11 Effective Tips from a Skincare Expert to Prevent Dry Skin During Winters



The winter season can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness, itchiness, and irritation. You may feel like there’s no escaping this raw feeling that the cold and blustery conditions outside leave on your skin. You might consider taking a hot shower, thinking that it will warm up your skin. However, the indoor heating system and hot water can end up draining the moisture from your skin, drying it up, and stripping it from its natural oils.

However, you don’t need to worry. There are many simple and easy ways to combat dry winter skin and keep it moist and supple all season long!

Woman with clear and moisturized skin - ML Delicate Beauty

Here are a few effective tips straight from a skincare expert to prevent dry skin all winter long.

1.  Invest in a Humidifier

A humidifier in your home or office helps add moisture to the dry winter air, providing moisture to your skin. This keeps your skin hydrated and prevents it from drying and getting flaky. This winter season, you should consider investing in a good humidifier and keep it in the room that you spend the most time in, for instance, your bedroom.

Investing in a humidifier is another expert-recommended strategy to combat dry skin during winter. As heaters run during the colder months, they can drastically reduce indoor humidity levels, leaving the air dry. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, creating a more balanced environment that is less likely to sap moisture from your skin. This can be particularly beneficial at night, as using a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep can help maintain your skin’s hydration levels, leading to softer, more supple skin in the morning.

There are various types of humidifiers available, ranging from smaller units suitable for a single room to larger, whole-house systems. For best results, maintain the humidity level in your home between 30% and 50%. A humidifier not only benefits your skin but can also improve overall respiratory health, making it a valuable addition to your winter wellness routine.

2.  Lower the Thermostat

The chilly weather naturally makes you want to crank up the heat inside your home. However, a heating system dries up the air inside the house, making it detrimental to the moisture and hydration of your skin. To keep your skin from getting overly dry, you should set the thermostat to a comfortable setting. The recommended thermostat temperature to maintain healthy skin is 68°F to 72°F.

Lowering the thermostat during winter months is a practical tip from skincare experts to prevent dry skin. High indoor temperatures, while cozy, can exacerbate skin dryness by reducing the humidity level in the air. When the air inside your home is too warm, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration, flakiness, and irritation.

By keeping the thermostat at a moderately cool temperature, you can maintain a more skin-friendly environment. This doesn't mean living in a chilly home; setting the thermostat to a comfortable but not excessively warm temperature can make a significant difference. Additionally, wearing layers of clothing for warmth rather than relying solely on central heating can help in preserving the skin's natural moisture balance. This approach not only benefits your skin but can also be energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

 3.  Limit Your Shower Time and Temperature

Winters might seem like the best time to take a long, steamy shower. However, this shower can prove to be terrible for your skin. Using excessively hot water instantly drains the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. Your skin will be better off with a brief shower using lukewarm water.

You should also avoid washing your hands with extremely hot water. According to a research study by the CDC, washing your hands with cool water is not only effective at removing germs, but is also much less irritating to the skin.

Woman applying cream on her hand - ML Delicate Beauty

4.  Opt for Fragrance-Free Cleansers

The wrong cleanser or soap can worsen the condition of your already-dry and itchy skin. It’s a bad idea to wash your face with a regular bar soap as they contain many irritating ingredients and fragrances. The best way to wash your face is by using a fragrance-free moisturizing cleanser or gel. Make sure to check the label behind the products to see whether they are unscented or not. You can also prevent skin problems during winters by reducing your overall use of soap as it can end up drying out your skin.

5.  Tailor Your Skincare Regimen According to the Season

Everyone who cares about their skin has a set skincare regimen that is performed once, if not twice a day. As the seasons change, it is imperative that you tailor your skincare regimen according to them. During the winter season, you should opt to use cream-based cleansers while decreasing the use of toners and other astringents. This is because most astringents contain alcohol that can further dry up your skin, making it itchy and irritated. Reducing the use of skincare products that contain alcohol and other fragrances to help your skin retain its natural oils. The best option is to stick with organic skincare products that contain natural ingredients.

Also, don’t forget to moisturize your lips with a hydrating balm such as petroleum jelly. This can help heal dry and cracked lips, keeping them from getting chapped, and giving you one less thing to worry about.

Woman with clear skin smiling - ML Delicate Beauty

6.  Moisturize Frequently

If there’s one habit that can truly save your skin from the terrible effects of the winter season, it’s moisturizing! Your skin requires extra hydration during the winter season to remain in great condition. So, you should moisturize your entire body after taking a shower. Make sure that your body is a little damp so that the moisture from the lotion or cream instantly gets locked in.

When it comes to your face, you should opt for a thick and more cream-based moisturizer that will help combat dryness by keeping your skin hydrated for longer time periods. Try out the 0.5% Retinol Moisturizing Cream by ML Delicate Beauty! Its hydrating properties and all-natural ingredients will not only keep your skin from getting dry, but it will also prevent aging.

7.  Apply Sunscreen

It is as important to apply sunscreen during the winter season as it is in summer. The snow reflects the rays of the sun on bright winter days, increasing your risk of exposure. These harmful UV rays can be very harmful to your skin. Not only do they cause premature aging, but they also increase the risk of skin cancer. So, you should apply a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher or a moisturizer containing SPF before stepping out of your home.

8.  Wear Appropriate and Comfortable Clothing

Most cold-weather fabrics can cause further irritation on your already-dry winter skin. When touching your skin directly, materials like wool can cause your dry skin to get itchy and irritated. A great choice for you would be to wear a light layer made of soft and materials, and then put on your warmer and heavier sweaters. You should also consider protect your hands from the cold winter breeze by wearing gloves or mittens. If you are going to wear wool gloves, make sure to put on silk or cotton glove liners first.

Woman applying moisturizer on her cheek - ML Delicate Beauty

9.  Eat Right and Stay Hydrated

No amount of cream or lotion can give you good skin, if your body itself is dehydrated. The more water you drink, the more hydrated your skin will be, and the better it will look. If your skin gets overly-dry during the winter season, you can help improve it by consuming foods and supplements containing omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids.

10.  Get Hydration-Focused Facials

Your facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body, which is why it’s imperative that you give it extra care and what better way to care for your face than to get a facial? If you plan on getting a facial this winter season, you want to ensure that it is focused on hydration and nourishment to avoid dull and drying skin. A HydraFacial is a great choice as it effectively hydrates your skin, penetrating its deep layers.

11.  Use a Vit C Serum

You can rescue your dry and parched skin this winter season by using an intensely hydrating serum. The best vit c serum is an all-natural one that gives your skin the right amount of moisture and keeps it from cracking and appearing dry. If you are looking to try a great vitamin C serum, have a look at the anti-aging vitamin c serum by ML Delicate Beauty.

Bottom Line

Winter can be a really tough time for your skin. Despite being so strong, your skin can suffer a great deal of harm at the hands of winters due to loss of moisture and hydration. By following the tips above, you will be able to get hydrated, moisturized, and glowing skin this winter season!

What kind of cream or lotion do you use to keep your skin hydrated during winter? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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About Author:
Christine Wright | Beauty Expert | Esthetician | Blogger
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and an esthetician who is loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also does reviews on store brand beauty products, with fairness and a real point-of-view. She is well-known of creating products for specific skin types, especially to those with ultra-sensitive faces.
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Opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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