Winter is a time for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and holiday festivities, but it can also bring some serious challenges for our skin. The colder months are notorious for causing skin issues, with many people noticing their skin becoming drier and duller. This post dives into the common causes of dry skin in winter and effective tips for reviving winter dryness on the face and body.
Let’s tackle winter skin woes and learn how to combat dry skin in winter so you can keep your skin feeling hydrated and glowing all season long!
Why Winter Causes Dry Skin
Winter weather is notorious for its impact on our skin, causing dryness, flakiness, and skin irritation. Several factors contribute to the drying effects of winter, and understanding these can help in learning how to treat dry skin in winter at home.
Cold Air and Low Humidity
One of the primary culprits behind winter dry skin is the cold outdoor air and low humidity levels. In the colder months, the air holds less moisture, making it easier for our skin to lose hydration. This is especially true if you live in a place, like in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah area, where temperatures drop significantly, as cold air can sap moisture from the skin’s surface. When skin is exposed to this dry, chilly air, it often feels tight, dry, and more sensitive than usual. But is humidity good for skin? While high humidity can help skin retain moisture, the combination of cold air outside and dry indoor heat can make it challenging to keep skin hydrated during winter.
Indoor Heating and Dehydration
While indoor heating is essential for staying warm, it also has its downsides for our skin. Heaters and radiators pump out hot, dry air, which can reduce the moisture levels in your home or workplace. Spending extended periods in these warm environments can further dehydrate your skin, exacerbating winter dryness on your face, hands, and other exposed areas.
Hot Showers and Skin Barrier Damage
Nothing feels more comforting on a chilly day than a long, hot shower, but this can be a major trigger for dry skin in winter. Hot water strips the skin’s natural oils, weakening the moisture barrier and making it harder to retain hydration. The result? Skin that’s drier, itchier, and more prone to damage. This can lead to dry itchy skin that is uncomfortable and bothersome.
Wind Exposure and Moisture Loss
Harsh winter winds can also contribute to dry skin during winter months. The wind pulls moisture from the skin’s surface and disrupts the protective layer that helps lock in hydration. When combined with the other elements of winter weather, this can lead to uncomfortable and dry, rough-feeling skin.
Common Signs of Dry Skin in Winter
Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of dry skin during winter can help you adjust your skincare routine and adopt preventive measures.
- Flakiness and Peeling: One of the most visible signs of winter dryness is flaky or peeling skin, often on the face and hands. When skin lacks moisture, dead skin cells don’t shed as they should, resulting in a buildup that appears as flakes or patches.
- Redness and Irritation: Dry skin is more susceptible to irritation and redness, especially in cold weather. The lack of moisture weakens the skin’s protective barrier, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily and causing itchy, inflamed areas.
- Rough, Tight Texture: A tight, rough texture is common when skin is parched. Many people notice this uncomfortable feeling, especially after washing or being outdoors in cold weather. This is a key indicator that the skin lacks essential moisture.
- Cracked Skin: Severely dry skin can lead to cracks, particularly on the hands and lips. This can be painful and increases the risk of infection as the skin becomes more vulnerable to bacteria.
Essential Skincare Tips for Preventing Winter Dryness
Creating a winter-specific skincare routine can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated.
Use a Thicker Moisturizer
Switch to a thicker, cream-based moisturizer during the winter months. These types of moisturizers provide a more substantial barrier to help lock in hydration. Look for products containing rich ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to deeply nourish dry winter skin.
Product Recommendation: SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream
Apply Moisturizer Immediately After Washing
One of the most effective ways to combat winter dryness on the face and body is to apply moisturizer right after washing. This helps to “lock in” the moisture while the skin is still damp, maximizing hydration.
Use Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients in Your Skincare
A weakened skin barrier struggles to retain moisture, leaving skin dehydrated and more vulnerable to irritants and bacteria. To keep skin hydrated and resilient, it’s important to shield your skin barrier from environmental stressors like free radicals, which can degrade its structure and affect overall skin health.
Boost your antioxidant intake with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables like blueberries, broccoli, spinach, and nuts. Additionally, add an antioxidant serum to your winter skincare routine. For instance, ZO’s Daily Power Defense includes enzymatic antioxidants (vitamins E and A) to help protect against free radical damage and support your skin’s natural repair abilities.
Add a Gentle Exfoliant to Your Routine
Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. To reveal a softer, more even tone, choose a gentle exfoliator to buff away dead skin cells 2 to 3 times a week. Here at Elase, we love a classic ZO® best-seller, Exfoliating Polish, which contains ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals that gently polish the skin to instantly restore a smoother skin texture and healthy skin glow in time for any holiday event.
Use Overnight Masks or Hydrating Treatments
Consider using an overnight mask or cream, such as SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream, to give your skin a moisture boost while you sleep. Products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane can provide deep hydration, helping you wake up with softer skin.
Winter is also an ideal time to refresh and revive your skin with hydrating and exfoliating med spa facial treatments that combat dryness and dullness. HydraFacial treatment and DiamondGlow are both excellent options for deeply cleansing and nourishing the skin. These treatments use advanced technology to exfoliate dead skin cells and infuse hydrating serums, leaving your skin smooth, glowing, and replenished.
A chemical peel is also a fantastic winter treatment, as it gently resurfaces the skin, removing dry, damaged layers and revealing a brighter complexion underneath. These treatments can help restore moisture, radiance, and even texture, giving you a fresh, rejuvenated look all season long.
Don’t Skip SPF
Even in winter, protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Snow reflects sunlight, amplifying exposure to UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum SPF to prevent damage and skin dryness caused by UV exposure.
Product recommendation: SkinBetter Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen
Lifestyle Tips to Combat Dry Winter Skin
In addition to skin care, certain lifestyle changes can help maintain soft, hydrated skin during winter.
Invest in a Humidifier
Using a humidifier indoors adds moisture back into the air, which can be especially helpful if you rely on heating systems. A humidifier can make a significant difference in preventing skin from becoming overly dry and keeping it hydrated.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Staying hydrated from within helps your skin retain moisture and reduces dryness. Try incorporating herbal teas for a warm, hydrating option.
Limit Hot Showers
Instead of taking long, hot showers, try to use lukewarm water to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils. Use a gentle cleanser instead of harsh soaps to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils. Shorter, cooler showers are less drying and can help maintain the skin’s moisture levels throughout the season.
Wear Soft, Breathable Fabrics
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to avoid irritating dry skin. Rough fabrics can exacerbate dryness and itchiness, especially on areas with sensitive skin of the body.
Protect Your Skin Outdoors
Shield your skin from the cold and wind by wearing scarves, gloves, and hats. These accessories act as a barrier against harsh elements and help retain the skin’s natural moisture.
Enjoy Healthy, Hydrated Skin All Winter Long with Elase
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. By understanding the causes of dry skin in winter and making adjustments to your skin care and lifestyle, you can maintain a soft, glowing complexion all season. Here are some key takeaways for combating winter dryness:
- Hydrate with a thicker moisturizer and apply it immediately after washing to lock in moisture.
- Limit hot showers and use lukewarm water to avoid stripping skin’s natural oils.
- Add a humidifier to your space and drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
- Choose gentle skin care products, such as hydrating cleansers and gentle exfoliants.
- Protect your skin outdoors with scarves, gloves, and SPF.
With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to treat dry skin in winter at home and enjoy a season filled with hydrated, healthy skin.
Get ready to glow (and save!) this holiday season with our exclusive promos and our essential skincare prep guide, designed to keep your skin looking its best through every celebration.
