5 Winter Skin Concerns and How to Address Them

Winter is full of welcomed additions like gingerbread-flavored-everything, snow days, holiday presents, and hot cocoa by the fire. For that, and more, we embrace the chilly season with open arms. But the notoriously cold winter months are also chock-full of downsides, especially as it relates to our body’s largest organ…the skin. Between subzero temps, harsh winds, and low humidity, our skin can take a serious beating between December and March. (Hey, you win some, you lose some, right?) Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the best parts of winter without counting down the days till spring. Ahead, we share five common cold-weather skin complaints and how to best address them. 

SKIN CONCERN #1: DRY, DEHYDRATED FACE

Dry skin is one of the biggest skin gripes dermatologists see each winter—and it’s easy to understand why. Winter’s environmental assaults can be incredibly drying, causing a dry, dehydrated looking and feeling complexion. The good news is that you can easily help combat the dryness by moisturizing…often. Bid farewell to your lightweight gel moisturizer from summer and instead reach for a thick, rich facial cream with an uber-hydrating formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or shea butter. Here’s another pro tip: Instead of slapping on the formula willy-nilly, apply your facial moisturizer after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp. It can help seal in moisture. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. 

Try: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Rich Cream

SKIN CONCERN #2: DRY, ITCHY BODY

Unfortunately, the dryness doesn’t stop at your jawline. Your body skin is also likely to experience some dryness, which in addition to causing a maddening itch, can also look incredibly unattractive. (Have you ever seen scaly legs in winter? Not cute.) The solution? You guessed it, more moisture! Apply your favorite body lotion, butter, balm, or cream liberally each and every day, preferably after taking a shower when skin is still damp to really reap the moisturizing benefits.

Try: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

SKIN CONCERN #3: RED CHEEKS

Have you ever ventured out into the cold only to be left with visibly flushed cheeks? It may subside on its own after moving out of the freezing temps, but there’s no harm in helping to soothe the area (and simultaneously hydrating!) with a face mask that’s been formulated to help calm the skin and reduce visible temporary redness and discomfort.

Try: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

SKIN CONCERN #4: PARCHED, FLAKY POUT

Is there anything more uncomfortable than dry lips? Well probably, but surely a parched pout is nothing to brag about. Step one is to stop licking your lips ASAP. Acidic saliva can actually make matters worse. If your pout feels rough and flaky, start by exfoliating once a week with a lip scrub or scuff. This helps slough away dead skin cells and can help leave your lips looking and feeling soft, smooth, and ready for moisture (because you know that’s coming!). Next, hydrate your lips with a  lip balm or conditioner. Carry the product with you everywhere and apply as often as necessary. Who said you can’t have kissable lips when it’s cold outside?

Need a product rec? No problem. We our top ten picks for hydrating lip balms and emollients for winter, here!

SKIN CONCERN #5: SCALY HANDS

They may be covered with mittens and gloves for the majority of the season, but your hands still deserve some TLC during the winter. To keep scaly-looking, dry hands at bay, stock up on a nourishing and moisturizing hand cream. Follow a pro hand model’s lead and moisturize your hands like your life depends on it, especially after washing. We like to keep a hand moisturizer in multiple places—think: our cars, desks, purses, bathroom—so we never have an excuse to skip an application.

Stuck on which one to choose? You’re in luck! We rounded up four hand creams you have to get your hands on this winter, here!