Do You Have Dry "Winter Skin"?

Snow Problem! A few minor adjustments to your morning routine can make all the difference between dry, flaky skin and a radiant, glowing complexion that can weather any storm. Check out these winter skincare survival tips for healthy winter skin!

1: Wear Sunscreen

Unless you live in the Arctic Circle, the sun still comes out in the wintertime. That means you need to be just as vigilant with applying sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A high quality mineral sunscreen is environmentally friendly, can be used year-round, and is less likely to cause irritation than chemical-based products. However, mineral-based sunscreens can leave a white cast, so people with darker skin tones may prefer a chemical option.

When it comes down to it, trial and error might be the best way to find the sunscreen that works for you, but whichever product you choose, wearing it every single day is super important to avoiding cumulative sun damage to your skin, especially to those with fair and/or sensitive skin.

Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly, after you sweat or swim (even in winter), and every few hours when outside for an extended period of time. For winter skin specifically, a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen can work even better!

These winter skincare survival tips are great for your face but don't forget that the skin on the rest of your body also requires protection! Even if it's cold out, winter sun can still cause skin damage. Be sure to lather up with a moisturizing body sunscreen as well to give all of the skin on your body necessary uv protection.

Our Recommendations:

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Biossance SQUALANE + ZINC SHEER MINERAL SUNSCREEN

2: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

The low temperatures and low humidity during the colder months can cause the moisture in your skin to evaporate at a much more rapid pace. On top of that, and remaining moisture that you have left can vanish when subjected to indoor heat. Dry skin can become itchy skin, and itchy skin can become irritated skin...and the scratching that follows can cause your dead skin cells to end up EVERYWHERE. Because of this, you want to avoid using any products that affect your natural moisture barrier (like stripping cleansers or harsh toners). Look for skincare products that contain hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil or hyaluronic acid. Using exfoliants every few days and astringents sparingly may also help to remove dead skin cells.

It's also important to find a lightweight moisturizer that's right for your skin type. Lots of moisturizers make you feel like you have an oil slick on your face, but thankfully there are others that are completely wearable in all seasons. You can attempt to combat dry winter skin with a thick moisturizer to try and add moisture to your natural skin barrier, but be sure that you have the right skin type for this to avoid other skin conditions. Speaking with a board certified dermatologist is always recommended as they can see your skin in person and may be able to help prevent dry skin from ever happening.

Our Recommendations:

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

3: Avoid Washing with Hot Water

One of the worst things you can do to your skin in the winter is wash your skin with hot water. This strips your skin of all its natural oils, destroying its ability to retain moisture. Without this natural skin barrier your face can go from plump and buoyant to Sahara Desert in seconds as soon as you step outside. This doesn't go for just facial skin either; your overall skin health can be compromised during the cold winter months, especially your hands. Be sure to wear gloves, avoid washing dishes and use any over the counter hand cream to help keep your busiest body part safe all winter long.

Despite how great it can feel a hot shower can be a menace to your skin hydration. Instead, wash with lukewarm water and use a quality moisturizing cleanser. This will gently remove any excess oils and impurities that may have accumulated since your last cleanse, while hydrating and nourishing your skin at the same time. Be sure to avoid harsh soaps and products that foam as well, since they can be as damaging to your moisture barrier as hot water.

Our Recommendations:

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream

Perricone MD Ester Citrus Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

4: Use Facial Oil to Lock in Moisture

So you put all this effort into moisturizing and nourishing your skin -- what's going to stop Jack Frost from sapping all that lovely hydration? Facial oil, that's what! A layer of specially formulated oils will create an artificial moisture barrier on top of any toner and serum products you've applied and protect all your hard work in preserving that vital moisture.

This added protection from the elements can help negate the wind damage and chapping from the colder weather. Many mineral oil products are also tinted, which can help to even out skin tone and reduce redness.

Our Recommendations:

Earth Harbor AURORA Superfood Luminance

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil

5: Introduce Hyaluronic Acid into your Life

If dry skin is a constant struggle for you, you might want to consider swapping out one of your daily skincare products with one that contains HA. HA is an incredible moisture retaining substance that's produced naturally in your body. Introducing one of these products into your skin care routine can drastically reduce the amount of moisture your skin loses over the course of the day, even when the temperatures dip.

As with any nutritional supplement, you want to avoid using too much HA. Overuse can desensitize your skin to its hydrating effects and even cause your body to produce less of it naturally, leading to even dryer skin down the road.

Our Recommendations:

Innisfree Skin Solution Mask Hyaluronic Acid

Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner

Cold weather can absolutely wreak havoc on your skin. Fortunately, with a little extra work and a bit of know-how, you can look and feel like springtime, even in the bitter depths of winter. For more information or for a more personalized skin care regimen, talk to a local healthcare professional and/or one of the many board certified dermatologists, on the subject. They can point you towards the exact right treatment for you to keep your skin safe in the cold winter months!

FAQ

What is dry skin?

Dry skin is a condition that occurs when your skin does not produce enough oil or sebum. This can lead to a lack of hydration, which can cause your skin to feel tight, itchy, and flaky. In more severe cases, dry skin can also lead to cracking and bleeding.

Are winter skin care products different than summer ones?

Yes! Winter skin care products are formulated to have a higher level of moisturizing ingredients to assist with relieving dry skin. This is because winter air tends to be much dryer than summer, meaning that your natural hydration levels will already be lower at the start of wintertime.

What can I do about winter chapping?

Trying using facial oils instead of lotions or creams, as they tend to be much more hydrating. If you experience winter chapping or cracking on your lips, try using a lip balm that contains petroleum jelly for added relief.

Can I use a humidifier to help with winter dryness?

Yes! Humidifiers can be an incredibly helpful tool in combating winter dryness. By adding moisture back into the air, they can help keep your skin from drying out too much. Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly, as mold and bacteria can grow very easily in moist environments.

What is are my skin cells' "skin barrier"?

The "skin barrier" is a layer of lipids that sits on top of the skin and creates a protective coating. This protective lipid layer can be compromised by winter dryness, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Does dry winter skin have long-term effects?

Yes, chronic dry skin can have long-term effects on the health of your skin cells. This is because a lack of hydration can lead to a weakening of the "skin barrier" function, which in turn can allow for harmful toxins and bacteria to penetrate the skin more easily. This could potentially cause inflammation and even skin cancer down the road. Keep your skin healthy by using exfoliating scrubs and apply moisturizer with beneficial active ingredients.