Preventing Dry Skin During the Winter: Tips & Recommendations
- Heather Oliver
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
With temperatures dropping, the last thing you want to do is get lax on your skin care game. Because it's cold outside, warm inside, and much dryer in the winter months, your skin often pays the price. But did you know that dry skin in the winter is often a sign that your skin wasn't getting enough moisture in the warmer months?
This is because the dryness and fluctuations in temps can wreak havoc on your skin's barrier, which can lead to dry, itchy, or irritated skin, and it can even trigger conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
So, the most important thing you can do to avoid dry skin in the winter is to keep it well hydrated all year round—face and body. While you don't necessarily need to switch your skin care products seasonally, a good rule of thumb is to stick with high quality, creamy cleansers and moisturizers.
When it comes to cleansers, a gentler formula that's also hydrating is best. Contrary to popular belief, gel cleansers are sometimes milder than foam ones–it's all about the ingredients. If you're unsure about which cleanser is best for your skin during dryer months, ask your esthetician. They'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
For hydration, it's hard to go wrong with creamy moisturizers or specialized serums with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide in the winter.
Don't stop retinols! There's some advice out there that recommends stopping retinols because they can be drying during the winter. While well-intentioned, it's not great advice for most people. Retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing cell turn over and boosting collagen—and that's something you don't want to take a break from unless you have to.Â
The truth is, winter is the perfect time to double down on skin treatments and peels, as you tend to be out in the sun less. If you do feel retinols are too drying in the winter, try a retinoid or retinol alternative like Bakuchiol and niacinamide instead.
Moisturizing when fresh out of the shower is optimal, as it helps prevent existing moisture from escaping your skin.
Don't skip your facials and peels! Professional facials can significantly reduce your chances of getting dry skin in the winter, along with proper at-home care—and it helps you keep that glow!
Show your cuticles some moisturizing love too! They're affected by the fluctuations between outdoor and indoor air during the winter months, too, and because handwashing increases during colder months to fight off illnesses, your cuticles can dry out, crack, get flaky, and make your nails more vulnerable to infections.
Adjust bathing habits. If you are one of those who enjoy long, hot as you can take it showers or baths, try shortening the duration of your bathing and turning the temps down—yeah, we know the struggle! The reason, though, is because these bath-time habits can cause your skin to lose its natural oils!
Don't skip the sunscreen just because it's cold outside! The sun doesn't take a break in the winter.
Add moisture to the air with a humidifier if your house is dry, as this does affect your skin.
The TL;DR of it: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Don't skip your peels and facials. And if anti-aging is a concern, don't stop retinols!
Skin Products We Recommend to Beat Dry Skin During Winter Time
Your skin care products can make all the difference when it comes to fighting the winter time skin blues. The key is using high quality products that are hydrating and nourishing to the skin. Here are our top recommendations:
Hydration - Face
The single most important thing to combat dryness is obviously hydration. But not just any moisturizer does the trick. Focus on quality and choosing products with non-toxic ingredients. Here are our top recommendations, including moisturizers that help with aging too.
Eminence Organics Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer | $76
This moisturizer is deeply hydrating and delivers incredible anti-aging benefits. Bakuchiol is a powerful plant based retinol, and a perfect alternative to regular retinols. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) works to reduce the appearance of large pores, helps improve uneven skin texture, plumps the skin, and gives it a nice glow. Panthenol (vitamin B5) adds an extra layer of hydration and reinforces the skin's moisture barrier to prevent dryness. All Eminence products are free from parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, and animal testing.
Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum | $61
This powerful serum is specifically designed to fight dryness and correct dehydrated skin. Its star ingredients are hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root for intense moisture, Cica for calming the skin and strengthening its barrier, and last but not least, strawberry and rhubarb—that deliver antioxidants into the skin—plus brightens and smooths your complexion. As a bonus, this serum is vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
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SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator | $192
If you're looking for a hydrating treatment that treats and prevents dryness, HA5 + Collagen is the ticket. In clinical studies, 90% of patients said their skin looked dewy and healthy at 12 weeks, 83% reported their skin looking plumper, and 97% said their skin quality was improved. As a bonus, patients also claimed they looked three years younger by week 12 as well.
SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream | $134
This is an incredibly rich overnight moisturizer designed to prevent moisture loss, improve the smoothness of skin, and helps restore your skin's natural beauty. Dermal Repair is formulated with vitamins E and C and hyaluronic acid.
Cleansers
While a cleanser might not be top of mind to help with dryness, they are important. The wrong cleanser can work against your hydrating efforts—and you don't want that. Good news is, the right cleanser can also nourish and hydrate the skin while it cleanses. Here's some of our favorites:
Eminence Organics Stone Crop Cleansing Oil | $65
A gentle, nongreasy formula, Stone Crop Cleansing Oil deeply cleanses and moisturizes, making it an excellent choice for everyday use—especially for those with sensitive skin. Its star ingredients are sunflower and jojoba oils for hydration and stone crop and supercharged microgreens for skin brightening, redness reduction, and protection against environmental stressors that cause dryness. Great for all skin types. Also great for men with beards or those who like a close, comfy shave. Vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free.
Eminence Organics Stone Crop Gel Wash | $53
Formulated with calming Shea Butter and soothing Chamomile, this cleanser is specially designed to comfort dry or irritated skin while helping to restore a healthy glow. The star ingredient, Stone Crop, is a healing ingredient known for its ability to hydrate, brighten, and reduce the appearance of redness and uneven tone. Your skin will be deeply moisturized, smooth, soft, and healthy.
Hydration - Body
Don't forget to show your body some love too! We carry several incredible body lotions and creams that not only keep your skin silky soft, but also help plump and firm it.
Eminence Organics Coconut Firming Body Lotion | $46
Coconut Firming Body lotion is a luxurious and velvety moisturizer that deeply hydrates and rejuvenates the skin, boosts collagen, and helps lock in moisture. It harnesses the power of coconut, shea butter, and grape seed to infuse the skin with essential electrolytes and vitamins for supple, soft skin. It also includes Botanical hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth skin and PhytoCellTec Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells and Natural Retinol Alternative Complex to firm. This lotion is vegan, Nut-Free, and Gluten-Free as well.
Eminence Organics Apricot Body Oil | $38
This body oil screams luxurious with its super hydrating blend of apricot oil and essential oils. It's formulated for normal to dry skin and leaves skin feeling silky soft and supple. Great for dry flaky skin, dry hands and elbows, and can be sued from head to toe. Gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free.
Environ Body Essentia Alpha Hydroxy Derma-Lac Lotion | $80
Hydrate while rejuvenating your body's skin and improving uneven texture. This ultra hydrating lotion is designed to tackle rough, dry, or sun-damaged skin. It removes dead cells to promote softer skin, and restores the skin's natural moisture barrier and suppleness. Body Essentia is also incredibly effective at softening those super rough, hard to treat areas like the feet, elbows, and knees.
Beautiful Skin All Winter Long
Follow these tips and invest in quality at-home skin care products, and you'll be sporting healthy, beautiful, glowing skin throughout the winter. To summarize:
Don't stop retinols
Get your facials and peels
Never skip the moisturizer
Use gentle, non-drying cleansers
Use quality products
Pay attention to ingredients
Turn down bath/shower temps and/or shorten bathing lengths
Use a humidifier in your home, especially if it's particularly dry
Don't skip the sunscreen just because it's cold
Ready for beautiful, glowing skin? Our expert estheticians will create a customized skin care plan based on your unique challenges and goals. Book a free consultation today!