Winter is just around the bend! Cold winter weather doesn’t just challenge our commute and raise our heating bills; it can also wreak havoc on our skin. As temperatures plummet and humidity drops, our skin barrier weakens, natural oils drop, and that cozy indoor heat only makes things drier.
But no need to let your skin feel winter’s wrath! I’ve seen firsthand how to maintain healthy, comfortable skin all season long. With a few smart skincare adjustments, you can prevent dryness, redness, chapping, and irritation this winter.
Why Winter Wreaks Havoc on Skin
Winter brings the perfect storm of skincare stressors. As humidity drops, cold outdoor air holds less moisture while indoor heating further depletes it, leaving skin dry and tight. Our skin’s protective barrier also takes a beating from the constant temperature shifts between chilly air and cozy interiors. This leads to irritation, redness, and
inflammation. There is also reduced sebum (natural oil) production in the colder months, which can result in flakiness and vulnerability.
Winter’s effects are easy to spot, as eczema flare-ups, chapped lips, red cheeks, rough hands, and cracked cuticles all signal a stressed skin barrier and a lack of moisture. Taking a proactive approach to skincare now is more important than ever.
Cold-Weather Skincare Tips to Combat the Chill
Don’t let winter take a toll on your skin! Here are eight simple and effective ways to keep it calm, hydrated, and comfortable through the cold months.
Switch to a Richer Moisturizer
Lightweight lotions often aren’t enough during the colder months, so opt for a moisturizer with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. Apply it twice daily (morning and evening), especially right after cleansing or showering while skin is still slightly damp. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid draws in moisture, and shea butter locks it in, which ultimately helps your skin absorb and retain hydration in dry, cold conditions.
Use a Humidifier at Home
Did you know that indoor heating can dry out the air to nearly desert-like levels? This is why a humidifier is a must for maintaining comfortable humidity (around 40–50% humidity is often recommended). Using a humidifier in your bedroom overnight can help prevent skin dehydration while you sleep. And as an added bonus, a humidifier can reduce nasal and respiratory dryness and even improve the efficiency of your heating system.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny beach days in the summer! It might sound surprising, but snow reflects UV rays. Up to 80% can bounce off and reach your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can be significant, so it’s paramount to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily on exposed areas like your face, ears, neck, and hands. Snow cover combined with the bright winter sun can also create unexpected UV exposure.
Exfoliate Gently and Less Often
While summer may call for stronger scrubs or acids, winter requires a gentler approach because the skin barrier is already stressed. So stick to mild enzyme-based exfoliants or low-strength lactic acid once a week at most. It is also important to avoid harsh physical scrubs or high-percentage acids that can damage the barrier and trigger redness or sensitivity. The goal is to remove dead skin cells gently so moisturizers can penetrate effectively without causing inflammation.
Protect Your Lips and Hands
Lips and hands are especially vulnerable in winter, as they are exposed to cold wind, dry indoor air, and frequent washing. Protect them with a lanolin-based or occlusive balm on your lips and gloves for your hands, and reapply throughout the day after washing, going outside, and before bed. Even the best facial skincare won’t help if your hands and lips are neglected.
Take Lukewarm (Not Hot) Showers
Do you like taking steaming hot showers after a long day of skiing? Yes, hot water may feel comforting in cold weather, but it strips the skin of
protective oils and weakens the barrier. Instead, use lukewarm water, keep showers short, and moisturize immediately afterwards. It is ideal
to moisturize within three minutes of patting your skin dry (the “three-minutes rule”), as it will help lock in remaining moisture and minimize barrier
damage.
Layer Your Clothing Wisely
Skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin! Your clothing matters too. Choose breathable yet insulating base layers like cotton or silk to reduce friction and irritation. Also avoid rough fabrics like certain wools directly against the skin, as it is much better for your skin to layer these fabrics over a soft base. Minimizing contact with coarse materials in cold, windy conditions will help prevent irritation and flare-ups.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
Topical care is essential, but what you put into your body also matters a lot. Staying hydrated is important, though it can’t replace the need for barrier-supporting skincare. Focus on a diet rich in omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed) and antioxidants from berries and leafy greens, which all support skin health and anti-inflammatory
pathways. A well-nourished body will help your skin stay resilient and better withstand harsh winter
conditions.
Winter is Coming… Get Your Skin Ready!
While we can’t control the weather, we can control how our skin responds to it. With winter just around the corner, now is the time to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Start early and swap in richer moisturizers, install a humidifier, protect your lips and hands, and layer your fabric and nutrients for internal support. Prepare now by adjusting your skincare routine before the wind chills deepen and temperatures plummet!
Stacey Laricchia is the Clinic Director at Permanent Choice, Minnesota’s trusted leader in laser hair removal, electrolysis, and skin rejuvenation for over 35 years.
