threat. But "constant washing will cause the hands to take a beating,” says Linda Stein Gold, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Henry Ford Medical Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Apply hand cream after each washing, Dr. Stein Gold adds. She also recommends wearing waterproof gloves to protect hands while you're washing dishes or cleaning around the house.
You can put on cotton gloves after applying moisturizer to help your skin absorb the cream, says Wesley.
RELATED: Why Proper Hand-Washing Is Essential During Cold and Flu Season
7. Apply Sunscreen — Even on Gray Winter Days
On bright winter days, snow reflects the sun’s rays, which in turn multiplies your UV exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. UV rays have been linked to skin cancer, sunburn, and premature skin aging (such as wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots), per the American Cancer Society.
That means whether you’re out on the slopes, playing in the snow, or walking through a parking lot on an errand run, it’s just as important to apply sunscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer.
Don’t be fooled by darker, dreary days in winter, either. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Before you go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with water resistance and moisturizing ingredients such as lanolin or glycerin to all exposed areas of your body, says the Skin Cancer Foundation.