Is It Possible to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter?

We’re stating the obvious here: Dry skin and winter don’t always play nice. Near-freezing temps, harsh winds, low humidity, and dry air can not only bring shivers down your spine but can also suck the life out of your complexion. The result? Dehydrated, itchy, and cracked skin. Ugh. Our skin’s doomed fate once winter rolls around is like a fact of life, but what if it doesn’t have to be? Is there a way to keep our skin from losing its smooth and supple feel at the hands of winter’s environmental assaults? Short answer: yes. But it won’t happen without a little effort on your part. Keep reading to discover tips on how to keep your skin hydrated all winter long. 

Use a Creamy Cleanser

Harsh soap-based cleansers can strip skin’s protective oils fast, which is exactly what you want to avoid. If your skin is dry, look for a mild, cream-based cleanser that can hydrate your skin while it removes pore-clogging dirt and impurities. We recommend Lancôme Galatée Confort.

Tip: Always rinse with lukewarm water (if your cleanser calls for rinsing). After washing, let your skin air dry or pat it ever so gently. Never (ever!) rub it aggressively with a washcloth. While it’s still damp, apply your moisturizer.

Moisturize Daily

Still using your gel moisturizer from summer? It’s time to bid it farewell and swap in a thick, heavy-duty alternative that can lock in moisture. Reach for a rich formula formulated with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Try Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream. The powerful formula rehydrates dry areas of the face by evenly spreading water throughout all facial zones for lasting hydration. Apply it morning and evening to help keep moisture in, rather than out. 

Invest in a Humidifier

As the temperatures outside steadily rise, so too does the artificial heating indoors, which can suck the moisture out your skin. To help counter some of the dry heat indoors, consider buying a humidifier for your home or workplace. Sure, they can look bulky and make a bit of noise. On the plus side, they add moisture into the air, which can make all the difference for your skin. Worth it, don’t you think?

Limit Your Bath and Shower Time

After a long day in the cold, there’s nothing more appealing than a hot bubble bath or shower. As nice as it may feel, the intense heat of a scolding hot shower can strip your skin of vital moisture. The less oils your skin has, the drier it becomes. Stick to a shorter shower with lukewarm water.

Protect Your Skin from the Elements

On cold, windy days, go the extra mile to shield your skin from the harsh conditions. Wrap a scarf around exposed skin areas or wear a balaclava to protect your face. And most importantly, don’t skip the SPF! Wearing sunscreen each and every day (even when it’s cold and cloudy) is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Not only do the sun’s harsh rays cause premature signs of skin aging, sunburns, and skin cancers when skin is left unprotected, they also can cause the skin to become dehydrated. Pick a moisturizer that’s been formulated with broad-spectrum SPF so you never forget to apply!

Stay Hydrated

Weather is a major factor to dry, winter skin, and so are your lifestyle choices. If you’re chugging alcohol and caffeine on the regular, your complexion could suffer. Be sure to hydrate by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.