How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Glowy This Winter, According to a Dermatologist

Cold weather can be harsh on our skin. Low humidity, both outside and indoors—where our homes’ heating systems reduce moisture in our living space—can leave skin feeling dry, flaky, and otherwise irritated. For the millions of Americans who live with dermatological conditions, chilly climates are especially tough on the skin.

As winter blows in, it’s important that we adjust our skincare routines to accommodate these drier conditions. Here are a dermatologist’s tips for keeping your skin feeling hydrated and healthy when temperatures drop.
Update Your Skincare Routine
“Consider changing your skin care products when the season changes,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, board-certified dermatologist. This could mean swapping out your lightweight moisturizer for one with a thick, creamy consistency.

Additionally, think about modifying your face-washing routine: Castilla recommends that people with especially sensitive, dry skin opt for a cream- or oil-based cleanser over a gel cleanser to prevent overstripping natural oils. Some might even find it effective to limit cleanser use altogether. You may want to save the soap for nighttime and simply rinse your face with water in the morning, according to Castilla.

Know the Best Hydrating Ingredients
When shopping for winter-friendly skincare products, Castilla says to strengthen your skin with “ceramides or fatty acids, which bind skin cells together to form the skin barrier.” Humectants—substances that can attract water from the environment and from deep beneath the skin—are known for their hydrating properties. Go for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Meanwhile, occlusive agents can help skin retain moisture by forming a protective physical barrier—think petroleum jelly and shea butter. “In general, during the winter months, your moisturizer should be a thicker cream with more occlusive properties to help seal in moisture than what is needed during the hot, humid summer months,” Castilla says.

Those with sensitive skin should also stick to fragrance-free formulas, according to Castilla. “Limiting ingredients can be particularly helpful for eczema or sensitive skin types, as they are more prone to allergic reactions,” she says.

Protect Your Skin Barrier
Maintaining a hydrated complexion goes beyond which products we slather on. Small lifestyle adjustments during the wintertime can help fight skin irritation, too. Wear gloves outside in the cold. A pair of rubber gloves will insulate your hands when you're doing the dishes. And every time you wash your hands, moisturize them afterward—this can ward off dry, cracked skin. In the shower, avoid using water that’s too hot or too cold. After you bathe, while your skin is still damp, moisturize to preserve that hydration.

Since indoor heating systems dry out our homes, Castilla suggests getting a humidifier for your space to mitigate the impact. And if you find that your skin is feeling agitated, even if cold weather hasn’t set you off in years past, don’t panic. It’s natural for our skin barriers to weaken as we age, which makes us more vulnerable to irritation, according to Castilla. “These seasonal skincare changes can be particularly helpful in mature skin types,” she says. “It is not uncommon for people who never had any issues to develop dry skin or ‘winter itch’ later in life.”