Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Here are some dermatologist-approved winter dry skin ‘rehab’ tips for you. These are easy steps you can take to make sure that your skin stays hydrated, smooth and glowing during cold weather season.
Tips for Preventing Winter Dry Skin
1. Avoid Hot Showers & Baths
Sure, a steaming hot shower feels amazing on a frigid day! But watch out: The hotter your water, the drier your skin will be. Hot showers and baths will suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving you ashy, dry and itchier later on. A better choice: Bathe in warm water, and try to be in and out in 5 minutes!
2. Avoid Harsh Cleansers
Avoid using regular soaps when you bathe. They’re more likely to leave your skin parched. Look for sulfate free, fragrance free and soap free cleansers. Aveeno and Cerave are two great brands for body washes that are perfect during the winter. These brands are also recommend if you have eczema prone skin, since they won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
3. Avoid Scented Body Washes and Moisturizers
When you’re battling winter dry skin, all those sweet smelling additives can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Instead, look for products that say “fragrance free.” And watch out: Even if a product says “unscented,” it still might contain irritating fragrances.
4. Moisturize RIGHT after Bathing
Be sure to apply a moisturizer to your skin right after bathing to seal in moisture. It’s best to make sure that you moisturize within 10 minutes of stepping out of the shower. Generally speaking, in the battle against winter dry skin, thick creams and ointments are more soothing than lotions for super dry skin. Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a wonderful sealant for locking in moisture. It’s also great for dry, cracked heels.
5. Blot, Don’t Rub Yourself Dry
Rubbing your skin dry after bathing could cause additional irritation, and even tiny tears in your skin. Instead, use a cotton towel to gently pat or blot your skin until it’s almost dry—but still a little moist. While it’s still slightly damp, apply your moisturizer of choice.
6. Change up your Face Care Routine
If you’re using medications to treat your acne, remember that most acne medications can be drying to your skin. In the winter, you may need to use some acne medications, like Retin A, every other night. If you’re dealing with winter dry skin, your dermatologist might even have to switch up your acne routine. If you normally use a face serum or lotion to moisturize your skin, you might consider using a thicker and more hydrating face cream. Also, be sure to look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Neutrogena Hydro Boost is a terrific moisturizer for winter dry skin, and it won’t clog up your pores and cause acne.
7. Avoid Temperature Extremes
While it may be tempting to crank up the heat in your house or car to full blast during the cold winter months, try to use more moderate heat. Remember, the higher the heat is, the more dry your skin will probably be. Also, consider getting a humidifier for the rooms that you spend the most time in. They’ll add much needed moisture to the air, and this should help increase the hydration in your skin. This is especially useful if you’ve been diagnosed with eczema.
8. Drink Up
If your body is dehydrated, your skin will be too! Make sure that you’re drinking an adequate amount of water every day. For many people, the right amount is between 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water a day. But that number is variable depending on your body and your activity. Here is some information from Familydoctor.org on staying hydrated.
9. Watch the Liquor and Caffeine
If you like a good glass of Cabernet, or have a heavy Starbucks habit, just know that both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics. That means that it’s easier to get dehydrated if you’re drinking a lot of them. While it’s okay to enjoy alcohol and caffeine, be sure to chase them with water!
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